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To view artwork from the 2009 Inspired Art event, please
Jason Krawczak, Inspired by "The Last Leaf on the Tree"
The last leaf on the tree
Struggled through all the storms
Covered by snow
Struck by lightning
The last leaf on the tree
Waited for Spring.The last leaf
On the treeFreezing, andWigglyLike a baby toothHanging by the tip.Hoping it willNot fallAnd be forgottenByIt’s lovingMotherTree.By Elizabeth D., Age 10
Jason Krawczak's website
Brittany Miller, Inspired by "My Mom"
My emotions are stirring because my mom is in Iraq.
She is fighting with guns firing at her.
She is fighting for her life and for people’s freedom.
And when she comes home I will welcome her
with open arms.
My mom is the best mom someone could ever have.
By Taylor H., Age 13
I am a local artist, graduate of MIAD, and current k-12 art education/adaptive arts licensure student at Alverno College. I was inspired to contribute to this project after reading Taylor's poem. The piece I submitted was created during my undergraduate, when my father was in Iraq, and speaks to the danger, uncertainty, and hostile conditions he and so many others faced a world away from my quiet studio. Upon returning to the States, he explained that after being in the desert so long your eyes are unable to detect or even distinguish blues and greens, and further how beautiful and vibrant things now seemed. I admire the strength, love, and support the young poet craft into this poem. I hope my piece speaks for our experiences and elicits a public response of appreciation for the sacrifices of our troops and their loved ones.
Brittany Miller's website
Ryan Laessig, Inspired by "Girls" & "My Sadness"
I like to draw things.
Girls are very smart and brave.
We can play soccer.
By Cassandra A., age 11
In response to this project, Ryan responds:
1) Milwaukee's youth are showing talents that will far exceed things we've accomplished so far in society.
2) I love helping Milwaukee's youth. I even tried starting a non-profit organization called Krayons 4 Kids.
3) I started making websites in college and always had a passion in photography and decided to drop the keyboard and pick up the camera.
My sadness is like an old dog
Who lays down and sleeps all day.
And
It reminds me of the time
My aunt came to visit us.
And
She had to return to Puerto Rico
It made me feel lonely.
And
I want to cry, cry, cry.
By Millianiz A., Age 10
Unknown Artist, Inspired by "A Falling Star"
I saw a star that slides down the sky,
Blinding down south as I passed by
Too quick and too burning to hold,
Too lovely to become old or to be sold.
Good for only to make nice and beautiful wishes on…
And then forever to be gone.
By Rebecca G., age 10
David Lenz, Inspired by "Little Big Man"
I'm Cordell Nichols and I don't like pickles
I hear a lot of good things about me
One day I want to hear some of those things on TV
I see my family when I go home
I have been waiting to see them all along
I'm smart, brave and strong
And that is how I act all day long
I dream of being in the NBA
Everybody wants to be something someday
I try to make a difference in my life
And my community
I'm A Little Big Man.
By Cordell N., age 10
John Colt, Inspired by "My Heart"
My Heart
My heart is marching
It makes everything faster.
My heart is an art masterpiece
It grows more valuable every year.
My heart is a gift.
I give it to my friends and family.
By Janessa R., Age 9
Jamie Wendling, Inspired by "The Last Leaf on the Tree" & "Shoes"
The last leaf on the tree
Struggled through all the storms
Covered by snow
Struck by lightning
The last leaf on the tree
Waited for Spring.The last leaf
On the treeFreezing, andWigglyLike a baby toothHanging by the tip.Hoping it willNot fallAnd be forgottenByIt’s lovingMotherTree.By Elizabeth D., Age 10
This is my second year participating in Inspired Art. I have a bachelor's degree in Art with an emphasis in museum gallery curation. Currently I am a stay at home mother of a sweet little boy. I sell my creations through my etsy account and love the ability to work on single projects in various mediums.
Jamie Wendling's Website
Shoes, everybody wears them.
Nobody shares them.
Some throw them away.
Others keep them for another day.
Some buy a new pair,
Hoping that they don’t tear.
Some take good care of them.
Others act like a bear with them.
Some try to collect them.
Others try to protect them.
Some think they make them run fast.
But in a race they come last.
I see a nurse
She’s wearing Converse.
In the old times Montezuma
He probably wore Puma
Everybody wears shoes.
By Ben C., Age 11
Brad Morgan, Inspired by "Streets"
The books tell me what’s right
The streets tell me what’s wrong.
I am a young pretty girl, so
I’ve got to be strong.
Every time I try to tell you what’s right,
It ends up wrong.
I have to stay strong.
The books help me stay strong.
The streets make me do wrong.
The streets are not for me.
Some people love the streets,
and some people love school
You will tell me what’s right,
and I will tell you what’s wrong.
No streets for me.
Just school for me.
By Brishauna C., age 11
I was inspired by Brishauna's C.'s "Streets." The lure for a child to run amuck tears a child away from the lure of self-improvement and self-fulfillment. In this way, a book is sort of an unfulfilled promise to yourself. A book remains unwritten until it is read.
