ESCANABA – Kids explored their creativity and learned about color mixing at the Escanaba Library on Wednesday.

Beth Peterson, an art teacher at Webster Elementary, hosted two free clay color mixing sessions as part of the 2025 Summer Reading Program, “Color Our World.”

“We are mixing colors for a sensory experience with Model Magic Clay,” Peterson said.

Peterson shared that a good friend, and library assistant, Jane Lynch, approached her about putting on a program for kids.

Youth get a chance not only to learn how to mix primary colors into secondary colors, but also to create whatever comes to their imagination.

The first event in June went very well, according to Peterson, and the Wednesday event followed suit, as the program was completely booked with 25 kids.

“It’s always a crowd pleaser,” Peterson said.

Peterson said she hopes the kids learn and understand color mixing, while also having fun.

“I want the kids to have an understanding of color mixing; that’s like the academic part of it. But I really want them to learn how to manipulate the clay. You know, what’s successful and what’s not,” she said.

The kids were encouraged to create whatever they liked and were provided with extra clay if they wanted to continue making alterations to their art at home.

“When you see kids talking about what they’re making and their ideas – that’s the best part,” she said.

Peterson encouraged the kids to talk to each other and share ideas about what they’re making and why.

“That’s where the best ideas come from, is conversation and sharing; talking about their ideas,” she said.

Noah Johnson Daily Press
Youth at the Escanaba Library use clay to mix colors together during the Escanaba Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Color Our World” event. Pictured are kids mixing red and yellow clay together to make orange.