February Fun

A Good Time

was had by all who came to the Dutchess Arts Camp Family Fun Event at Vassar College
last Saturday!

Thanks to our Teaching Artists, Nina Tantillo Elton, Ann Teed and Kevin Goveia
and to David Bloom for coordinating with the folks at Vassar
Teresa Quinn, Assistant Dean of the College for Campus Activities
Margaret Vetare, Coordinator of Public Education and Information at the
Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

One of the galleries we viewed at the Lehman Loeb was the Hudson River School Painters. 

DID YOU KNOW there's a Hudson River School Art Trail?   

Many sites are right here in our own backyard! The Vanderbilt Overlook is one of the 17 world-class vistas included in Hudson River School Art Trail   

AND one of many attractions that caused National Geographic Traveler magazine to call the Hudson Valley one of 20 must-see places during 2013.  

Other areas known for this painting movement are in the Connecticut River Valley, The White Mountains of New Hampshire and Yellowstone Park in Wyoming

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!
I've been searching the web to find great ideas for treats and projects.
Martha Stewart has a large collection of ideas, everything from cards to treats and thoughtful gifts!

I especially like these easy-to-make hearts 

that hang in your windows to bring cheerful warm light into your home.

Kaboose is another source for fun projects! There are excellent videos of art and craft ideas for even the youngest artist.

Here's a great way to make hearts by using the side of your hand as a stamp!

Here's another great recipe Heartfelt Pancakes  fun to make with kids from
Spoonful.com 

Serve some heart-shaped pancakes to kick off Valentine's Day! Pancake batter makes nearly ideal "ink" on a hot griddle. We used our regular made-from-scratch pancake recipe with a splash of extra milk for fluidity and doubled the recipe so we'd have plenty to practice with.

What you'll need

• 2 cups sifted flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. sugar (optional)
• 4 tsp. baking powder
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups plus 1 tbsp. milk (or buttermilk)
• 4 tbsp. butter or margarine

How to make it

1. Preheat griddle over moderate heat while you mix batter. Sift (with a real sifter, if possible) flour, salt, sugar and baking powder into a bowl. Combine egg, milk, and butter in a separate bowl and slowly stir into dry ingredients. Mix well so lumps won't gum up the process.
2. When a drop of cold water will dance on the griddle, begin cooking. To make a "pen," funnel the batter into a squeeze bottle with a hole in the cap, such as a clean chocolate syrup container. On the griddle, shape the hearts one lobe at a time. They're really just a V shape, which spreads out into a heart on the griddle. You can also write secret messages or your child's initials. Top with fresh berries and maple syrup. Makes 24 pancakes.
   
   TESTER'S TIP: For a perfectly shaped heart, make regular round pancakes and cut them out with a heart-shaped cookie cutter.
   
   
   ENJOY!!
   till next month Alice Seeger