MaryAnn F. Kohl, process art and treasures of childhood

Art is as Natural as Sunshine and as Vital as Nourishment

MaryAnn, family news

I was away from my blog and home for a month while my husband went through an experimental open heart surgery to rebuild his heart, but more likely, to prepare him for a heart transplant. We are so blessed that our wonderful surgeon Dr. Timothy Icenogle and the Transplant Team (Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, Washington) were able to repair the heart, surprising even them. Mike will return to a normal life! We are in shock, awe, and grateful to everyone who stood by us through prayer and friendship.

As soon as things settle down a bit, I'll return to being MaryAnn the Author and Educator. Right now, I'm MaryAnn the Tired and Grateful.

MaryAnn

July ArtsyKidsNEWS is here!!

July ArtsyKids NEWS shown below as JPGS.

To view the actual newsletter, with all of it's links and interactive connections, go here:  

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=5ede963e35560c1088968f662&id=7957db3a1d

If you would like to sign up to receive the newsletter FREE each month in your email, and automatically be included in the FREE DRAWING for an ART BOOK, sign up here: http://www.brightring.com/  (drop down to the lower right corner)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Short Story of MaryAnn's Publishing Company: Bright Ring Publishing

The Short Story of MaryAnn's Publishing Company:
Bright Ring Publishing 

MaryAnn Faubion Kohl has a passion for children and for their natural creativity through art that first permeated her teaching years, then her parenting years, and now her current daily life. That passion became a publishing company in 1985, Bright Ring Publishing, Inc., with her first book, Scribble Cookies: Creative Independent Art Experiences for Children (now titled Scribble Art). There was nothing on the market like it and it has become a cherished classic for parents, teachers, childcares, homeschools, and libraries around the world.

Bright Ring has progressed from that simple classic to a full color glossy art book for kids, Great American Artists for Kids: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great American Masters (2009).

When asked about independent publishing, Kohl says, “Independent publishing has given me a voice and a crayon-bright-pipeline directly to kids that has changed the face of art for children in this country. What used to be cute kid crafts directed by adults is now true art inspired by children’s own creativity. My mission has been a joy and continues to grow as I bring my passion to the lives and art tables of kids everywhere.

One of the side benefits of my independent press is traveling and speaking to large groups of educators and librarians around the country, sharing my passion for creativity and art for children, and best of all, sharing hands-on art experiences with them. After they have been through ten or fifteen art experiences, and they feel the hands-on joy of pure creativity, they are hooked! If I sell a few books in the process, well then, I know I’ve succeeded.”

Bright Ring Publishing, Inc. recently completed a wide count of all the books in print that Bright Ring has published, those Kohl has written for Gryphon House, Inc. (another independent press), and those translated in numerous foreign countries (harder to count). The total it is closing in on 2 million copies. Kohl was asked, “How many children has each copy reached?” She replied, “The sheer thought of that number is gloriously staggering and impossible to know. It could be over sixty million, if I do a quick estimate, thinking of one book reaching a classroom of 30 kids per year, and then a new classroom the next year, and.... Forgive me if I take a moment and stare at the clouds imagining each of those children finding art within themselves.

Inspiring doesn’t quite cover it!

MaryAnn Kohl loves art for kids, and has enjoyed the publishing experince since 1985, bringing her books to children everywhere.

 

From the Chocolate Muffin Tree: Happy Birthday to Me! Balloon Sculpture

Hello, Blogging Friends: Today is my ... ahem ... BIRTHDAY, rather a milestone one actually, and thanks to one of my favorite blogs -- The Chocolate Muffin Tree -- I have a complete post (translate: no work for me, I'm copying hers) to share with you: Balloon Sculpture  based on my book "Storybook Art". I suppose I could write my own blog post, but this one is so great! And it's my BIRTHDAY!  And it's 4am! And so... Thanks for the post, Melissa. I promise to do a guest post for you in February or any time in exchange for posting this one.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012 - My ? Birthday!

Balloon Sculpture and a Book

Would you ever think of making Balloon Sculptures?  (Besides the twisty animal kind)  Well, we made Balloon Sculptures! This idea comes from the book Storybook Art by children's art author MaryAnn Kohl (and it happens to be her Birthday today!....Happy Birthday! and with balloons too!).  This is a wonderful book filled with 100 Hands-On Art Lessons that incorporate Great Picture Book Illustrators.  This particular project appealed to my daughter immensely because she LOVES balloons and sculpture projects. We first read the book, Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm, which is the book that goes along with the balloon sculpture.  The illustrations by Mark Buehner really made the "Balloon Farm" of the character, Harvey Potter, come to life!!  The book itself with the imaginative story by Jerdine Nolen Harold and colorful illustrations was a hit for my 5 year old! I think any child would be intrigued by this book!

For the project you'll need:

all sorts of balloons

double sided tape (we used tape pockets----rolled tape)

square of cardboard or matte board

also string or rubber bands for extra support

(we just used tape and I could see string and rubber bands being helpful!!!)

