PINE RIVER — Art can shape a life. Making art encourages creative thinking and independence and can build confidence at pivotal times, especially in a kid’s life.
The Kitchigami Regional Library System staff want to provide an outlet for not only their younger visitors, but all patrons of the library.
Free art kits are available every first Tuesday of the month at all of the Kitchigami Regional libraries, including Brainerd, Wadena, Park Rapids, Bemidji, Cass Lake, Longville, Walker, Pine River, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake and the bookmobile.
Popular with patrons, the 840 art kits fly off the shelves.
Kitchigami Regional Programs Coordinator Allison Royce told Area Voices on the KAXE Morning Show the idea for the free program was based on her own childhood. Growing up in the lakes area, she remembered feeling lonely in the summertime.
“You either played outside or you did art. And I just thought back to that time period of what I would have loved to have had if I was a kid," she said.
"And to be able to have your own paint set and your own acrylic setup and your own very own pencil kits and having all of that accessible would have just been a joy for me personally. So, then I think, if I would find joy in it, I'm sure others would find joy in that.”
The program is funded by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment, with Crossing Arts Alliance creating the art kits. Each month, a new kit covers a different style of art. So far, the kits have included colored pencils, acrylic paints, oil pastels and gel pens.
“Throughout that experience, you end up with scissors, rulers, paint kits, brushes, pencil kits," Royce said, "and by the end, you kind of have your own art kit.”
Each kit highlights a local artist, with supplies to create the monthly project, instructions and extra paper so participants can branch off to create their own vision. Also provided is a QR code to access online video instructions.
Royce said she believes libraries are the perfect place to host an art kit program. Community members visit the library to get the kits and may also get engaged with other library offerings and events.
“You start seeing the posters of all the activities for adults," she said. "There might be an author coming through the region. There could be a kids’ program like Climb Theater or Sparkle Theatricals. So, there are all of these engaging opportunities besides just getting the kit.”
The libraries also have brochures that showcase available books that pair well with the art kit’s medium for the month and checkout kits that have books for first-time artists.
Royce said it’s been fun seeing the positive reactions to the art kits from patrons. She even has kids waiting for her on art kit release day.
“And if I'm not there because of the smoke or something from Canada, they're like, ‘Well, what happened to the redheaded lady? Is she coming back? Where are our kits?’” she said.
Royce encourages people of all ages to participate in the art program and even pick up extras.
“So, that they can experience the arts the way they want to and play with and experiment with gushing out paint or dabbing things or really working that pencil into the paper,” she said.
Community resource
In a time when libraries across the nation and in Northern Minnesota are facing funding cuts and limiting staff hours, Royce wants to remind people about what libraries provide for their communities.
Librarians are well versed in technology, engaging with kids and, of course, helping people find something new to read.
“I think the library just brings that sense of community that anyone, because it's a public space, that anyone is welcome to congregate and anyone is welcome to find the things they enjoy," Royce said.
Librarians use the phrase “windows and mirrors” to describe their work. Libraries can provide windows to other worlds and serve as a mirror to see yourself represented in your community.
The art kit programs will continue through November. The next two kits will be pointillism art and paper collage. They will also have a program in winter that will focus more on craft-making kits.
Keep up to date on the project through the Kitchigami Regional Library System's Facebook page and website.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailingpsa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
