Kid Stuff

Banbury Kids Project Unleashes Creativity

Emily Albrent |

Art is all around the Chippewa Valley, whether it’s the work of UW-Eau Claire students in the Foster Art Gallery or creations by acclaimed artists via Sculpture Tour Eau Claire. The Banbury Kids Project has added to that mix. The brainchild of artist and retired teacher Jo Ellen Burke, the Banbury Kids Project brought a group of 16 10-year-olds together for 10 days of intensive art experiences earlier this summer. The group met in Burke’s Joyous Horse Studio in Banbury Place. A typical day included a morning meeting where the kids and their teachers discussed art; demonstrations such as using charcoal; artist visits inside and outside the studio; medium practice where kids tried different techniques; and visits to the Volume One Gallery and the Community Table. Some of the kids’ art is on display within Moneatza’s Eats & Treats inside Banbury Place, and Burke hopes to keep working with the kids later in the summer and fall. To learn more, visit banburykidsecwi.tumblr.com.