Here is one of our finished sculptures:

Here are all the balloons we gathered: twisty animal balloons, water balloons, small balloons , and birthday balloons.

C wanted to play with the balloons (and we did!) You can see the joy on this girl's face before the project was ready to begin!

I had a bunch of tape pockets (rolled tape) ready in preparation for the project and used a piece of scrap matte board for a base, but you could use any kind of cardboard. To begin, C first started stacking the balloons!

She wanted to stand on the chair, because I think she imagined it to be really tall!  We found it wouldn't stack very high!!!  I talked about using the skinnier twisty balloons for support on the sides and that helped.  It would be fun to make a Balloon Hanging Sculpture too! Here is our Balloon Sculpture again.

I never would have thought to make a sculpture with balloons, but then take a look at this Google Search forBalloon Sculptures if you click here! There are zillions of them!! These will definitely inspire you to create Balloon Sculpture or at least have a n appreciation for them! Here is one Balloon Sculpture to a awe you with from Balloon Sculptor: Jason Hackenworth. Pretty Amazing, huh?

We had a lot of FUN creating this balloon sculpture and we may just do more with all this inspiration! 

Other Ideas with Balloons:

Next time we might Draw on our Balloons before we start sculpting with them!!! 

We might make some Homemade Stress Ball Balloons too!

Making a Balloon Yo-Yo  would be FUN!

A Hot Air Balloon toy has been on our list for a long time!

Printing with Balloons looks like a cool way to paint! 

We'll be creating another project from Storybook Art so stay tuned!

 

Chicago Children's Theatre: The Houdini Box

Chicago Children's Theatre: 
The Houdini Box  

 

 

 

 Book and Lyrics by Hannah Kohl, YES, MY DAUGHTER!
Music by Mark Messing
Directed by Blair Thomas

Based on the book THE HOUDINI BOX written and illustrated by Brian Selznick, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Selznick wrote Hugo Cabret, a Caldecott winner, and is now seen as the movie, Hugo)

Chicago Children's Theatre,
Show will be at the Mercury Theatre: 773.325.17003745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago 

January 24-March 3, 2012 
Recommended for ages 5 and up

The Mercury Theatre

BUY TICKETS

Brought to life right before your eyes by actors, musicians, and puppets, sure to thrill and surprise. As famed escape artist Harry Houdini circles the globe performing one incredible stunt after another, Victor, a young devotee goes through his own rigorous magician’s training – locking himself in closets, holding his breath under water and walking into walls.  After a chance encounter with his hero, Victor receives a special box that just might contain the secrets of Houdini’s great success.

Save 15% on early-bird tickets until JAN 15th!

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “The Houdini Box” is Top 10 show to see in early 2012

-Chris Jones
“The Houdini Box,” Chicago Children’s Theatre. Brian Selznick wrote the children’s book “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” the source for “Hugo,” one of the more prominent holiday movies this year. That has propelled Selznick and his work to a new level of awareness. “The Houdini Box,” which will be directed at Chicago Children’s Theatre by the formidable visual storyteller Blair Thomas, is a brand-new musical based on Selznick’s first book, the story of a boy who receives a mysterious box that may unlock the secrets of Harry Houdini.

“The Houdini Box” Kick-Off event with Neighborhood Parents Network:
Come join us at the February 11th, 11:00am performance for a special kick-off event with NPN. Stay tuned for event details!

 

Artsy E-Books Now at www.brightring.com

....... I'm Pleased to Announce .......

All of my art books
(ones that I have published under Bright Ring, my company)
are now on my website as
eBooks!
each in PDF format suitable for computer
or iPad or other full screen viewing.

    The price is about half of what the printed books are --
$9.99 each.

I hope to get permission to sell the Gryphon House
art books I have written too, but for now,
it's just Bright Ring Publishing's art books.

.......  Other News  ....... 

Join the brand new  mailing list  sign-up 
on my Bright Ring home page.
I plan to send out an artsy newsletter
four times a year
        so stop by and sign up!       
The first newsletter will go out this fall.
Lots of art ideas to share!!
(your emails will never be sold or shared
with anyone other than Bright Ring, that's me)

Thank you for being there
to share in my love of art for kids!! 

from... MaryAnn 
            your art author 

 

 

 

 

 

This is just so pretty..... "Air" by Bach.

 USAFB Bach_Air

http://www.usafband.af.mil/ensembles/BandDiscography.asp?albumID=30

http://musopen.org/music/piece/466  


Played by the US Air Force Band. 

 

Listen to the United States Air Force Band play Bach's "Air".

I'm writing a book called "Great Composers for Kids" with Hannah Kohl, and am just learning about the most beautiful music in the world. This piece is glorious!

Wikipedia tells us:
The "Air on the G String" is an adaptation by August Wilhelmj of the Air, the second movement from Johann Sebastian Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major. The original orchestral suite was written by Bach for his patron Prince Leopold of Anhalt sometime between the years 1717 and 1723.

