Art Studio 10

Have you noticed all of the recycled materials we use in Studio 10? The process of making art does not require specialized materials purchased at stores that cater to professional artists. We strive to create a backdrop against which kids can express themselves through creative  projects, drawing inspiration from each other and from a selection of carefully-curated materials. No two creations in Studio 10 look alike. To our adult eyes, the creation may not even resemble something concrete.

Children see the world differently than adults. They do not filter what they observe through much experience, nor do they require as many criteria to define an object. The possibilities are nearly endless.

Explore

A simple cardboard box is often more inspiring to a young child than the contents. When given permission, space and encouragement, children will take the most mundane materials and use their imagination to transform those things into art.

Discover

A significant step in the creative process is making choices. When presented with simple materials, a child must decide what to do. Sometimes their choice is one of process, using scissors, paint, or glue to begin the transformation. Sometimes, a child will choose an endpoint for the process, deciding to create a flower, a rocket ship, or a whale. Along the way, children make discoveries about the materials, their skills and the creative process.

Immerse

Sometimes young children become very focused while making art. Support the creative process by allowing them to work uninterrupted. Offer generous  amounts of supplies so children can make as much art as they need. The final products can always be used later for new projects.

Imagine

Engaged in imaginative play, children experience the world from a different perspective and judge how others respond to their new behaviors. At a very egocentric stage of development, they begin to learn empathy.

Connect

There is always an opportunity to collaborate on projects in Studio 10 by using a puppet made by another artist, by participating in a performance  involving friends and family, or by contributing to a large artwork like the  Trash Castle. Even pre-verbal children can easily make a connection with  another individual by sharing ideas and materials while engaged in the  creative process. Each child approaches the process with their own perspective and imagination, inspiring, and being inspired, by other artists.

Museum at Home

Wait for kids to ask for help with tools. Many children can’t effectively use scissors until age 5. Let them play with scissors and other tools, but do not intervene until they ask.

Keep packaging and other simple materials around for kids to use in their creations. Provide a drawer or box for them to store their supplies. Provide simple, non-toxic, washable supplies they can use in their creative process. Include crayons, markers, glues, stickers and other  simple supplies.

Create a “mess safety zone” by laying down an old vinyl shower curtain or taking your art outside. If children are worried about making a mess, it may  limit their creativity.

Set aside some space in your home for a display area. Allow children to curate their collection, choosing what to keep and how to arrange their work.