An Independent Collaboration

As the winter session comes to a close, the girls in this group
wished to create a group art piece in which they incorporate
the beautiful mosaic Art at the Center sign.

They decided that they would divide the postcard of the sign equally
among the artists and use creative license to replicate
the small sections onto a larger canvas.

Each artist interpreted their section in their own unique way,
using different media and techniques for
transferring the designs and shapes.

The end result is an eclectic artwork that
rings true to the process by which it was created.
The image displays the dynamics of working both collaboratively
on a group piece yet in their own individual space.

Art at the Center is grateful for the generous donation of this piece!
It will adorn the walls of the studio as requested by the artists.

Adventures in Shadow Drawing

Remember the overhead projector? You know, that
heavy box of light used for presentations before PowerPoint?
While these kids may have never seen it used in the classroom setting as we did,
they have certainly found a use for it in the studio!

Some brought in little lego men, small action figures,
and arranged them with other objects found in the studio.
They then trace their now much larger shadows onto the paper on the wall.

By collaborating to strategically move the objects and toys around,
they transform their cooperative play into descriptive imagery.

Art Welcomes All Ideas

While children explore different materials in the studio,
it is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way
to use a certain media.

The explorer pictured above has discovered that by rubbing
balls of clay on the canvas covered clay table she can
create different shapes and designs.

Seen below, this young artist enjoys arranging her stamps
on the paper with little attention paid to what
occurs on the paper under them.

To our art explorers, every material has unlimited possibilities
as they interact with them in different ways upon every encounter.
Because they have no preconceived notions about exactly
how to use certain materials, young minds are able to challenge
conventional uses of art materials.
All experiences are new and exciting for them!

Which Texture Do You Prefer?

How is painting different when the surface changes? We thought we would let our art explorers discover some answers by providing some recycled apple packaging from a local grocery store as a canvas.

Many began with a brush, but could not resist the feeling of the new, rough and bumpy surface. This young artist discovered she could also create a drumming sound when applying the colors with her hands.

Others were curious and experimented with the new materials...

...but decided they truly enjoy the flow of brush on paper.


Offering a variety of materials and textures allows children to experiment and notice how different media interact on different surfaces.

Artmaking Facilitates Expression

 A lot of my posts focus on how art making facilitates developmental and communication skills in children. It is equally important to recognize that art making facilitates meaningful expression of emotion and life experiences. This young artist built a train out of the crystal climbers at the light table. She has verbalized interest in the train before, and her mother explained that her father takes a train to work in another city.

She spent a large portion of the class playing with the train that she built, mostly narrating her play with the construction. She used the blocks to create what is forefront in her mind and her life at the moment. Building the train out of blocks allowed her to express what is happening in her life through art, and provided the opportunity to verbalize her experiences as well. She has used art making as a means of self-expression, which allows for others to naturally see what is foremost in her thoughts and feelings.

Big Circle Paintings

Working together to create a collaborative art piece presents a different set of challenges than when working individually.

Young artist must first consider how to approach the painting. 

Is there a plan? Or should we just dive in?

Creating a collaborative piece requires the ability and willingness to accept and compromise with others decisions.

The results can be an eclectic combination of colors, images, and stories that the group can be proud of and reflect on the experience of working together on a piece.

Block Play

Building with blocks offers children the experience of interacting collaboratively in the studio. These boys had elaborate stories to go along with their buildings. A few of them decided to draw their constructions as well, which is an effective way for children to reflect on their work and the process of building and communicating within the group setting.