The Christmas Card Art Project

In 2006,  the Sisters of Charity Foundation wrapped up its 10th anniversary year by partnering with Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio to teach children about art while creating a unique Christmas card.  The project -- and the resulting artwork and cards -- were so well received that the program has been repeated every year since. Different artistic techniques and media are involved each session.

 

In October 2009, the fourth graders at St. Adalbert Catholic School, posed here with representatives of the Foundation and Young Audiences, met for two days with professional artist Augusto Bordelois and photographer Donald Black, Jr. The students created chemograms by using petroleum jelly to make holiday shapes on photographic paper. The drawings were dipped in a chemical "stopper", and the resulting photos were embellished with paint.

 

 

Mr. Bordelois joined representatives from the Foundation, the school and Young Audiences in selecting 4 pieces for Christmas card production. The 2009 winners --Charles Ballard, Chris Boykin, Jaree Griffin and Chris Sullen-- were announced at a lunchtime pizza party where they were presented with Certificates of Excellence.  There were also art supplies for every participating student. In addition, the Foundation gave $1,500 to expand the school's tutoring program.