CHILDREN ARE INHERENTLY ARTISTIC.
THE TRICK IS HAVING THEM THINK LIKE ARTIST.

 

I am happiest when helping to connect a student with their artistic self. For me, being artistic unlocks a part of ourselves that can’t be accessed in any other way. Harnessing one’s own creativity is not only empowering and fun, but it encourages creative problem-solving skills. Artists are ready to explore, tackle unseen hurdles, and embrace newness in a comfortable and safe environment.  My lessons are designed to teach a child how to be creative, how to express their ideas, and develop critical thinking while bringing their individual vision confidently forward. I will also integrate art history and contemporary art connections, giving students a window into the lives and practices of artists around the world. Regularly sharing students’ art in the school community and beyond will showcase their creativity and growth.  My art classroom is the students’ studio space. There they can fumble, try, experiment, excel, learn from themselves, their peers, and me. It’s a positive learning environment where they will feel respected and welcomed without judgment. This means modeling creativity, keen observation, perseverance, collaboration, risk-taking, and respect. That’s a tall order, but I believe the art classroom uniquely can facilitate the achievement of these goals.

-Kristen Kaiser