“Our goal is to help children become informed, engaged and inspired citizens of the places they live,” added River of Words co-founder and executive director, Pamela Michael. River of Words (ROW) is a Berkeley-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting literacy, creative expression and community awareness of our most critical environmental concern: water. It was co-founded by U.S. Poet Laureate (1995-1997) Robert Hass and writer Pamela Michael to help young people make a personal and lasting connection to the environment.

Kevin’s Entry, Birds Over the Bay depicts birds, inspired by the artist’s memories of seeing ducks in his yard and birds flying over the sea near his CA home.  You can’t help but smile when you see Kevin’s artwork. He uses vibrant colors and captures nature in such an inspiring and mature way. This is just one of many awards Kevin has one for his artwork. And he’’s only 11 years old! Click here to read our interview with Kevin, which was published in January.

Birds Over the Bay

For the Grand Prize Award, Kevin received a trip to the River of Words Environmental Art & Poetry Award, Ceremony, where he attended a luncheon and public reading at US Capitol -  The Library of Congress – on June 30, 2010 The ceremony was emceed by River of Words co-founder, former US Poet Laureate,  Robert Hass, recent winner of the both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry.

After the ceremony, Kevin visited and met with California Senator Barbara Boxer in the Capitol, Washington DC, where he presented his 2010 One Square Block grand prize & 2010 River of Words Watershed Art & Poetry winning art work to Senator Boxer.

Kevin and his parents got to meet CA Senator Barbara Boxer following the awards ceremony

Kevin is not just an artist, but a true environmentalist.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is looking forward to Kevin’s next artistic masterpiece.

Congratulations Kevin!

]]> http://smartpoodlepublishing.com/blog/2010/07/07/another-award-for-young-ca-artist-kevin-huo/feed/ 0 http://smartpoodlepublishing.com/blog/2010/06/15/make-a-butterfly-mobile-with-your-kids/ http://smartpoodlepublishing.com/blog/2010/06/15/make-a-butterfly-mobile-with-your-kids/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:45:15 +0000 admin http://smartpoodlepublishing.com/blog/?p=5928

• 4 colored popsicle sticks
• white glue
• yarn
• 1 piece white paper – card stock
• markers
• single hole punch

Overlap 2 Popsicle sticks and glue them together. (see photo) Do this with 2 sets of sticks and then glue them together in a cross. Let this dry well. Draw outlines of 4 butterfly shapes on a piece of 8.5 X 11″ white card stock. You can get inspiration from books or photos and illustrations online or copy those in the photo above. Cut out the shapes and color them with markers on both sides. I used different designs on each side of the butterflies, so there are 8 different designs total. They look best if you outline them in black. Punch a hole in the head of each butterfly. Cur 4 strands of yarn to the lengths you want. 2 should be longer than the other 2, but there should be matching pairs. Tie the butterflies to the ends of the popsicle sticks. Take another stand of yarn and tie around center of sticks where they meet to make a hanging strand for the mobile.

What is Earth Day anyway? It is a special day set aside to encourage people to appreciate the earth’s natural resources and help preserve the environment. It is celebrated on April 22nd each year.

So what can you do with your kids to celebrate this important day?

1. Go to Earthday.org and search for special events in your community. There are so many activities going on through the country today, and this website let’s you search events by zip code.
2. Do some gardening. Plant a tree, buy some seeds for an organic vegetable garden or just plan out your ideas with your kids for a summer garden.
3. Clean up. Volunteer to pick up garbage on your street on the beach, at a park or somewhere else near your home.
4. Learn something new together. Check out a book from the library, or go online to learn about global warming, pollution, consumer use of natural resources or the truth about our world’s diminishing rain forests. Learn about using renewable resources to build homes and products we use every day.
5. Do a craft. Make a wreath for your front door using natural things you find outside. Paint a rock. Recycle some materials into a beautiful craft, like the ones here on Kaboose.com.
6. Visit a museum or a zoo. Find a museum in your city that has an environmental or plant exhibit, or go to your local zoo to learn about how animals other than humans rely on natural resources to survive.
7. Write a story together. Your kids will love writing a story about the rain forest, plants and animals or saving the earth. You can illustrate it too.
8. Send a letter. Have your child write a letter to a congress person or local official about the importance of preserving the earth. You may just get a reply.
9. Eat outside. Celebrate the earth with a healthy, all natural picnic dinner at a park or right in your own back yard.
10. Be thankful. Make a list of all the beneficial aspects of a clean world as well as all the things you could no longer do without some of our natural resources.

