Rachel's Whimsical Art Newsletter for March

“Art is too important not to share.” Romero Britto

March is here, and that means we’ll soon have spring back into our lives once again.  I’ve already seen a few flowers such as crocus and daffodils begin their push through the dirt. This is the time of the school year when I find myself going back and forth between the kiln to load and unload ceramic projects, plan for the upcoming spring, such as the Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s Annual RARE (recycled arts and resource expo), show in April, and the Annual Children’s Art Walk in May. There’s so many fantastic things that we have in our local community that is all about art, sharing, and giving… especially for the kids. I will have another opportunity to share some of my kid’s spring art class projects for this Children’s Art Walk and it always gets me excited.

Kids Art is a Part of My Heart!

There are several kids art classes for both the younger ages of K-2, and the older of 3-5 grades, that are in the midst of making art with painting, drawing, ceramics and sculpture, via the after school arts enrichment program with kids at a few different schools in Bellingham with BAAY EduArts. There’s an Art I class for kids K-2 grades, an Art II class for kids 3-5 grades, and a 3/D Sculpture Art class for the same age group. You can also find me as a Teaching Artist via Allied Arts of Whatcom County, where I visit various elementary and middle schools throughout the county.  

Exciting News for Summer!!! If you’re interested in art for the summer for your child to participate in a Summer Art Camp, please keep your eyes on my website, Facebook page & Instagram - Rachels Whimsical Arts, for more info... There’s going to be several Kids Summer Art Camps such as Drawing, Painting, Upcycle Art Sculpture, Preschool Art, and several age groups to choose from with BAAY and a Drawing class at WCC!

(Note: If you’re interested in learning more about the BAAY EduArts program for kids art classes, or want to see if your school participates, feel free to contact BAAY at (and you can ask your school to see if they participate), http://www.baay.org/)

---

Spring Ceramics at Whatcom Community College!

If you’re in love with working with clay like I am, or just want to learn how to try your hands at making something fun for the first time, then this is the class for you. This spring quarter, I’m teaching a one-day ceramic workshop that is all about bringing in the joy of the changes for spring. Details & registration are below:

Ceramic Garden Masks at WCC

Dates: April 28th Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm. Class Description: Join local ceramic artist Rachel Simpson and create a hanging garden mask OR a nautical mask! Choose to make a classic Green Man mask, sun/moon face, or a nautical themed face with starfish, fish scales, and shapes of shells. Rachel will guide you in sculpting facial features in the right proportions for a realistic mask, or get creative and make it whimsical. Dress for mess and be ready to have some fun with clay! All levels, including teens ages 12 and up with a parent, are welcome. All materials included in class fee. Finished masks will be ready for pickup on May 11. Ages 15 and up are welcome to join.

Register with WCC.

---

Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!
 ~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)
~ http://rachelsimpsonart.weebly.com/