AUBURN, Ala.- The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center hosted Adventures in Art last week for Auburn City Schools fifth graders. The theme for this year's program focused on “The Architecture of Rural Alabama,” where students learned about the inspiration that Alabama artists take from their surroundings.

The program began with a performance by the Alabama Blues Project. Students then split into groups and rotated through three workshops including a visual arts project, a performance workshop led by the Alabama Blues Project and a gallery exhibition lead by artist Timothy M. Joe.

The visual arts workshop helped students make the connection between old rural architecture and new artwork. Students referenced architectural detail photographs from the Gees Bend area as well as photos from the Auburn area to gain inspiration for their new piece. Students used found building objects and recycled building materials and created a low relief sculpture in the likes of their inspiration image.

The performance workshop was led by the Alabama Blues Project. In this workshop, students took a historical journey of blues music in Alabama and had the opportunity to try out a variety of instruments.

The gallery exhibition and talk featured Alabama photographer Timothy M. Joe. Here, students had the opportunity to experience a gallery as well as learn how to create their own sketchbook. Students learned about his artwork, art process and were able to ask him questions.

Adventures in Art is partially funded by a grant through the Alabama State Council on the Arts and is sponsored by the Auburn Arts Association and Golden Flake. Auburn Parks and Recreation would like to thank all of our sponsors and community members for their support of and contribution to the Adventures in Art program. Without their generous contributions, Adventures in Art would not have been possible.

If you have any questions regarding the Adventures in Art program, please contact Emillie Dombrowski, art education specialist at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, at (334) 501-2944.