Every day should be Earth Day! Now go out there and enjoy it!

Our friends at Action For Nature, a San Francisco-based non-profit, are now taking applications for the 2010 International Young Eco-Hero Awards! The awards recognize accomplishments of young people (ages 8 – 16) whose personal actions have significantly improved the environment. Award recipients will receive up to $500 cash, an award certificate, and other forms of recognition. The application deadline is February 28, 2010.

Their judges are experts in environmental science, biology and environmental health. They select Young Eco-Heroes from applicants from around the world. They are looking for young people to follow in their footsteps.

Kevin Huo, First Place Winner (Grade 4-5) of our “I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest Contest!” won an award from Action for Nature.

Please find more information, including guidelines and the application form, at www.actionfornature.org.

Action For Nature, Inc.
2269 Chestnut Street, #263
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-513-2421

Kevin Huo, Age 10

Before we ask Kevin some questions, here is a list of awards he has won:

Smart Poodle Publishing “I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest!” Writing and Art Contest – Kevin’s spectacular painting of Costa Rica and clever story landed him First Place in the 4th-5th Grade Category.

Kevin’s award-winning entry “Living Color: Costa Rican Rain Forest”

Go Green SamTram Bus Contest – When he was in third grade Kevin won the Grand Prize for this contest for his painting of a bus with an energy conservation theme, reducing the carbon in our atmosphere. His artwork was featured on some of the actual SamTram buses and on the bus passes.

Kevin’s spectacular art was displayed on Sam Tram buses

Filoli Art Contest – The San Mateo County Board of Education and the Filoli organization sponsored an art contest. Filoli is an historic country estate that is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For this contest, Kevin created a painting of the California countryside.

Action For Nature Young Eco Hero Awards- This nonprofit organization in San Francisco encourages young people to take personal action to better their environments, and to foster love and respect for nature. Kevin was honored for his environmental activism. Click here to see the pdf. Apply for the 2010 Action for Nature International Young Hero-Eco Awards 2010. Deadline is Feb 28, 2010.

Town of Atherton, CA Evironmental Program Contest – While in 2nd Grade, Kevin won the Grand prize for his title Green Kid Saves the World.

Kevin proudly displays his artwork and blue ribbon

Mangrove Art Project International Contest – This is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to the protection of the world’s mangrove forests ecosystems. Kevin was the only award winner in the US. He painted this outstanding picture of mangroves, which was included in the organization’s calendar.

Kevin’s award-winning painting of mangroves

Environmental Awareness Camp; Cultural Exchange – Kevin was interviewed by Michael Caduto, Director of Programs to be featured in his upcoming new book about young activist kids

Hip Housing Contest – Kevin won 2 awards for his participation in the San Mateo County Hip Housing Project. In 2007 his painting  “My home is my moving castle” depicted houses being saved from a hurricane after Katrina.  The pictures were included in Foster City, CA calendars.

Kevin won the Hip Housing Art Contest 2 years in a row

San Mateo County Board of Education – Kevin’s work was displayed at a solo exhibit at the school board office, after he was inspired to create 6 paintings of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. (This was not a contest, but rather an exhibit of his work)

Interview

How old were you when you started to show an interest in art?

I was about 5 years old when I started to draw. My Dad draws a lot because he is an architect. Watching him work really inspires me to draw and paint. He’s so good at what he does. My Mom is very creative too. She used to work as a stage manager in the theater.

Kevin with his parents, Kenneth and Gina Huo

I understand that you and your parents are very interested in “Green Living.” Can you tell us how your family got interested in that?

Sometimes my Dad designs Green Living houses and other buildings. He’s taught me a lot about preserving our environment. Our family loves nature too. Through a great organization called V-O-CAL we volunteered for a project to help clean up some nature trails.. We talk a lot about the environment at home and at school. Also participating in the Go Green SamTram contest got me even more interested in the environment. It is important to learn about keeping our world clean.

