Structures\u00a0to support\u00a0student artists<\/h1>\n

Art is \u201cthe expression or application of human creative skill and imagination\u201d. To teach children that expression or application sounds like a lofty endeavor. But that is exactly what art teachers do in our schools every day.<\/p>\n

If art is the expression of creativity and imagination, then we need new models. Because art is about voice and originality. There is no right and wrong way to express your vision and creation.<\/p>\n

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Why a new model for teaching art?<\/h2>\n

When I was in art class, the creativity and imagination was strongly guided and heavily directed. The art teacher would show the class, for example, a picture of Vincent van Gogh\u2019s Starry Night<\/a>, and then students would go to their seats with supplies and try their best to copy it.<\/p>\n

That was the model: the teacher would show us a\u00a0shining example, then we\u00a0mimicked it to the best of our\u00a0ability.<\/p>\n

And\u00a0I remember being worried that I wasn\u2019t doing it right.<\/p>\n

I worried that my creation was not as good as the teacher\u2019s. That mine\u00a0looked different. Yet knowing what I know now, I want to give that little girl a hug. Art is often about being original. Looking different. And art teachers should be giving students the opportunity to consider their own products and explore different methods – like a true workshop.<\/p>\n

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