At Kohl Children’s Museum, our Art studio was getting a makeover. With a new layout and chairs that needed some love, Cori O’Connell, our Art Education Specialist, proposed a challenge to the staff here at the museum and asked us each to submit a chair design. Immediately, I had a plan in mind and sketched out the front and back of a chair. However, when designs were reviewed, and it was time to paint the chairs, something just didn’t feel right. I began to sketch out my design onto the chair and wasn’t feeling it. When it comes to work or school, I always tend to lean more towards the look at the facts, stick to the plan etc. But with art, it gives us the opportunity to explore our senses, take in the whole experience, and let emotions take over. When I told Cori I didn’t think I could stick to my plan, being a true art advisor and mentor, she said, “Okay, then just pick a color that speaks to you.”
The finished chair! Come check it out in our Art Studio!
Immediately, this hot pink-salmon-esque color caught my eye. I was hesitant at first, but as soon as I put the first stroke of color on the chair, I felt rejuvenated. For a few days, I got stuck and stumbled each time I got back to my chair as I added a new element that “spoke to me.” During the process, I ended up researching paint techniques, brush strokes, elements of color and pattern, and learning much more about painting than originally intended. In the end, my chair ended up being completely different than intended, but I love it!
As part of our Early Childhood Connections program, we provide educators with a Process Art Kit. This kit provides activity examples and materials of how to encourage students to explore elements of art and investigation. Process art activities have similar goals to projects. They allow students to take ownership of their learning and outcomes. A project can start on something such as leaves and end up about bugs depending student interest and drive. While I’ve always known that student interest was important, having a reminder to truly feel what it is like to have the power to veer from the plan and explore a whole new area of interest, has renewed my belief in the importance of process art and project work.
written by Amelia Troutman