Brad Morgan's website
Debra Quinn, Inspired by "The Red Monster," "Black," "My Sadness," & "Shoes"
Red is for monsters,
Ugly monsters,
In red shirts.
Red destroys other colors,
Except black.
Red and black are friends.
A little red devil,
A big black hole.
Never mess with an ugly red monster.
By Ricardo F, age 11
When I read "The Red Monster" poem, I felt there was a very interesting image that could emerge from it. I felt the need to try to capture the greed of the red monster and the depth of the black hole. It was challenging to bring an image to Ricardo's poem. I hope he keeps writing.
Black is my favorite color.
Black is as black as a cat.
Black may be death but to me it’s love.
Black may be goth but it’s really a color.
Black is on my fingers, black is on my toes.
Black is a bat, but it’s really a hat.
Black is beautiful, black is romantic.
Black is black and it is my favorite color.
By Jordan D., age 11
"Black," the poem by Jordan captures the beauty of something other may not see or simply dismiss. The beauty of the color black is eloquently described by Jordan. I tried to capture the images brought to my mind as I read it.
My sadness is like an old dog
Who lays down and sleeps all day.
And
It reminds me of the time
My aunt came to visit us.
And
She had to return to Puerto Rico
It made me feel lonely.
And
I want to cry, cry, cry.
By Millianiz A., Age 10
The poem "My Sadness" moved me. I felt the separation from those close to me. To do all that depth of feeling in only a few lines I thought was impressive. Millianiz seemed to me to be a sensitive person who thoughtfully captured a bittersweet moment in her life to share with others.
Shoes, everybody wears them.
Nobody shares them.
Some throw them away.
Others keep them for another day.
Some buy a new pair,
Hoping that they don’t tear.
Some take good care of them.
Others act like a bear with them.
Some try to collect them.
Others try to protect them.
Some think they make them run fast.
But in a race they come last.
I see a nurse
She’s wearing Converse.
In the old times Montezuma
He probably wore Puma
Everybody wears shoes.
By Ben C., Age 11
Ben's "Shoes" poem reminded me of an artist and the long in-depth college critiques I enjoyed of her paintings of shoes. I think recognizing and writing about what we all have in common is beautiful. Ben showed a lot of insight to choose shoes as a subject for a poem. Given that he is so young is even more impressive.
Debra Quinn's website
Angie Fiebelkorn, Inspired by "You Don't Need..."
You don’t need to smile to be friendly.
You don’t need to see the beauty in a rainbow to see
that life has beautiful colors.
You don’t need to fall in order to know you can lift
yourself up.
You don’t need to have doubts to listen to good advice.
You do not need to receive in order to give.
You do not need candy and toys to have a happy
childhood.
You don’t need to see the leaves fall to know that
autumn exists.
You do not need to feel lonely to seek out company.
You don’t need praise in order to believe in yourself.
You don’t need be an author to write about your life;
Nor a great sculptor to make your life a work of art.
You do not need the night to know that dreams exist
And that they can become a reality!
By Karla Z., Age 10
I consider myself an amateur visual artist, specializing in acrylic/oil painting, mixed media/painting, and outdoor/nature photography.
When I read Karla's poem I just thought it was so awesome! It's all about attitude and how having a positive attitude towards life is everything. I was amazed at Karla's outlook and attitude about life. She inpired me not only in creating this piece, but in my own life and how I view situations. It's a reminder for me of how there are two things you can control in life; your actions and your attitude.
Such a powerful poem coming from such a positive young lady!
Angie Fiebelkorn's website
Heather Verhaalen, Inspired by "Blue"
My favorite color is blue.
It sounds like big ocean waves.
It tastes like delicious blueberry pie with ice cream on top.
It smells like a carnation, fresh from the farm.
It looks like a bird tweeting in the tree.
It feels like very soft towel when I take a bath.
By Lauren K., age 9
My art is taking chipped china and turning it into pretty pieces of jewelry. I was inspired by the poem "BLUE" by the sweet way she describes things that are specail to her that are blue. I am so happy to be a part of this special program and to be able to create using, what happens to also be my favorite color, blue.
Dianne Soffa, Inspired by "Rainbow"
Blue makes me lazy
Pink makes me bored
Black makes me sleepy
And yellow makes me hot.
Red makes me mad
White makes me forget
Orange makes me crazy
And gray makes me ugly.
But a rainbow… A rainbow makes me joyful
By Eric P., age 10
Eric P.'s poem, "Rainbow" was the natural choice for me. It reminded me a little of the names on paint chips, only better... "crazy orange", "bored pink", "lazy blue". My work in the studio right now is total color-driven abstraction, so I simply took the poem's descriptors as starting points for this set of four small abstract paintings.
Dianne Soffa has an MFA in painting from the University of Wisconsin. She is one of the artists in residence at Safi Studios, in Milwaukee's Third Ward, and shows her work in the Madison and Milwaukee areas. Look for Dianne's work at the exhibition opening December 10th, 2010 at the Dean Jensen Gallery, 759 N. Water Street, Milwaukee.