What is your favorite art medium?

When I first started to draw I used colored pencils only. Now that I’m a little bit older, I also use watercolors.

What inspires you to paint?

I love to look at drawings and paintings from famous artists, but I do not have a single favorite artist. There are so many good ones! I am also inspired by nature and really love learning about and painting animals of all kinds. I love to research animals and places and then combine my interest in nature with my art.

Do you draw from memory, use photos or get your perspective from real objects and scenes?

I usually look at pictures in books for ideas and to see what shapes things are, but I also draw from looking at real objects. Before I start, I always spend time imagining what the finished drawing will actually look like. I often finish the painting, and it looks just like I imagined it would.

How often do you paint/draw?

Whenever there is a contest announced that I am interested in, I paint. I also paint when I am inspired or just get a new idea. Sometimes I paint every week, but not always.

Have you had any professional lessons?

No I haven’t. I have only watched my Dad. He doesn’t just design houses and buildings. He also draws or paints sometimes, and has given me direction or has helped me with ideas.

What did you learn about Costa Rica that interested you most, while researching to write your essay for the Smart Poodle “I Love Costa Rica’s Rain Forest!” Contest?

I knew there were forests in Costa Rica, but I had no idea how many unusual plants and animals were there. I was fascinated to learn about alien possums, which I wrote about in my essay. And the number of different species of plants is amazing! I loved learning about the rain forest, and I cannot wait to visit Costa Rica to learn more.

Kevin, it is great t hear you say that, because the purpose of our contest was to encourage kids to learn more about Costa Rica and the plants and animals of the rain forest. What did you learn about mangroves for the Mangrove Art Contest you won? That painting is spectacular!

I visited mangroves in Taiwan and found it fascinating. I remember the sounds, the smells of the decaying plants and all the animals that live there. Both visiting and reading about mangroves really helped me understand it all. Doing that painting was a lot of fun.

Did you know that we have mangroves here in Florida too?

Yes, I knew that, though I have never been to Florida to see those mangroves. Some day I’d love to visit.

I realize you are only 10, but do you have any idea what you’d like to do for a career when you grow up?

I can imagine myself being an architect and designing green living houses.

That sounds perfect with your talents! Will you design a house for me?

Sure. I’d love to. (laughing)

What else do you enjoy doing other than art?

I love to read adventure stories like yours – Lilly Badilly – and others. I enjoy studying history, like I did with Paul Revere. I also like to travel. I’ve been to Taiwan, where my parents are from and also to Japan. But when I get older, I’d love to travel a lot more and see the world.

What advice do you have for other young students who want to become excellent at art?

The most important thing is to just try. There are so many things that can inspire you to paint; it does not have to be just one thing. Try imagining what the finished drawing will look like in your head before you get started. Don’t be afraid to draw or paint, because if it doesn’t work out the way you want, you can always start over. No one even has to see it. Just keep on trying, and you’ll eventually get it. Never, ever give up.

Kevin, thank you so much for sharing your artistic talents with us. You may be only 10 years old, but you have inspired so many children and adults with your artwork. You are living proof that having a passion can lead to great accomplishments – no matter what a person’s age may be. You also know how important it is to say “Thank You.” That will take you very far. You also remind us that the only way to win numerous contests is to enter them often! Please stay in touch with us and let us know about any future projects you have. Your future is looking as bright as your watercolor paintings!

Epilogue

We all know that “passion” is the main ingredient to success. It is achieved through incurable curiosity and unstoppable motivation. Passion is not something we have to wait for until adulthood; it can appear at an early age. Kevin’s love of art and nature are not forced. These are simply part of his soul. How inspiring for us all!

Ever wonder what Spanish Moss really is? It thrives here in the south, especially among live oak trees that provide the plant with perfect minerals and nutrients. Spanish Moss is actually a flowering plant, an epiphyte, which means that it relies upon another plant to grow, since it cannot grow on its own (much like orchids). It is actually part of the bromeliad family of plants. So you see, it is not really a moss at all. I love the way it looks and the shade it provides!