Laurie Ann Kramer will be volunteering at one of the art stations, you will find her painting snowmen & snowwomen on canvas. Creating your own snowman Art Work is just one of the many exciting holiday surprises in store for your child at Holly Day Magic!

HollyDay Magic is a Birmingham holiday tradition held every December at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Young craftsmen ages 5–11 fashion their own gifts and ornaments, many from natural materials, and decorate their own cupcakes for a snack. Visit BBGardens.org for full details!

Most people (especially parents and grandparents) would agree that the most amazing things happen when you give children art supplies.  Can you imagine what would happen if you gave them art supplies in Math class? 

 Smiles of disbelief, and smiles of excitement , giddy grins of anticipation spread around room 107 like peanut butter as I unpacked the bags… Yes! I am an artist. Yes! We are going on a journey!  Smell these Sunflowers- carefully, they are for your teacher to keep- notice how the petals meet. Yes! An artist painted the Sunflowers, his name was Van Gogh, have you ever seen a Starry Night? 

     to be continued….

The Artists as Educators Program is made possible through a working partnership between the Cultural Alliance, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and the Birmingham City School System. 

www.outdooralabama.com

Outdoor Alabama announced its 2010 Photo Contest, with winning entries to be published in the February 2010 issue. The contest is open to any amateur photographer except employees of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and members of their immediate families. An amateur is defined as someone who does not does not earn a living from photography.

Photos must have been taken within the past two years, and previously published images are not eligible. All photos must have been taken in Alabama and species must be native to the state. Photos may be entered in the following categories

• Student Snapshots — Two divisions: Youth ages 6-12 and 13-18 may enter any of the following categories. All entry rules apply.
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• State Parks — Recreational activities, park facilities, scenery or events held at any of Alabama’s 22 State Parks operated by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
• Birds — Native song birds, game birds and raptors
• Mammals — Native mammals (pets and livestock excluded).
• Reptiles and Amphibians — May include turtles, snakes, lizards, salamanders, etc..
• Other Native Wildlife — May include butterflies, insects, snails, etc.
• Scenic/Pictorial — Photos in which natural landmarks, scenery or inanimate objects are prominent; site location required for this category.
• Nature-Based Activities — people enjoying recreation such as boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, camping (sports such as baseball and football are excluded).
• Wild Flora — wildflowers, foliage, fruiting bodies, other parts of plants or trees (cultivated flowers, shrubs, etc. are excluded)
•             VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS!  www.OUTDOORALABAMA.com

“Blossoms & Bellinis” featuring Matthew Mayfield