Children create Calder-like mobiles

Children worked with their parents to create imaginative mobiles from colored paper, crayons, yarn, straws and metal hangers Wednesday during the Art Explorers Jr. Family Program at Cook Park Library in Libertyville.

Children from grades K-2 were introduced to artist Alexander Calder, the originator of mobiles, learning about his life and his artwork from children's program coordinator Debbie Colodny.

"If you see a hanging thing, it is instantly interesting. I think they will really be excited about making their own," said Colodny.

The 11 kids then were set loose with art materials to come up with their own mobile art, cutting out unusual shapes, tying yarn about their hangers and coloring interesting patterns.

"I think art, in and of itself, is a good thing for kids to learn how to do. This is a different form of art which allows kids to express themselves in a different way," said Janice Neme-Foley of Libertyville as she helped her 6-year-old son, Ben, make his mobile by holding the hanger.