Blending Science & Art

Children discovered where science and art interconnect thanks to a Brush Creek artist.

Wednesday evening at the Hub, professional artist Sarah Fagan showed children a simple reaction – vinegar and baking soda. But the experiment didn’t end there.

Fagan allowed children to also add corn starch and food coloring to the concoction, and mix them up in a cupcake pan. In about a week, the individual mixtures will become water color paints.

Although making water colors may seem irregular to some, the process is well-known to Fagan.

“Today we made paint, which is a little different, but it goes along with making things from scratch, which I really love to do,” she said.

In the past, when Fagan worked as a teacher in Portland, Ore., she would work with children to create books, as well as lead students on other creative ventures. Now, Fagan is a professional artist painting at Brush Creek Ranch, but continues to help children in their pursuit of creativity.

“I decided to leave teaching fulltime, but I wanted to make teaching part of what I did,” Fagan said. “There are no art teachers in public schools in Portland, so I found it can be helpful when artists can volunteer their time.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters is seeking more art involvement because it is important to children, Sarah Lincoln said who was at the Hub Wednesday.

“Art is very important because in this town we do not have an art program except for seventh grade and up,” Lincoln said. “Anytime children can get art it, enriches their perspective and helps them grow as students.”

Fagan enjoys delivering that need.

“I do often work with younger children, and do science experiments, and make art supplies, and watch them figure out what happens next,” Fagan said. “The world is an open canvas and they are so great at thinking outside of the box.”

During her time at Brush Creek, she decided to teach the kids at Big Brothers Big Sisters. The first two weeks, she showed children how to make pop-up books and origami books. She will work with children before leaving the Valley, but Big Brothers Big Sisters officals are hoping to continue bringing in artists, Lincoln said.

“This is the first for us with Brush Creek because we are just starting to partner up with this program,” Lincoln said. “We are hoping that once a month we can get an artist to come in and help out with the kids.”

Although Fagan is leaving soon, she won’t forget the children she taught from Saratoga.

“They are honestly the most creative kids I have ever taught,” she said. “I have just really enjoyed coming here, and the community has just been great. It’s really great to be around these kids and be welcomed into the community.”