(Posted September 24, 2007)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- The art of Jacob Lawrence, a celebrated African-American artist noted for his bold imagery, will be the focus of two free educational programs for area schoolchildren sponsored by the Juniata College Museum of Art on Saturday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 27. \"Inspired by an interest in abstraction and a fascination with his mother\'s oriental rugs, Jacob Lawrence developed a reductive visual language known for boldness of pattern, simplified shapes and emotional directness,\" says Jennifer Streb, assistant professor of art history at Juniata. \"His style of painting is almost collage-like.\" The museum offers a program based on Lawrence\'s fondness for collage-style paintings and bold colors on Oct. 6 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program is open for children between the ages of 5 and 8. The entire program is free of charge. All children participating in the workshop will create a collage. Registration deadline for the program is Sept. 26. There are 12 slots available for interested children. Another program, designed for older children between the ages of 9 and 12, focuses on Lawrence\'s painting techniques. The program is Oct. 27 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Each participant will create a painting using tempura paints. There is no charge for the program. Registration deadline for the program is Oct. 17. Space in each program is limited to 12 children per program. To obtain registration and release forms, please call Jennifer Streb at (814) 641-3657, or e-mail streb@juniata.edu. Completed registration forms should be mailed back to Juniata College using the following address: Jennifer Streb, Good Hall, Juniata College, 1700 Moore St. Huntingdon, PA 16652.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.