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Little Hands Become Creative At The South Shore Regional Library

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Ayahna Faulk of Ruskin, 3, contemplates her first move as her mother, Taeia, looks on.

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By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 18, 2008

RUSKIN - Busy hands are happy hands at the SouthShore Regional Library, especially on Saturday mornings when the Wee Artists classes meet.

Each month, children ages 3 to 5 gather at the John Crawford Art Education Studio to be introduced to the world of art through an array of free, themed activities that include drawing, tracing, painting and storytelling.

On June 7, nine children participated in a "Look! I Can Draw Me!" class. They traced a figure on poster board and then filled in various features with washable markers.

"I suggest rather than just giving your child a coloring book, you give him or her a blank piece of paper," Suzanne Prach told the parents. "In this class, we will trace, use our fine motor skills and learn to be creative.

"It's important for young children to come together, learn to listen and begin to freely express themselves."

Parents had only positive comments after the program.

"I want my child to interact with children of different ages," said Taeia Faulk of Ruskin. Her daughter, Ayahna, 3, was a first-time member of the class. "I also want her to enhance her motor skills. She loves to draw, so we'll be back."

"My 3-year-old son, Austin, is starting to listen better, pay more attention and follow instructions," said Omy Kohler of Apollo Beach. "This is his second time here."

As studio coordinator, Prach is responsible for putting together and hosting all of the library's art programs. They include Creative Artists for children ages 6 to 9; Expressive Artists for ages 10 to 13; Teens for Art for middle and high school students; and a number of adult workshops.

The Wee Artists series is sponsored by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library, a nonprofit group that picks up the tab for materials used in the classes. Classes are limited to 10 children, and advance registration is required. The theme of the July class will be "Leaping Lizards!"

For information, call (813) 273-3652 and ask for the SouthShore Regional Library.

Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 731-7459 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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