Pocosin Arts provides virtual art tutorials and coloring books for kids

Published 9:08 am Thursday, March 26, 2020

: Staff at Pocosin Arts worked on 380 coloring books and YouTube video tutorials to bring art to the people of their community. Courtesy Marlene True

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After making the tough decision to close its doors due to the ongoing coronavirus situation, Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft decided to bring the art to the people.

Marlene True, executive director, said that the school of art was unable to continue its community classes for the foreseeable future. Therefore, her team has been working on several projects to still engage people of all ages in art, just not face-to-face.

“Since they can’t come to us, we’re going to them,” True said. The staff has launched a new online craft demonstration via YouTube as of Friday, March 20.

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True told The Coastland Times that the first demonstration (in two parts) will involve the making of a cup on a pottery wheel and how to make a clay handle. Students are able to tune into this demonstration by going to the “Pocosin Arts” channel on YouTube. Ceramics instructor Dick Heiser will demonstrate.

True wanted everyone to know that the staff at Pocosin is still “new to this,” too. Knowing that not everyone has a pottery wheel easily accessible at home, True and her staff are working on new ideas every day for videos.

True mentioned that in the coming videos, which will be published once a week, they will feature tutorials on how to make jewelry with common household items and how to make a mural, like the one featured outside of Pocosin.

Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft displayed a powerful message on their newly painted outdoor mural. Courtesy Marlene True

The mural, showcasing the phrase “Lead with Love,” is covered with flowers, butterflies and other symbols of hope.

After hearing that local school buses were going to drop off meals for students who would be transitioning to an online learning platform, Pocosin staff decided to pitch in.

Every Friday, Tyrrell children will receive a small art activity with their meals. True said staff made 380 coloring books for the students to be dropped off by the buses bringing breakfast and lunch to the community.