Art School

Yesterday evening I was a model.  Yes, didn't you know that I model here in Russia?!  Haha just kidding!  No, but really, I was a model...for an art class of young Russian students.  They were probably about 15-16 years old.  This class is a class taken separate from regular school.  They have art class three times a week for 2 hours.  The students I talked with said they really enjoyed the class.  This particular art class is taught by a lady who goes to the other Wesleyan church.  The teacher saw me at church a few Sundays ago (when our new church came to share about how God is working in the new church) and asked if her students could draw me.  They needed someone different to draw.  Since I am odd looking (no, it is because I am Korean and look different than other people around here), she asked if I could come model for the class. The teacher's daughter has helped us in different ways since we have been here.  You might remember her, Natasha.  She is the woman who came to our first apartment over a year ago and taught us how to cook our first Russian meal! 

Around 4:50pm Natasha met me at the bus stop by the mall and we walked to the art school.  She helped me get situated, answered a few questions, and then left. I actually just sat there for 2 hours while these kids drew me.  

 Of course everyone spoke Russian, but I just sat and listened and tried to figure out what was going on.  A few students were actually studying English, so they helped when needed.  I did understand a few things she was saying.  I guess they were all drawing my nose incorrectly...too pointed.  The teacher even had a student, whose nose was a little larger, come up and stand so she could show them the difference!

After sitting for about 30 minutes, there was a break and the teacher and some of the students took me on a short tour of the art school.  It was pretty neat.  I also got to meet two other teachers.  One was a sculpture teacher and the other teacher taught sewing and other textile art.  

It was a good experience.  I am actually going back on Monday for another 2 hours so the students have another chance to draw me.  Then in a few weeks I will take Adalynn.  We will only stay for 15 minutes though.  If you know Adalynn, you will understand that she will probably not be the biggest fan, but I wanted to make it work for the class.

Here are a few pictures of my experience.

 Some of the students

 I sat in a chair and then the students sat around me in a semi-circle.  They all had easels and either pencils, chalk, or charcoal. 

 Drawing in action

 

 There I am...

 

Philip said this is my Mulan drawing...thanks, honey.

Blessings,

Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen