Kaleidescope Celebrates 25 Years

For 25 years, in a little blue house, Jill Funk has been Barrington’s art instructor.  She began teaching clay sculpture in the basement of her house. Eventually she moved into 205 South Cook St., where she opened with teachers available for every medium. 

“You will see one whole room of the children and that would entail drawings, painting and all the media from 4 years old to the 12th grade,” Funk said. 

This Sunday, Sept. 25, at , Funk would like to request the pleasure of art lovers' company at the Kaleidoscope 25th Anniversary Celebration of imagination and skill. 

The exhibition will include The Summer Children’s Art Show, and an Adult Art Show, which is a showcase of teachers’ work, both past and present. All are a physical representation of ’s philosophy, which states that “art should not be limited to a special few. It is for everyone of every age and should be rooted in life.”

There are the expected mediums: painting, sketching and sculpture, but visitors also will see glasswork, fabric creations, and fanciful mixed media. 

Even visitors will have the opportunity to become a part of the art community; a community mural will be available for painting. In addition, for those who prefer to sit that out, a cartoonist from the school will create caricatures.

Pre-show viewing demonstrated that the children’s art is vibrant and shows signs of free expression mixed with guidance. The adult display, which includes teachers, is outstanding and some of the pieces are for sale. 

“They all are remarkable,” Funk said. “Even the 4-year-olds’ — they’re all treasures.”

The school is a haven for those who want to revel in the wide variety of mediums. Small child/teacher ratios are one of the many advantages offers. 

“We only take five of the little people, and six to eight of high school and adults,” Funk said.

Kaleidoscope also employs an art therapist to work with children with disabilities. 

“Her name is Elaine McNulty she helps us a lot with understanding them and she knows how to deal with the problems that children have or even adults.”

Funk said art can work miracles in children who might be feeling down or having troubles in school.

“After a while they feel so good about themselves, because we give them so much praise and everything they do is very beautiful," she said. “Even the adults can have insecurity.  Then all of a sudden they’re standing up straight. It’s just amazing what art does. It's therapeutic for everyone, really.”

It seems to work for Funk, whose personality overflows with pleasure. Asked about the 25 years that have gone by since she first invited students into her home, she is effusive. 

“It’s a dream. It’s wonderful,” she said. “I just see so many smiles.”

While visiting the exhibit, attendees will find art projects to unearth any hidden talent, and a teacher with a talent for caricature will be on hand to create portraits. Popcorn, doughnuts, and cider will be offered.

If You Go:

What: Exhibition

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25.

Where: , 200 Applebee St., Barrington

Cost: The event is free.