This is the perfect time of year to collect botanical specimens. They are out in abundance- in the backyard, along the roads, in our ditches and waterways, at parks, and in pastures. Go on a walkabout to find the most interesting plant you can find. We did that and came back with this gem- a wild allium, which is an edible plant in the garlic and onion family. Look at his crazy hair! And his fine colors! Once you’ve brought your specimen home, take some time observing it. If you don’t know what it is, do some research. Learn a few things about it. When you’re ready, draw it. Start with a light pencil sketch and then fill in the colors. Look close and notice that its stem is not just green, but yellow too, and maybe a little white. Consider yourself not just an artist, but a scientist too, documenting every detail you see! For more art activities and prompts, visit our Creative Classroom.

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WelchFamily1
Photo by Jen Johnson

Ginger (48), Forrest (54), Addy (10), Lola (dog) 
   
Occupation:  Psychologist/professor
    
How are you coping? 
Really, we are making the best of it!  We have made it an adventure to be home these last 10 weeks or so, and have had time to do so many things that just couldn't be accomplished with our regular schedules.  We are thriving!  

What, if any, new rituals have emerged for you?  
We are much more physically active, taking long walks, walking the dog, and playing outside.  We've also spent lots more time reading together, watching movies, discovering new games, and cooking together.  

The worst thing about quarantine.  
Not being able to see other family members as much as we'd like, and we miss giving hugs to them. 

The best thing about quarantine. 
The best work/life balance I've ever had...no rushing around to school, work, and lessons, no worrying about child care.  I love telework, and the amount of time it lets me spend with my family!  It is so nice to enjoy just being home.  

What are you most thankful for? 
This time to be together.  

Harris Family 01
Photo by Meghan Brasuell

Grammy Camp is something we started 6 years ago.  We get all 8 cousins together with the Grandparents - no parents allowed.  We swim a lot, play a lot, do lots of crafts and games.  We eat ice cream every day and we let them be kids.  We usually go to a cabin in Arkansas during the summer but because of COVID 19 we had to stay at our house.  We decided to have it now in case all their activities start back up again  later in the summer  
 

Prairie Arts Center believes that art should be for everyone. We are happy to review requests for full and partial scholarships. Contingent upon funding, we will do what we can to make our art programming available to all regardless of your ability to pay. Funding for scholarships is provided by donations, the generosity of our artists (who contribute items for sale to our scholarship table ) and by annual fundraising activities. 

If you need to apply for a scholarship please email infoartscenter@okstate.edu or give us a call at 405-744-1535. We do not require anyone to share financial information to apply. Scholarship funds are available for any of our listed programs and are not for private events or special workshops.

If you are an artist and would like to donate work to the scholarship table, please feel free to talk to someone at the front desk or call us at 405-744-1535

 

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Who wouldn’t want to adorn a llama given the chance?! We offered this activity last summer for one of our Saturday Make and Takes and there were 4 years olds, college students, and parents- all bellied up to the makers table discussing pom pom placement and saddle design. It’s a good one! Pro Tip: Look up images of Peruvian llamas for inspiration and insight!  Here is a link for a llama template to cut out at home. For more art activities and prompts, visit our Creative Classroom. 
 
 
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This is a simple and rewarding way to experience the photographic process without all the mess and expense! And kids absolutely love it. There is such magic in the moment an image slowly takes shape on the paper. You will need to purchase the pretreated paper. You can find it at most craft stores and online. It’s often referred to as sunprint paper or nature printing paper. Jacquard brand also makes a fabric version if you want to embroider your image and/or incorporate it into a sewing project. The directions will come with the paper but the process is basic. You choose objects to create your image with (in our photos, botanicals, feathers, and old jars). Those objects are laid on top of the paper or fabric and placed outside so the sun can expose the embedded photo-chemicals. After exposure, you remove the objects and run the paper under cold water until the image appears. Et voila! This is one that will please all the hearts in your family?! For more art activities and prompts, visit our Creative Classroom. 

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