School Presentations

School Presentations

Promoting children's involvement in the visual arts for many years, we are very pleased to have the opportunity to speak to school groups about pursuing art as a career. We want to encourage those students interested in studying art to persist in that goal and to give others an appreciation for the artist and what is involved in the creation of their art.

Each 45-50 minute presentation includes a brief bio about our family from how we began to our current and upcoming projects and events.
A slide show of some of our paintings, our process and the importance of gathering references to work from, and our experience of working as fulltime professional artists and painters.
A detailed drawing lesson (group participation).* Following step by step, students will spend a period of time sketching a detailed drawing that they may take home with them. We will discuss the value of practicing drawing and sketching for their future success as professionals in the visual arts.
Question and answer session.*
After the presentation, each student will receive a full colour mini poster print of a painting by Karen or Rebecca of a symbol of the State of Minnesota (State butterfly, bird, etc.).

*If possible, we ask that the teachers participate in the drawing session. This may help some children feel less self conscious about their drawing or skills. We also ask teachers to ask questions during the question and answer session to help break the ice.

Requested Materials and Equipment

(please notify if any items are not available)

2 Microphones (cordless if possible)
Table or cart for slide projector
A nearby wall outlet.
Slide screen or smooth light wall for slide show.
Several sheets of white paper for each child to draw on, preferably 11x17.
Children may bring their own art supplies with them to the presentation (pencils, coloured pencils, crayons, etc.) Please provide one sharpened pencil for each child in the event they do not bring their own.
Room for presentation. Large groups will require a gymnasium or other large facility, smaller groups may gather in art classrooms or media rooms. Smooth floors are a helpful drawing surface. We will be bringing a number of easels to show full colour posters of some of our illustrations and artwork (please plan for extra space needed).

Fees for presentations are $800.00 per day plus travel expenses (a lunch for the artists is also requested). If the site of the presentation is a distance away, overnight accommodations are requested.

Please email or call us at least several weeks in advance if you are interested. Books (personalized for any child) may be ordered from the Lathams up to 2 weeks ahead of the scheduled presentation.