Process Art Class: Drawing Exploration

INTRODUCTORY NOTE, for those who haven't yet experienced an art class with me, about what to expect: my classes are very process-oriented, moreso than product! I do not offer instruction to create step-by-step artwork; each child's art will be fully unique. To me, emphasizing process - particularly in the younger grades - is paramount to creating a child who wilingly engages in art-making. If you are looking for a step-by-step product-oriented class - this isn't it! On some class days, your child will spend the whole class period exploring the possibilities of a new medium, and on those days there might not be any 'product' whatsoever to speak of. But please rest assured: even if you don't always end up with something you'd want to hang on your refrigerator, your child will be engaged in joyful exploration, learning concepts as they go. My goal is for students to learn very early on that they never have to ask, "Can I do (insert anything - draw a car? draw a flower? do something different)?" - because the answer is always YES!

Making art is about exploration, and in this class I'm providing a safe and supportive space in which to facilitate learners' exploration of art materials and creative expression. I'll demonstrate techniques, and during many weeks kids will then have the opportunity to explore those ideas in their own artwork in whatever way feels good to them. I cannot tell you exactly what your child will end up with on any given day because even if I'm demonstrating continuous line drawing with pictures of bugs, your child might veer in a different direction. 

This is not to say that every project will be completely open-ended, but I allow a lot of creative freedom in students' individual interpretations, and I'll never tell your child to stop making something in order to specifically do it 'my way.' 

WHAT WILL A CLASS SESSION LOOK LIKE? 
Our 45 minutes together usually works out to be 5-15 mins discussion/demo; 20-25 mins working; 5-10 wrap-up and sharing.
-I'll introduce the day's idea. Sometimes we will begin by looking at and discussing artwork related to the topic at hand (please note, though, we won't be looking at famous artworks with the intent of creating our own version of them).
-I'll demo, using a document camera to highlight my hands working. 
-Students will spend around 20-30 minutes working.
-We'll spend the last few minutes sharing and reflecting on our work (whomever would like to share).

WHO AM I/WHAT IS MY TEACHING APPROACH?
I'm an enthusiastic teaching artist, museum educator and bookmaker, and I've been teaching art for more than two decades in NYC in a huge variety of settings, including private schools, public schools, libraries, homeschool groups and some of the best art museums in the world. I delight in sharing in student discovery.

I strive for an interactive environment; I ask questions and hope learners will respond! During demonstrations, I highlight my hands using a document camera, and offer clear instruction about what I am doing. I check for comprehension throughout work time. 

A note on sharing: I ask students to share, but never insist - I don't believe in forcing anyone to share their work or their thoughts! I will ask them if they'd like to, and learners are always welcome to volunteer, but I understand that some kids are more shy than others and, having myself been a kid who didn't like to speak up too much in class, I know what it feels like when teachers push you to share. It is my hope that any learners who feel shy initially will eventually feel brave enough to share their work and speak up.

I'll be sprinkling in art vocabulary & talking about art along the way - as a museum educator, I love facilitating conversation about artwork with kids! Looking at and discussing the work of ourselves and others (peers, or established artists) is an important skill to develop in tandem with art-making. 

OUTSCHOOL RULES OF NOTE:
-Although siblings are welcome to share a camera, each individual learner must be registered.
-Cameras must be on to verify students and I prefer they stay on for the duration of class so I can gauge how learners are doing. However, if they wish to turn them off during work time that's fine.
-Adults & other non-registered individuals may not appear on camera. You may sit near your learners, but please stay offscreen.

Feel free to reach out with any questions. I hope to see your learner in class!