Exploring color with Camp Contemporary instructor Autumn N. Brown
Inspire wonder with these everyday materials in today's Camp-in-Place #AtHomeArt project.
Camp-in-Place #AtHomeArt projects from Camp Contemporary instructors and Youth and Family staff. Sponsored by SONIC Drive-In.
If we can't bring the people to the mission, we'll bring the mission to the people. Like other arts organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Oklahoma Contemporary to reconsider how we deliver programs to the public during a public health emergency. Leadership recently announced our phased re-opening plan, which unfortunately required cancelling the majority of summer offerings for Camp Contemporary, our weeklong, school-break art camps for 4- to 12-year-olds.
To fill that gap, we've launched Camp-in-Place, part of our #AtHomeArt series designed to connect you and yours with arts experiences during this time of social distancing. Weekly projects by camp instructors will help keep your kids creative, inspired and occupied. Plus: Camp-in-Place (along with other soon-to-debut programs) gives Oklahoma Contemporary a way to continue employing our teaching artists, even while camps aren't in session.
This week’s Camp-in-Place project uses common household items to create fun and experimental artworks that will fill your little ones with wonder. Taking inspiration from Bright Golden Haze artist James Turrell’s use of light and color reflection, your family can make art magic of your own via everyday materials.
Here's what you'll need to get started:
Materials
- White paper
- Old CD /DVD
- Clear glass or plastic bowl (wide enough to fit a CD/DVD)
- Flashlight
- Markers or crayons
Directions
- Find a flat surface and low-lit room to create in.
- Place the white paper on the table or floor.
- Put the glass container to one side of the paper.
- Fill three-quarters of the clear bowl with water.
- Place the CD or DVD vertically in the water with the bottom (the shiniest side) facing the paper.
- Turn on the flashlight and point it at the bottom of the CD (outside of the glass container).
- Light and rainbows should appear on the paper!
- Trace the colors and shapes you see using the markers or crayons.
- For added fun, slowly rotate the CD to create more unique rainbows.
- Display your new reflection- and rainbow-inspired art piece for all to see!
Autumn N. Brown is a teaching artist who has taught around the Oklahoma City metro area for more than eight years, including Camp Contemporary, after-school programs and homeschool co-ops. She loves introducing children to contemporary art ideas while sneaking in the fundamentals. Brown has a background in arts nonprofits, galleries, advertising and television production. When not teaching, she balances her time between working on her own art and homeschooling her children.
Tags 
Camp Contemporary
arts education
At Home Art
Camp-in-Place
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Return to New Light.
