What's in a face?

Try this simple art activity to create a face that's as unique as you are. First, get a pencil and list your favorite things. Then, get a large piece of paper and draw a big circle right in the middle of the page. Choose two of your favorite things from the list. For example: playing soccer and eating bananas. Now think of what you can create to show us you like soccer in one part of your circle and bananas in the other. Here's a hint: soccer balls have patterns. Bananas do, too, when you cut them in half.

You don't have to split your circle in half either, you can divide it any way you like. Draw eyes, nose, ears and a mouth that best express who you are. If you happen to like strawberries use one for your nose. The possibilities are endless.

Illustrators are professional artists who use symbols and pictures to communicate information through examples or comparisons. They also create drawings that accompany stories. In what part of the newspaper are you mostly likely to see illustrations? In what kinds of books can you find illustrations?

If you would like to learn how to visualize your ideas or find more ways to express yourself this summer, Art Center for Kids at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena offers seven-week sessions for kids in grades 4 through 8 and five-day summer workshops. Scholarships are available.

For more information, call (626) 396-2319, e-mail kids@artcenter.edu or go to http://www.artcenter.edu/kids .

This Learning Link was provided by Art Center for Kids at Art Center College of Design, 1700 Lida St., Pasadena.

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