Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
Participants in the Upliftment Jamaica Summer School are guided by staff members of Miskeen Originals in a hand-painting class.
- Contributed
Two staff members of Miskeen Originals, pioneers of hand-painted designs on shirts, jeans and caps, hosted a five-day hand-painting class, earlier this month, at Upliftment Jamaica's summer school, in White Horses, St. Thomas. About 100 children were taught how to design words and shapes on cloth and paper by Aieshan Turner and Barbara Cook of Miskeen, situated in New Jersey, U.S.A.
With plain white T-shirts, bottles of colourful paints and metal/cardboard scrapers in hand, the children eagerly splashed out their thoughts. Several shirts read names, slangs, various zodiac signs and even boasted the national flag.
Miskeen Originals donated 300 white T-shirts and a quantity of paint to the community-based organisation.
Sandra Kenton-Fraser, Upliftment Jamaica's executive director, said her organisation was grateful to Miskeen for hosting the hand-painting classes.
"It has been fabulous. The artists have done a wonderful job, while the children have learnt how to put their ideas on cloth by using paints," said Mrs. Kenton-Fraser.
"This way the children are kept occupied and out of trouble," she continued.
CHILDREN'S ENTHUSIASM
Miss Cook, a two-year employee of Miskeen, said that because of the children's enthusiasm, teaching them how to paint was an easy job. "It feels like I am more here to guide them because they are so creative on their own," said Miss Cook.
"It is more like teaching them how to patiently wait for the paint to dry," she said.
Miss Turner was also impressed by the children's willingness to paint. "To see the smiles on their faces and that they really enjoy painting their T-shirt, is just awesome," Miss Turner said.
TECHNIQUES LEARNT
Hand-painting techniques such as designing with paint, dry run on paper and colour coordination were shown to the children.
Raymond Bent, board member of the organisation, who brought the supplies for the class from the United States into the island, noted that it is important for children to receive different learning methods. "Painting is an excellent way for children to express themselves. If you look around at what they are doing, it is obvious that they are expressing themselves and you also see their self-esteem coming out," he said.
"Sometimes they need a break from the regular book and pencil," added Mr. Bent who is manager of Sunnray Travel and Tours, based in Brooklyn, New York.
Though the painting class ran for five days, the summer school is a six-week programme for children aged six to 15.
Miss Cook said that if asked for a report when she returns to the United States, she would say: "The children really enjoyed painting. They were willing, they listened and they have a lot of natural talent.
"The children are polite, and have manners - all I hear all day is 'Ma'am, Ma'am'."
