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Art Reach

In 2002, uder the leadership of Sara Wamsat, Omaha Artists, Inc. began their "Commuity Art Reach" program which involved donating art supplies to such places as the Hope Center and the Ronald McDoald House. These supplies are collected by the membership each year at the November meeting. A friend who taught English as a Second Language classes to the Sudanese for Metropolitan Comunity College said she also could use some art supplies, as well as an art teacher for her classes.

Omaha Artist volunteers began teaching classes to the English as a Second Language classes in March of 2002. We introduce art basics; we give what we call an "art experience" -- time to be creative. We teach two 45 minute classes to approximately 30 students, both men and women. Classes are held on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May.

The "art experience" has truly evolved through trial and error. Many of these students have come from terrible situations, especially the Sudanese, who often come from refugee camps and have been relocated many times. We began to see how absorbed they become during their work. The students are very bright and design oriented. Our goal has been to give them a positive art experience, reinforce their English, teach basic skills of drawing and painting, and send them home each time with a shomewhat finished work. We also try to introduce seasonal and cultural scenes that they will encounter in Nebraska. We do snowmen and Valentines, flowers, leaves, and pumpkins relating them, if we an, to something they know from their country --and alwyas we say, "English, please." I wish you could see the variety we get as they take our simples lessons and "run with them." The ESL teachers are also thrilled with the art lessons.

The ESL class has changed as there are fewer Sudanese. We now have many Somalis, Hispanics, and Asians, all eager to llearn English and enter American life. We give them something iin addition --a creative opportunity that many have never had. The program has benefited both teachers and students. All of us who work with it have grown in appreciation of these newcomers to our country. ... Carol Coppi

For more information contact:
Carol Coppi

TOP: Sudanese students enjoy an art project.

LEFT: A Somali student works on a geometric pattern.

BELOW: A student constructs a compass design.

BOTTOM: Barb Mitchell helps a student.

Carol Coppi, Diane Kujawa, Sara Wamsat, Jo Anne Nielsen, Margaret Nusrallah, Barb Mitchell, and Donna Hill sort items donated by club members for distribution to child-related organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Lied Transplant Center, and the Child Saving Institute.