Accessible Art

At some point in its evolution, art became something reserved only for the elite. Up to the beginning of the 20th century, art was meant only for those with deep pockets who could afford to commission it. Modern artists began to question the elitism of art, and contemporary artists continue this work. Even now, art remains inaccessible, especially when it comes to children.

Art in elementary school is often taught as busy work. Something to develop motor skills rather than critical thinking. It’s a break from the “real” studies like math and science. The enormity of visual arts is reduced to making something pretty. While these classes were the push I needed towards a passion for the arts, it was my desire to go above and beyond them that took me farther.

In high school I began to learn more about art theory and history, but it was really my college art classes that gave me critical art knowledge. Why should you have to wait that long?

I believe children can understand the bigger picture if we give them the chance. Last year I had the opportunity to put my theory to the test. I put together a curriculum for a five day Art Camp for six students. Because their ages ranged from 6 to 14, I had to tailor the projects to fit their skill level, but the lessons in technique and history I gave all together. Each day was split into themes like ancient art, sculpture and painting, printmaking and more.

I started the week by presenting each student with their very own sketchbook and work apron that they could decorate themselves. Not only were these items useful tools throughout the week, but decorating them was the perfect activity to begin the creative process. They were given the freedom to decorate the items however they wanted.

I led daily discussions about the evolution of art through history. I gave examples of different artists and pieces from various art movements. Our discussions opened up the students to the idea of expression and meaning in art rather than accurate representation. We discussed art’s influence on society and where we could see examples of art in our daily lives. After these discussions the students would create projects that were related to the theme of the day. They made Greek amphoras, clay sculptures, watercolor paintings, and ink prints, among other projects.

Then came the part of the week I was the most excited for: a real art show. I have attended and hosted a fair amount of art shows, and I explained the process to my students. The older kids seemed less interested at first; they were worried they would be embarrassed to show the projects they had made to friends. Of course I had anticipated this. I assured them that any art they made during the week could be shown, including art they made outside of our structured project time. Then I told them the sweetest part: they may even make a little money. This sealed the deal for all of them. We would display their projects in an art show, provide refreshments, and sell their work to visitors!

Suddenly their free time to create was purposeful, each of them taking the time to create pieces they were proud of. I was always there to help with technique problems, but the creativity flowed from them endlessly. One student spent time outside of the camp to work on his pieces. Another student had a knack for naming his pieces and lent his talent to other students who couldn’t choose a title. It made my heart flutter to see them working so diligently.

Then the night of the show came. We displayed sculptures on a table, hung the art on the walls, placed labels next to each piece. The students were a mixture of nervousness and excitement, coming in and out of the gallery to check for a little “sold” tag next to their artwork. They brought people through themselves to take a look at what they had made. Not every piece was marked to be sold, but special requests and commissions flowed in. A great success! Everything was sold, and each artist received their money the following day.

Since then I’ve been asked by the students and those who attended the show if I plan on hosting another art camp. I couldn’t be prouder of how everything went and how hard my students worked during this camp. I would love to host it again someday.

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If you would like to host your own art camp, contact me for my curriculum and presentations!