News Release

June 16, 2005

Contact: Jane Shaskan, 860-679-4777
e-mail: shaskan@nso.uchc.edu

Art Calendar

Exhibit Features Young Artists from Creative Child Center

WHO: Preschool Children from UConn Health Center’s Creative Child Center
WHAT: “Children’s Interpretation of Popular Works of Art”
WHERE: Hospital and mezzanine lobbies, UConn Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington
WHEN: June 17 through August 24, daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In June, children at UConn Health Center’s Creative Child Care Center study and celebrate “Art Month.” The preschoolers learn about the styles and techniques of such artists as Picasso, Cassett, VanGogh, Monet, Degas and O’Keeffe.

Teachers hang prints of famous artworks along the hallway at the child center, and the children sit along the wall and try to copy the paintings in their sketchbooks, explained Antoinette LaPenta, the center’s director. “The children have lots of fun experimenting, especially with Picasso’s cubism. They make strange faces in an attempt to mock what Picasso did in his paintings,” said Ms. LaPenta.

Using large sheets of paper on easels, the children also paint huge flowers in the style of O’Keeffe, and visit the nearby pond to paint watercolor landscapes in the impressionistic style of Monet.

A total of 45 children participated in the art program. Children’s artwork represents each artist studied.

The University of Connecticut Health Center’s collection of fine arts serves to enhance the environment and promote the sense of a caring community for patients, visitors, staff and students. Art is selected, acquired and exhibited by the UCHC Art Advisory Committee. To view a selection of the Health Center’s permanent collection visit: www.uchc.edu/auxiliary/art.html.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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