Art Chowder September | October, Issue 17 | Page 63

K
ids Draw Architecture Coeur d’Alene
was modeled after a similar program in
Santa Barbara, California. Established by the
Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara in
1990, the program was designed to provide kids
with the opportunity to appreciate and sketch
examples of prominent local architecture. Pairing
groups of kids with local architects, artists,
and designers, these volunteer professionals
assist the children and demonstrate drawing
techniques, while offering an opportunity to see
architecture, landscapes and public art in a new
way.
Thanks to a grant from the Coeur d’Alene
Tribe, Kids Draw Architecture 2018 will be
held this fall at the Cataldo Mission, the oldest
building in Idaho. It was constructed between
1850 and 1853 by Jesuit missionaries and the
Coeur d’Alene Tribe, eventually becoming an
important stop for traders, settlers and miners.
On Saturday, September 22, kids and volunteers
will check in at the Human Rights Education
Institute, to then be transported as a group to the
historical mission site, where they will draw the
buildings and grounds while learning about the
history and cultural significance of the area.
The program starts with one or two of the
volunteer experts introducing drawing
techniques. The kids are then divided into small
groups and on-site sketching begins under the
guidance of the group leaders. The objective of
the sketching exercise is to encourage kids to
connect with the environment and record what
is seen — slowing down enough to focus on the
simplest details — while studying form, shape,
tone, lighting and setting.
Upon arrival back at HREI, kids are encouraged
to display their artwork and choose their favorite
drawing, to be included in a gallery of art on the
website.
The program is for ages 10 and up and is $10 per
child, which includes drawing materials, snacks,
and lunch, plus a sling bag, t-shirt and sketch
pad to take home.
For more information, or to register visit:
artsandculturecda.org/kids-draw-architecture.
September |October 2018
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