Hi Heads. At many meets that I've attended, there were also youngsters present. The ages ranged from 5 or so right on up to early teens. At some meets, some of these younger up-and-coming Letterheads were getting right into the paint, and doing their own projects. I have to admit to being quite impressed with the ability of some of them...they REALLY shone. At the 20th Anniversary Meet in Denver, they even had a kids workshop area set up specifically for the younger set.
What concerns me is just how well these kids are supervised when working with some of the more dangerous materials that are now available. Hardner comes immediately to mind. At the last meet I attended, there was a paint table with a wide selection of colours and additives readily available to all. Kids were also painting panels there as well, and I'm wondering if any of them were using a hardner without fully appreciating the risks and precautions necessary for using this additive. When you're young, you tend to think that nothing bad will happen to you, and that you're "invincible". Perhaps parents too have this sort of state of denial, and think that nothing bad will ever happen to their kids. We live in a changing industry folks. There are things far more dangerous available to use than were previously available. Perhaps that it's time also for Hosts of Future Meets to consider what level of supervision kids should have when attending a meet.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Hey ken, maybe the answer is because persons believe that in order for these type of things to hurt you that they must be airborne in order to do so. Granted when someone airbrushes these particals are airborne but what most persons don't understand is that even waterbased paints are toxic to some degreeand can hurt you.
Hey what the heck, its only someone elses life and its not like its yours or mine!
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
Well, on my first post about the " Spring Fling, A Gathering of Craftsmen " , I want to have a safe area for the kids to have fun in....... afterall, they ARE our future !!!! (( But, barbed wire and electric fence containment does come to mind )) Because, I have a 7 yo grandson that will seek out all kinds of trouble to get into !! I will put more emphasis on the safety of our children is the direct responsibility of the parent or guardian. Paints and hazardous materials will be in an area accessable only by trained professionals !!! (( well, adults )) Okay... people over 18 !!
[ October 05, 2001: Message edited by: John Smith ]
Posted by Kathy Joiner (Member # 1814) on :
John, you can change that to trained professionals after I'm trained! I would love to bring my 10 yr. old grand-daughter to your meet. I have taught mine that it is their responsibility to behave properly, and mine to reward accordingly. or Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
At the Duck Soup Splatter Jam,The "childrens"area had non-toxic paints,markers,crayons,and chalk for use.Although unsupervised children got thier hands on chisels,No injuries occured
or