My fourth grade teacher walked around our classroom one day with an old, burgundy velvet bag. “Reach in and choose something”, she said. We all were very curious, then proceeded to write our stories about the small, mysterious object that we each had selected. I can still remember the excitement and intrigue of that writing project. The magic of it was that it was a free, adventurous, “who knew where it would end up” creative experience.
From childhood, the memories that last seem to be the ones a bit off the beaten track … that paper mache roadrunner I made when I was 10. How thrilling it was to work the material into the shape it would become, adding to it beads, stones and anything I could get my hands on. Funny thing, the influence of that art experience is still evident in my work today.
Being free to create with a variety of materials can open a child’s eyes and mind to the diversity of the world. The joy of discovery of color, texture, line and shape, and the opportunity to see how these elements can evolve can teach kids about possibility, to problem solve and to look at many things in life in a new way. Exploratory art can be simple… gather some materials and just “go with it.” You can also find a variety of these experiences for your children right here in Santa Clarita at our local Art Walk, at the ARTree Community Arts Center’s booth each month in Old Town Newhall.
Please join us on each first Thursday of the month from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a variety of exploratory art activities, from painting to weaving, to recycled art and even music and sound experimentation. Materials are complimentary and supplied by The ARTree. Don’t miss this fun and free experience and another opportunity to create a special childhood memory for your kids. It can help shape their future, and they may remember it for years to come.
Paula Dwyer is a designer and mixed media artist, and is the Art Walk and Special Projects Chairperson for The ARTree Community Arts Center.