Creativity Challenge...

"The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with objects it loves." - Carl Gustav Jung

As art educators we want to encourage students to try new materials and different ways to use common art mediums. When an artist lets go of the restraints of expectations we open up the opportunity for creativity.  I am starting off the second semester with PLAY.
Students will be encouraged through a variety of TASKS to help loosen up the art making and hopefully shed fear for laughter and FUN in art making. During class students will be inspired by artists like Oliver Herring, part of the Art 21 PBS Episode "Play". If you are not familar with the idea of a TASK Party I invite you to check out Oliver Herring's- Task Party website. In 2006 I was fortunate enough to be a chosen participant in a Task party held at the Hirshhorn in Washington DC. The event made me feel like a kid again for a day!

In a season of testing and assessments our school environment fills the minds of our students with stress and fear. I want to give my students an opportunity within the day to find joy in learning, experimenting, and discovering their personal artistic voice. A series of artistic challenges will provide artistic skill building and provide small tasks to complete. The series of tasks will culminate in a mixed media creation inspired by how my students define and cherish the concept of PLAY.
As artists and art educators how do we continue to play, experiment and find joy in creating? What inspires you to create? Mid year for students and educators can pull us into the grey season of winter slumps. Instead of feeling dreary, I challenge you to take a moment in the midst of the great Jonas snow storm of 2016 to work on finding your own personal joy in creating... now GO, PLAY!