Robin Brickman's programs connect natural science with hands-on art projects. Based on the books she has illustrated and using inexpensive school supplies, the results are accessible and successful for all ages and abilities. Her most celebrated program is "The Community Mural." These colorful three-dimensional murals are made by the students Robin works with. Murals are usually based on a habitat such as the forest or the ocean.
These workshops are for all grade levels and ages. Everyone’s work is added to the mural. It is made with inexpensive long-lasting materials. By including everyone’s work there can be continued interest in the mural by those students, often for years.
Robin teaches students to cut, color and shape paper into recognizable natural science subjects. Students can continue these skills on their own. In other words, this is not a “one-time” presentation that ends when she leaves the school. That fact is very gratifying.
Robin has experimented with many different art techniques: painting, drawing, printmaking, paper making , bookbinding, calligraphy, and fiber arts. These explorations form the foundation for the sculpted watercolor techniques she developed in the 1990's. Her award winning use of the sculpted paper technique she first used in the book "A Log's Life," set her on the current path of illustrating books in this unique manner. The school workshops she leads are a way to introduce others to a different artistic process and to non-fiction subjects.
A quote from a classroom teacher:
"This is one of the best programs I've seen involving all the children from Cedar Elementary in Hanover, MA. In my 37 years of teaching I've seen a multitude of programs!"
