Caryn Michael, senior art education major, teaches students at a recent workshop for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Panhandle. (submitted)

Shepherd University’s Department of Contemporary Art and Theater partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Panhandle to raise money for mentoring programs for children in the community.

The event, A Little Affair to Make a Big Difference, was held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Shepherd University. The artwork created by the children will be auctioned off on Nov. 10 at the Purple Iris in Martinsburg.

Caryn Michael, senior art education major, helped plan for the daylong workshop to help foster an appreciation of art as the boys and girls learned new skills while creating original paintings for the sale. Michael said she watched and helped the boys and girls develop their own creative works.

Katelyn Smoot, senior photography major, documented the children’s work and took photographs of their paintings, of which they will later receive a print.

“The Shepherd University Department of Contemporary Art and Theater is proud to help Big Brothers Big Sisters ensure the future of the youth of today,” said Rhonda Smith, professor of art and chair of the Department of Contemporary Art and Theater, in a release. “We thank them for doing such a great job and partnering with Shepherd University and the department for this daylong art program.”

“This was a great event that brought together the local children and local art students to make meaningful and heartfelt art,” Michael said. “Both Katelyn and I had a wonderful time doing this and making beautiful art with all the kids. We loved the experience and the kids and would do it again anytime.”