BELLE FOURCHE—Area youth enjoyed a day dedicated to artistic education and activity on Saturday, August 22. The Tri-State Museum staff invited young folks to come participate in a fun event called A Day for Art, where they spent time learning about famous artists and trying their hand at creating their own masterpieces.
Sheila Culhane, Programs and Events Assist, taught the kids about various famous painters. One of the techniques highlighted for the day was plein air painting—painting outside of the four walls and experiencing the landscape while painting. “We are doing plein air where you paint outside. I only introduced three or four artists to them—they’re pretty young, and so this is my youngest class, pre-K through third,” explained Culhane. “So they are pretty much learning for the first time things like how to mix colors.”
After some learning and painting pictures inside, the group moved outside to try out the plein air concept. However, it is South Dakota, and although the temperature was nice outdoors, the wind did not cooperate. About the time all of the kids got their easels set up outside, the wind started blowing them over one by one.
Rather than painting outdoors, the kids got to enjoy a little break from their artwork and indulge in a snack of animal crackers and milk while sitting outside on a bench. It was nice and warm out in the fresh air. When they were finished, the young artists headed back inside the museum to continue their class.
A class for older kids, those in fourth grade and older, was held later the same day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The group also got to learn about famous art and artists and then had an opportunity to explore creating their own artwork with paint.
Classes were free to those with a museum membership and only $2 for those who did not have a membership but wanted to participate.
Up next at the Tri-State Museum on September 5 is the First Saturday Brunch. If you want to learn about “Henry Anderson: Deadwood Pioneer and Sturgis Town,” presented by Paul Higbee, make sure you call (605) 723-1200 to reserve your spot.
See more pictures and read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
