A Visit with Vincent Van Gogh (Paperback)

Mays is a poet and artist in Ms. Simone’s art appreciation class. The class is learning about the history and works of the Post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh. As Mays gains knowledge about the style of Van Gogh, he realizes that he has a lot in common with the artist. Like Van Gogh, Mays uses his feelings to guide his painting and writing, but he has a dilemma: he doesn’t know which to do first, compose his poem or illustrate. Mays’s classmates Paris and Manet have a secret magic word that takes them to “The Land of Artists,” and they decide to share their secret with Mays. They say “Wackadoey” three times and then bingo! They’re in the Netherlands with Mr. Van Gogh. The artist teaches them to quickly capture their feelings of real life situations with heavy paint and thick brush strokes. He assures Mays that there is no set order when one is expressing oneself. Find out what happens when Mays returns back to art class. Read A Visit with Vincent van Gogh and you will experience a “Manet Day,” learn to use your imagination to improve your art, and feel coo-cooey wackadoey. So what do you say?

Sima Levy created Mothers Art World to give all children access to the world of art. Art is an essential part of every child’s development, helping them use both sides of their brain while embracing expression and imagination to create something wonderful. Studying art helps children understand the connections, shapes, colors and ideas that exist in every artist’s work. Teaching art history to children in a way that encourages their creativity and interest rather than being intimidating (or boring!) is the inspiration behind Mothers Art World’s Meet the Artist Series. Sima introduced MAW art appreciation to Cohen’s Medical Center and runs, trains and teaches at the Schechter Day School of Nassau County. Ms. Simone is a reflection of how Sima Levy teaches and displays art throughout the classroom. "I want children to be inspired by art history in a way that encourages them to begin their own creations. All children (and adults too!) need to experience being told ‘great job,’ ‘you can do it’, and ‘aren’t you awesome?’ Art gives children just that opportunity to express, learn and feel accomplishment. Charitable work remains a central part of my life. I’m a member of the Women’s Health Committee at Katz Women’s Hospital, a member of the Autism Committee, involved at Sunrise Day Camp, a camp dedicated to children with cancer and a member of UJA’s Connection."