By Kat Bryant
The Daily World
About 40 kids took turns painting pictures and tree ornaments Saturday during Christmas Crafting Day, hosted by the Cosi Art Center.
The center opened in July under the nonprofit Cosi Art Kids. Its mission is to fill the gap in public art education by offering workshops like this one as well as formal art classes.
Director Judi Lohr, longtime leader of the art program at Cosmopolis School District, founded the center to go beyond those boundaries. She bought the historic building at 1136 First St. in Cosmopolis with a “corner store” concept in mind.
“Luckily, escrow closed weeks before I was informed Cosi school was closing,” she said. She was given three days to get the art supplies out of the school, and with help from several parents she was able to move it all into the newly purchased art center.
Since then, Lohr and her nonprofit board members have received several grants and donations to support and supply the program. The center was originally supposed to open in April, but that was delayed until July because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Saturday’s holiday workshop was the center’s first public event, and Lohr was pleased with the turnout. Participants ranged from preschoolers to teens, many of whom went home with “a tray full of treasures,” she said.
Physical spacing was observed between members of different households, masks were worn, and hand sanitizer was made available.
“The excitement the kids displayed told us the event was well received,” she said. “Each child made at least 10 ornaments, and some made twice that.”
Board members and student volunteers were there to help the young artists with their projects. Among them was Delaney Olson of Aberdeen High School, who is working on her senior project as the instructor for the center’s digital art program. Despite her mask, the delight she shared with the child artists was apparent.
Smiles and giggles were abundant throughout the center as children created their artworks. Lohr reported that visiting families were very happy to have a chance to get out and do something for the holiday with other kids.
“We can’t wait for Valentine’s Day!” she said, when the next workshop will be held, depending on current health restrictions.
For information and updates on the center’s hours and future events, visit cosiartcenter.com or email questions to cosiartkids@gmail.com.
Kat Bryant | The Daily World Mae Gambee, 4, did some freestyle finger-painting on Saturday in addition to decorating ornaments made from sand dollars and other materials provided by the Cosi Art Center. She was there with her mom, Sarah Gambee, and baby brother Grant.
Kat Bryant | The Daily World Aubriel Munoz, 8, used a Christmas tree template and dotted it with multicolored ornaments Saturday at the Cosi Art Center. She was there with her dad, Jonathan Munoz.
Kat Bryant | The Daily World The Cosi Art Center provided numerous options for visitors to decorate tree ornaments during its workshop on Saturday.
Kat Bryant | The Daily World The Cosi Art Center provided numerous options for visitors to decorate tree ornaments during its workshop on Saturday.
Aberdeen High School senior Delaney Olson (foreground) helps Mae Gambee, 4, choose a new color to add to her artwork on Saturday at the Cosi Art Center. Mae is with her mom, Sarah Gambee, and baby brother Grant. (Kat Bryant | The Daily World)
