Bartlett Library patrons were crafty at Shakespeare program
Patrons of the Bartlett Library were able to honor the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare's death by creating a "Quote of Art". Christine Thornton taught how to draw a decorative border around inspirational Shakespeare quotes of the patrons' choosing, and then add color to their works with watercolor pencils.
To begin, Thornton showed a brief presentation for the overview of the program. She explained what each of the tools in front of the patrons would be used for.
Patrons had a few different art products at their disposal during this program. Watercolor pencils, paint brushes, erasers, permanent markers, pencils, water and paper towels. The main items they used were the paint brushes and the watercolor pencils, which allow users to draw details just like regular colored pencils, but have the capability to blend with water to create watercolor art.
The process was this: Patrons needed to shade the back of the design or quote they chose, and then place it over a separate piece of thick paper. Once it was in place on the thick paper, patrons traced over the actual design with a pencil. When they finished tracing, they lifted the paper to see that the design was lightly transferred onto the thick paper due to them shading in the back of the first sheet of paper. They then went over the light pencil strokes on the thick paper with permanent marker and erased the pencil marks.
There were then two techniques that could get color onto the thick paper. Patrons could either use the water color pencils to color directly onto the design, or they could get a paintbrush wet and touch over the color pencil to get paint onto the brush, and then use that brush to paint over the design.
Thornton played music as she walked around the room, helping and interacting with patrons as she walked by.
An upcoming Adult program at the Bartlett Library is "Android Phone Basics" on Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m. Need some help getting started with your Android phone? This class will cover the basic features and functions. Registration required.
For more information and a complete listing of scheduled programs, call 630.837.2855 or visit www.bartlettlibrary.org.