The title comes from violinist August Wilhelmj's late 19th century arrangement of the piece for  violin and piano. By transposing the key of the piece from its original D major to C major, and transposing the melody down an octave, Wilhelmj was able to play the piece on only one  string of his violin, the G string.

The book Hannah and MaryAnn are writing
will have a correlating activity
for kids to help them connect with Bach's music.
TBA.
Meanwhile, enjoy the music!

 

Art with Anything featured in "Arts & Activities", May issue

My book, Art with Anything, is in Arts & Activities May edition.

It's such a good magazine. YAY!!!

You can look at the entire magazine online. Lots of great art ideas for you and your kids.

http://pubdev.ipaperus.com/ArtsandActivities/AAMay2011/

 

 

"Art with Anything" Wins 2010 Silver Moonbeam Award

 Gryphon House and MaryAnn Kohl are pleased to announce that Art with Anything (978-0-87659-085-0) has won the Silver Moonbeam Award!

 

A Spring 2010 title, Art with Anything has also won:

• The National Parenting Publications Award
• The Parent-Tested, Parent-Approved Award

 

Reviews for Art with Anything include:

"Here’s a book that’s bound to keep kids constructively occupied and entertained this summer or the entire year!.."  Good Reads with Ronna, LAParent.com

"This book is a real 'WOW' for anyone seeking art activities for children ages 4-10."  Shuffle Spindle & Dyepot 

"This lively compendium of family-friendly art activities [is] highly recommended as a resource for parents...and caretakers."  The Midwest Book Review

 

About the Moonbeam Awards:

“The Moonbeam Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children’s books and their creators, and to celebrate children’s books and life-long reading. Each year's entries are judged by expert panels of youth educators, librarians, booksellers, and book reviewers of all ages.”

 

Here’s a link to the site:

http://www.independentpublisher.com/article.php?page=1386

Encouraging a Love of Art Through Reading: New!! B&N Kids' Expert Circle

Encouraging a Love of Art Through Reading

Does hearing the names of famous picture book illustrators make you hop up and run to the bookshelf to find a treasured storybook to read? People like Leo Lionni (Swimmy), Eric Carle (Very Hungry Caterpillar), Ian Falconer (Olivia), Lois Ehlert (Chicka Chicka Boom Boom), Clement Hurd (Goodnight Moon), Ezra Jack Keats (The Snowy Day), Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are), to name just a few. What these creative people have given to children through their classic storybooks is more than stories to love — it's an everlasting open door to creativity and imagination. What a gift!

Reminder: 25th Anniversary Sale
 good through July 31.

Please go to my website where the prices are
 all fully listed and ready to click and pay.
 If it is easier for you, email me instead,
 and we'll set up how to send a check payment. 

Great Anniversary Prices! Include shipping and tax!

25th Anniversary Book Special, from MaryAnn

It's My (MaryAnn's)
25th Anniversary  
 bringing art to children through the books I write. 
 All through the coming year I will be doing special things to celebrate.

Through July 30
   Any Bright Ring Book is Yours
   for $15.00 each including shipping and tax! 
  Big  Anniversary Savings! Free Shipping!
  (Most of my books retail for $18.95, and usually ship for $4.  
 See Special Prices below each book.)
 * Note: Prices stay the same, no matter how many books in one box.
* Canadian friends: Due to the significantly higher shipping costs to Canada,
 add $6 for each book and write "US Dollars" on your check. (Sorry.)

Write to me with your name and address,
 and I'll send the books you wish, and ask that you pay by check to MaryAnn Kohl:
  [email protected]

The books are:

Great American Artists    Discovering Storybook Art  
for Kids Great Artists

 $18.95 NOW $15.00        $18.95 NOW $15.00    $18.95 NOW $15.00     

Mudworks ScienceArts Scribble Art  
  $18.95 NOW $15.00  $18.95 NOW $15.00  $18.95 NOW $15.00  

  $18.95 NOW $15.00  $14.95 NOW $12.00

All of my Gryphon House published books are on sale too!

* Prices stay the same, no matter how many books in one box. See note about Canadian shipping above.

Individual prices as follows: 

Making Make-Believe $16.95     *** NOW $14 with shipping

Big Messy Art $14.95  *** NOW $12 with shipping

First ARt $14.95  *** NOW $12 with shipping

Preschool Art $24.95  *** NOW $20 with shipping

Primary Art $19.95  *** NOW $16 with shipping

Math Arts $24.95  *** NOW $20 with shipping

Cooking Art $16.95 *** NOW $14 with shipping

Global Art $16.95  *** NOW $14 with shipping

NEW!!! Art with Anything $19.95 *** NOW $16 with shipping   

Offer valid through July 30, 2010.

Barnes and Noble invited me to participate on their Children’s Advisory Board, which might be kinda cool!! Apparently I will help provide advice, content, and product suggestions directly to BN.com . I will hold on to my fervent goal that I will impact bringing only good things to children.