WORTHINGTON -- Minnesota West Community and Technical College art students shared their talents Saturday with young children as a way to raise funds for an upcoming painting trip to Italy.
During the morning session, 19 children ranging in age from 6 to 8 created a variety of art projects.
"We really put a lot into this package," said Libby Little, who is a Minnesota West work study student in the art department. "We worked solid for the 2½ hours this morning."
Participants did block printing, made paper bag hats, painted jewelry boxes and designed their own T-shirts.
Minnesota West art instructor Bobbie Alsgaard-Lien organized Saturday's fund-raiser. She was ill on Saturday, so Little oversaw the art program.
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"The kids are so adorable. They're so enthusiastic about everything," said Minnesota West student Katie Oleske. "They are fun to work with."
Four children took part in the afternoon session. The small group allowed them to receive plenty of guidance from the Minnesota West students.
"I thought it would be fun to do this," 11-year-old Anna Koepsell said.
Koepsell was joined by two of her friends from St. Mary's School -- Kate Lesnar, 10, and Sarah Janssen, 9.
These three and Megan Blanchard of Prairie Elementary School all agreed that they like doing art projects.
"I like to draw and do stuff with clay," Blanchard said Saturday while she was painting a picture.
Victoria Oye, who will graduate with an associate of arts degree this spring, is looking forward to the May 14-27 Italy trip.
"It's an awesome experience going over there and being able to work with an artist," she said. "I took some fun classes at the end. I do like drawing and painting now that I got exposed to it."
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Oye's sister, who has never traveled outside of the United States, is also going to Italy. She is a student at a college in Iowa.
Oleske traveled to Ireland last year with Alsgaard-Lien and she is looking forward to this year's Italy trip.
"I've seen so many pictures from there and it looks so beautiful. I want to go there and see everything," Oleske said. "I like to draw and paint but I don't consider myself an artist."
In early April, the students going to Italy will have a rummage sale to raise more funds for the trip. People who have items they would like to donate can contact Little at 468-2710.
