LVCC School-Age Artwork To Be Displayed at Allentown Art Museum

The after-school participants from LVCC at Lincoln School in Emmaus pose with Artist Jill Odegaard
and their woven rug, which will be on display at the Allentown Art Museum. 

LVCC families will have the opportunity to view their children's artwork at the Allentown Art Museum this summer. Nearly 100 children, ages five through 12, participated in Woven Welcome, a community-based art project conducted by the Allentown Art Museum. Woven Welcome utilizes weaving as a way to connect individuals and groups through the creative process. The program is the brainchild of local artist and Cedar Crest College Art Department Chair, Jill Odegaard. 

Museum representatives brought mobile looms to LVCC's after-school programs at Muhlenberg, Lincoln and Shafer Elementary Schools, as well as Nazareth Area Intermediate School.

The children learned the art of weaving rugs while working in teams, which required communication and problem solving skills. They quickly caught on to the pattern of looming over and under the warp.

Each weft thread represents individuals weaving through our day-to-day lives, and the many roles we play. As more material is added, a "community" soon forms.

Beginning June 3rd, the colorful rug segments will be connected and then unveiled as part of larger exhibit at the Allentown Art Museum throughout the summer. LVCC's rugs will be tagged for easier identification. Admission to the Museum is free on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 4:00 p.m.

The after-school participants from LVCC at Nazareth Intermediate proudly show off their finished rug.

The woven rug made by LVCC at Muhlenberg School students will be among the many displayed.

Martial Arts At LVCC Teaches More Than Self-Defense

LVCC welcomed Sensei Joe Kortbawi of Leading Edge Martial Arts for a special martial arts class at four of our Nazareth and Easton after-school programs. Over 145 students actively participated in learning basic karate techniques which instilled character-building skills like discipline, respect and self confidence. The goal of the program was to learn ways to stop a bully without resorting to violence.

Children who react to antagonism or have trouble sticking up for themselves may become targets for bullying. Bullies often pick on someone they view as less powerful. Practicing a few practical self defense moves in a safe, positive environment will increase a child's self esteem.

"When children exhibit confidence and self-control, they are far less likely to become victims of bullying," explained Sensei Joe.

Standing at attention was one of the first stances learned, and the most important when listening to the instructor. Each move required focus and coordination.

The first rule of fitness - warm up your body through stretching exercises to prevent injury. 

Working with a partner, the children practiced basic karate kicks and punches (with no physical contact) under Sensei Joe's instruction. He showed the children fundamental moves to get out of a hold when grabbed from the front.

Through role-play scenarios, the children became empowered by using body language and their voice. By getting help from friends or adults, the children learned to defuse a bullying situation. The program encouraged conflict resolution, using physical self-defense only as a last resort.

This program was made possible by donors to the Program Enrichment Fund.