Working with children has always inspired Sara. She is a creative person, and enjoys exposing kids to different outlets for their creativity. While doing a Community Health internship with the Kids Connection program at the YWCA in Mankato, she spent a lot of time thinking of ways to unleash the imaginations of the kids she was working with.

"Tottom To Bop" was held in the summer of 2006 at the Raydiance Salon Gallery. The show featured drawings, paintings and sculptures by Mankato area children. Hundreds of submissions allowed us to literally cover the walls from bottom to top with amazing artwork.

Artist Statement

Bayard and I came up with the idea of an art showing of children’s creations after he spotted a drawing on my fridge from a child I was working with. The result was a success. Bayard provided the supplies for the kids, and they got working. Some days during art time I would give them a specific theme to work with, such as family and friends, or their dreams. Other days I would encourage their imaginations to wander, and they could create anything they wanted. Most of the creations were drawn, painted, or molded with clay.

The end result was the “Tottom to Bop” show at Raydiance, featuring work of about 25 KC kids, and work of other children in the community that answered to an open calling of kid’s art. I had fun throughout the whole project, both working with the kids, and with Bayard and Shannon. None of this would have happened if it were not for their own creativity and generosity!

Related Links: mankato freepress article • www.bayardblack.com