In this session the focus is on the Line……a moving point, a dot that goes for a walk which can vary in length, width, direction and curvature. The alphabet is composed of lines so projects will include each child’s name and letters of the alphabet as a focus for designing an Egyptian Cartouche where children use the hieroglyphic alphabet to sketch the symbols that represent the letters or sounds of their names.  Their names will also be designed into a colorful drawing as they review color theory: primary, secondary, warm, cool, complimentary & tertiary colors. Using their knowledge of color theory and lines they will create an abstract crayon-resist watercolor painting connecting the letters of the alphabet. They’ll practice more line drawings as they learn to draw word art animals and finally design a poster with a short positive message and illustrations to help spotlight their message.

Sharon Lee Mullen-Reynolds knew in High School that she was to be an Art teacher.  That is exactly what she did; for 36 years she taught Visual Art in the city of New Haven.  Her career hi-light was teaching 22 years at the Betsy Ross Arts Magnet Middle School.  During her tenure there she was a published Fellow at Yale N.H.Teachers Institute for 2 years, the  Department Chairperson for 8 years and creator of As Far As The Eye Can See a school-wide art exhibit.

Since her retirement in 2016, she has been attending numerous art exhibits and installations locally and in NYC, specifically Frida Kahlo’s exhibit at the Brooklyn Art Museum which led her to create Frida- inspired floral headpieces. In 2017 she started The Kindness Rock art installation at the Branford Festival.

Sharon is an artist who believes that art can heal your soul.  In 2022 she sold her headpieces at the Ukrainian Roman Catholic church for the benefit of Ukraine’s War effort and donated 5 Ukrainian Strong “Petals for Peace” paintings to raise additional funds. These paintings were showcased on Channel 8 news.

In addition to her headpieces, Sharon works in mixed-media, crafts, collage, and watercolor landscape en plein air. Sharon’s artwork has been exhibited at City-Wide Open Studios, The ARTS Council, Calligraphers Guild, and is currently exhibited at Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

Dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM                                                                          

Cost: $125. All materials included.

Where: Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT

Registration must go through Park & Recreation

To register visit: Essex Park and Recreation

For more information visit: Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisan Store online