ART-AT-HOME RESOURCES

When it isn’t possible to create at Krasl Art Center, we encourage everyone to be creative at home! This page is full of ideas and inspiration from KAC teaching artists for making art at home with common household materials. Let your creativity explode and share your creations with KAC’s social media using the hashtags: #ExploreKrasl #BeCreative #DailyArt #MuseumFromHome

Reflection: An Art Workbook for People with Cancer and Those Who Love Them

This free resource for Spectrum Health Lakeland (SHL) patients was created by Art Therapist, Holly Garces. Garces facilitates Art Angels, a KAC program funded by SHL. Art Angels provides individual hands-on art activities for patients and family members experiencing medical stress.

During the pandemic, Garces has not been able to work directly with individuals, as she typically would at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center (MYCC) and SHL Pediatrics Unit. This workbook was developed to provide art experiences during such times when a facilitator cannot be present. Garces & KAC are excited to share this new addition to the Art Angels program. 

Reflection is available digitally here and will be available at several locations throughout SHL such as MYCC, Berrien County Cancer Service, and the Pediatrics & Infusion Units. 

UNDERSTANDING ART TOUR – ARTISTS AS INFLUENCERS

Understanding Art is a custom tour and art project developed for school children (K-12). Students have a unique art experience in the galleries and studio with each exhibition. While virtual learning, enjoy this Understanding Art Video for the 2021 exhibition Artists as Influencers: Pathways in Glass.

 

SIMPLE BUT AMAZING AIR-DRY CLAY RECIPE – COLD PORCELAIN

This recipe, using common household materials, is a favorite of KAC youth instructor Dani Davis. Visit KAC’s online public art map for sculpture inspiration, and share your creations on our Facebook page. 

SUPPLIES

  • 1 cup PVA (Aleene’s Tacky Glue, Elmer’s School Glue)
  • 1 cup cornstarch 
  • 1 TBS white distilled vinegar
  • 1 TSP glycerin (substitutes are vegetable or coconut oil)
  • 1 TSP baby oil (can be omitted if not on hand)
  • Heavy-bodied lotion (cold cream) not included in cooked ingredients 

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Cook ingredients in a saucepan on gentle heat, stirring constantly until mixture forms a single mass. Alternatively, you can cook ingredients in a glass bowl in the microwave for up to four 15-20 second intervals, stirring well between each short round.
  • Allow to cool just enough that you can comfortably hold the mass. Apply a liberal amount of lotion to your hands and knead the clay until it becomes uniformly smooth.
  • Place the clay in an airtight container and allow it to set for 24 hours. 
  • Now you are ready to sculpt! Your pieces will dry overnight, and completely cure in 48-72 hours, depending on thickness. Items can be painted with craft paint and sealed. 
  • Share your creations with us through our Facebook page! We’d love to see what you create.

 

Miss Dani’s Air Dry Clay, Cold Porcelain recipe lasts longest when kept in an air-tight container

DOWNLOADABLE COLORING PAGES BY TERI BULT

Coloring is a fun and relaxing activity, that can be as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids!  At the Pine Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, KAC Instructor Teri Bult leads weekly coloring activities with residents and sometimes creates original coloring pages based on residents’ positive memories. Now you can download some of these coloring pages to use at home!

HOW COLORING EMPOWERMENT HELPS YOU HEAL AS YOU COLOR

 

Share your creations with us through our Facebook page! We’d love to see what you create.

CARTOONING WITH MR. KEITH

Learn how to create funny cartoons by combining simple and fun shapes with one of KAC’s most beloved youth art teachers, Mr. Keith! 

Watch the video on Facebook here.

TEXTURE RUBBING WITH MISS EMILY

Have you ever noticed all of the interesting textures in your own home? Learn how to capture them on paper and layer them with KAC School and Community Programs Coordinator, Emily McKenna!

Watch the video on Facebook here.

MAKE YOUR OWN BROOCH FOR BROOCH MONDAYS

Brooches are small sculptures that attach to your shirt. Learn how to make your own with KAC Manager of Education! Don’t forget to take a selfie wearing your brooch and tag Krasl Art Center, #broochmonday

Watch the video on Facebook here.

SPLATTER CREATURES

Sometimes, an accidental mark can turn into great art! Learn how to turn a splatter into a creature in this fun (and messy) art activity, kid-tested and approved by Intermediate Drawing and Painting Instructor David Baker’s 6-year-old granddaughter.

Step 1: Splatter some tea or coffee onto a piece of paper.

Step 2: Use a straw to blow air on the liquid to create arms, legs, and tentacles.

Step 3: Let dry.

Step 4: Embellish with markers and crayons.

Step 5: Step back to admire your creation!

COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR(IAL ASSISTANT)

Interpretation and Engagement Coordinator Laura Winkle led us on a virtual tour of the exhibition Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits in March 2020.

Check out her tour on Facebook here.