Dianne Soffa's website
Minda Devorkin, Inspired by "I Believe in a Childhood"
I believe in a childhood promised with life;
Capable of fighting for a better world;
Where we all have the same opportunities;
Where borders do not exist and race, color
and religion don’t matter.
I believe in a childhood that doesn’t lose its aspirations;
That fights for its dreams, learns from its mistakes;
Celebrates its small accomplishments;
And never loses hope.
I believe in a childhood that laughs about yesterday;
Loves its today;
And is always working toward making a better tomorrow;
Live happily and never lose your childlike soul.
Together we will break down the walls,
And succeed in having the world we all long for;
A world for which we will never stop fighting.
By Karla Z., Age 10
“You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
I hope someday you will join us, and the world will be as one.”
~John Lennon
My altruistic nature was ignited by Karla’s insightful, positive, motivating poem, “I believe in a childhood.” When I discovered a chair in the basement of my in-laws home from my husband’s childhood, I knew this was the vehicle from which I would launch my creativity, and convey Karla’s encouraging, thought provoking message which is so near and dear to my heart. I am a self-taught artist who has worked with children and teens most of my life. Painting and poetry has always been a wonderful outlet for me. My mission both as a past Medical Social Worker, and now yoga teacher is to be instrumental in helping to create positive change and self-transformation, so that peace will transcend into the world. I am honored to express Karla’s message into the universe through my art piece.
Minda Devorkin's website
Thomas Kovacich, Inspired by "The Red Monster," "Without the Sun," & "Waiting for the bus in the pouring rain"
Red is for monsters,
Ugly monsters,
In red shirts.
Red destroys other colors,
Except black.
Red and black are friends.
A little red devil,
A big black hole.
Never mess with an ugly red monster.
By Ricardo F, age 11
What I enjoyed most about Ricardo's poem were the visuals that each line conveyed. The color red is such an energetic color. Yet when paired with the idea of ugly monsters in red shirts, my gosh, all bets are off -- that's quite an image in itself. I've crossed a few red monsters in my time, and I couldn't agree with Ricardo more. Never mess with them!
It will be night, no light
It will be black and white
Day and night
Without the sun
There will only be starlight
Not sunlight
Without the sun
There will be no light
To write the end of
This poem
By Sergio V., Age 11
I was hooked on Sergio's thoughts after reading the second line of his poem. Without light, there would be no color -- it's that simple. No less, as an artist I find the study of light and color to be a fascinating concept -- and one that I remember most when introduced to the idea of color theory. I'm still very much a student in the field because there is so much more to learn. This is what makes it fun. Thank you Sergio!
It’s Pouring outside.
I am not having fun.
Still waiting for the bus,
Makes me glum.
All alone,
Waiting for fun
And maybe some sun.
By Kiara M., Age 9
I wouldn't like standing in the rain and waiting for a bus either, however I do enjoy the energy of weather, especially when it is at it's worst. And, when I'm not in it. Kiara is spot on with her sentiments. With that said, here's a friendlier idea of precipitation on canvas and there were no bus transfers involved in its process. Nice work Kiara!
Thomas Kovacich's website
Greg Schoeneck, Inspired by "My Sadness"
My sadness is like an old dog
Who lays down and sleeps all day.
And
It reminds me of the time
My aunt came to visit us.
And
She had to return to Puerto Rico
It made me feel lonely.
And
I want to cry, cry, cry.
By Millianiz A., Age 10
Simply stated, my work is an expression of what can not necessarily be seen, only felt. My work is an extension of a German Expressionist idea that is: If you are forced to paint a person or object without relying on how it looks to represent it, all that is left is how it feels and the spiritual or emotional impression it leaves with the artist.
Keeping this in mind, my work is an attempt to represent people in states of heightened emotions: archetypes engaged in emotional and spiritual conflict from within and without. My work relies on the use of color and paint to represent energies; creative and destructive energies that are brought forth from us and brought to bare upon us.
My paintings are powerful images, vibrant and dynamic, intended to invoke a response. The viewer is compelled to look at my work; take part, and understand the story of the archetype(s), hopefully identifying with the emotion, the struggle, and the humanity within.
Greg Schoeneck's website
Art, Inspired by Kids
The SCORES Inspired Art Project takes poems produced by SCORES youth and asks artists to create one of a kind pieces inspired by their words. As a part of a new annual tradition, each piece will be photographed and compiled in a graphic collection of SCORES art and imagery. The project offers a new way to bring the words of SCORES youth to life. Submitted and accepted pieces will be featured in the SCORES auction on October 22nd, 2010. Even if you are not an artist, you can be involved by reading the poems and sharing in the beauty of the art. By participating in this cycle of inspiration, you are giving a child a chance to be heard and recognized. You are helping to create something beautiful.
inspiration, noun (ĭn’spə-rā’shən)
1. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity. 2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention. 3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired. 4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration. 5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind. 6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.
Inspired Art Planning Committee
Rania Dempsey
Joel Hamann
Jeanne Jaskolski
Jill Kudick
Debbie Schaefer
Tricia Shinners
2010 Featured Artists
David Lenz
John Colt
Jerome Latawiec
Sally Wozniak
Anonymous Artists
