Homeschooled children explored the “Pencil Me In” exhibit of America’s premier Cuban-American folk artist Mario Sanchez during the inaugural ‘Museums for Homeschoolers’ workshop at the Custom House Museum on Tuesday. Key West Art & Historical Society Education Director Adele Williams led the children through the exhibit of more than 70 sketches on brown paper bags—the majority on permanent loan from local philanthropist David Wolkowsky—which present a captivating look into the everyday life of Key West in a bygone era. Front row, left to right: Sophia Mansour, Stella Mansour, Bella Oliverio, Glenna Barnes, Lily Boa. Back row: Jakob Bursa, Tony Bursa, Vance Bursa, Joya Suter, Grace Suter, Alexandra Monsour, Olivia Monsour, Tori Leach, Kane Leach, Shay Boa, MG Barnes, Samuel Boa.Though best known for his bas-relief woodcarvings, prior to undertaking a new one, folk-artist Mario Sanchez would create a detailed sketch on a paper bag. After exploring the ‘Pencil Me In’ exhibit, the ‘Museums for Homeschoolers’ workshop students, accompanied by homeschool mothers, emulated Sanchez’ method of drawing his scenes before creating intaglios.
