“I never want to stop!” – quote from LOCA at the Library student #2
Laguna Beach Public Library is among LOCA’s many institutional partners. Here, in the children’s wing, LOCA conducts a series of art classes, free to the public, each season. Spring 2024 brought “Family Art Day”, where parents and their children do an art project together, and “Art Classes for Kids” which begin with a librarian reading a book, followed by an art project that ties to the theme. The drop-in classes offer a new creative project each week for up to 20 children at a time. Students may attend one, several, or all – and many do!
LOCA and Me, The Teachers
LOCA hires local professional artists to teach classes, which assists and compliments their full-time careers as artists. Library classes are taught by Allison Keefe (photo left) and Elizabeth McGhee (photo right), both accomplished exhibitors at local festivals. McGhee stated, “I enjoy teaching at the library because not only do local Laguna Beach kids attend, but children from throughout Orange County come to learn new art techniques and stories. These classes not only help the students and parents who attend, but also engage and retain teachers like me in the community, and for that I am so grateful!”
LOCA and Me, The Librarian
Laguna’s Head Librarian, Nadejda Hickman, thinks the program is so valuable that she made video versions of the classes available during the Covid lock down. She knew the importance of helping children continue to enjoy and grow through creative art projects during quarantine. She is thrilled to again have in-person classes, and see children learn about new materials and techniques from LOCA teachers she thinks highly of. “Listening to instructions, and using new materials – or familiar ones in new ways, helps children develop in a multitude of ways – all while having fun!” she said.
LOCA and Me, Student 1
This student’s father, sitting across the table and working on the same project, stated, “She’s an artist at heart. We keep art supplies at the restaurant where I work and she really gets into it – so I look for other opportunities for her to make art and create. These classes are great for her!”
LOCA and Me, Student 2
When described as one of the regulars at the LOCA’s Family Art Days, this prolific artist said “I don’t like to miss even one class. I love the art, the stories in the library, and seeing the beach. Art gives you endless possibilities. I like that, I never want to stop!”
LOCA and Me, Student 3
This young artist’s mother wanted to come for some time but life kept getting in the way. She was so pleased to have made it and see how involved her son became. They made an afternoon of it, first playing at the beach and then walking to the library to create art together. “We hope it’s an afternoon we will repeat often!” she said.
LOCA and Me, Student 4
A pleased mother stated about her daughter, “She loves art. She and her grandmother do interesting projects together, but I’m not an art kind of person, so it’s really nice to be able to come here and have a new creative project every week! Now all three of my kids come and we all love it!”
LOCA and Me, Student 5
This artist’s mother said, “We saw the sign in front of the library last week and just walked in. We really liked the program, so we came back. We hope we can make it every week from now on!”
LOCA and Me, Student 6
This student’s mother confessed to not being very confident creatively, so she looks for opportunities like LOCA’s Family Art Day to help her encourage her daughter’s creative growth. They have been coming weekly and she sees her daughter becoming more confident and more prone to do art on her own. “The classes are something we both look forward to, and even get excited the night before!” she said.