Art Studio 10: Collaborative and independent processes and creations

• Our curriculum is open-ended: activities are intrinsically motivating, allowing for active engagement, sustained involvement and multiple outcomes.

• We emphasize the process in activities that allow children to connect ideas and build their own structure through experimentation and repetition, developing and evaluating their own theories.

• Found, reused, unusual materials: unique processes and ideas are developed throughout the exploration of their shapes, colors, and textures.

• Familiarity with tools: using the tools becomes the focus for many visitors.

• Caregivers are considered in the program. The instructions are simple and open-ended allowing for diverse interpretations. Staff is available to provide gentle facilitation but ultimately the goal is to provide an environment free of judgment, which celebrates process, and where both parent and child benefit and learn from each other.

Art Studio 10 project facilitation for children under 3 years old:

Sometimes our projects may not seem age appropriate for babies and toddlers. We provide a rug area with books and blocks to play with while older children do the projects. Here are some more suggestions of what to do with toddlers in Studio 10:

• Allow your child explore tools and materials with their hands, not their mouth! Touching new textures and shapes help them discover their world.
• All the tools we provide are available for anyone to try. We have beginner scissors, for those who haven’t yet mastered cutting.
• Utilize additional props and interactive areas in the studio to engage your child

Encourage discovery and process by talking with your child about her art work. Here are some tips:

• How can I help you?
• Notice the obvious! You’ve used many colors, shapes, texture, etc.
• What part do you like best?
• I can tell you’ve been working hard, look at all that (taping, gluing, attaching, etc)
• What do you think would happen if..?
• You can continue working on this at home, we have some special materials you may like to add to it.
• …or don’t say anything at all and observe the creative process…

It’s the process, not the product!

Support your child’s desire to experience, explore, and experiment. We encourage you to allow plenty of time for your child to discover their innate creativity without feeling rushed or judged. The artistic process allows children to explore and discover their world.