June 24, 2002
Volunteers make education an art form
___By Russ Dilday
___Buckner News Service
___DALLAS--It's a week before Mother's Day, and children in the Buckner after-school program at Royal Haven Baptist Church in Dallas are busy putting the finishing brush strokes on their artwork.
___Each paints a watercolor of a flower bouquet that will be matted, then surrounded with shrink-wrap, ribbon and bow--a Mother's Day present ready to go.
CLARA RUSHING, a member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, helps a youngster in the Buckner after-school program at Royal Haven Baptist Church with his watercolor technique. Rushing, an amateur artist, is part of a Park Cities women's group that provides programming and tutoring help to the Buckner program. (Scott Collins Photo)
___The art project is led by volunteers from Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas. It's typical of the creative contributions made by the church's Women's Luncheon Group.
___For four years, the women, all members of Floyd's Faithfuls Sunday School class, have devoted weekly time to the after-school program. They provide tutoring, special sessions like art class and serve as role models.
___Clara Rushing, an amateur artist and instructor, leads the session, teaching the third- through seventh-graders watercolor techniques she has developed over years of study and practice.
___"I've been teaching them watercolor wash," she said.
___Ramon Perez, 12, holds up his interpretation of Rushing's technique. The detail shows he's listened well, and his words about Rushing show he's appreciated her time.
___"If you blend in the colors, you get a better picture," he reports. "This is my Mother's Day present, ... and I'll buy her something else. Mrs. Rushing is coming and spending her time so we could give our moms something."
___Volunteer Martha Floyd, who has volunteered once a week for the past four years, says the Mother's Day project is a lesson in giving.
___And what the children will give their mothers is the best, both in artistry and materials.
___"I've been trying to teach fine art, not just crafts," Rushing explains. "This is done on the finest watercolor paper, using the finest watercolors and brushes."
___Providing the best for the children is part of the volunteers' long-term commitment.
___"You don't just want to teach art; you want to teach God's love," Rushing says. "I want them to know they're special and that through art you can express yourself and God's creation."
___As Rushing gives pointers from the front of the classroom at Royal Haven, other long-time volunteers Floyd, Peggy Boyd, Lanetia Gayden, Kathy Green, Linda Hall, Lois Ellis, Mary Mack White and Corky Evans move about the tables, giving personal attention to each piece.
___Rushing's husband, Oliver, helps the students package their work.
___He also adds a special touch to the day: Small packages of chocolates for each child to take to his or her mother.
___Program coordinator Noble Schear notes the children are receiving more than just an art education today. "Some of these kids are really learning to focus. It draws them in, and everything else is put away. This is a wonderful thing Clara is doing."
___
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