Studying the Masters and Creating Masterpieces

Exploring Artists' Lives and Works As Creative Inspiration

Self-portraits in pencil, water-color sunflowers, and acrylic abstracts in bold geometric shapes recently transformed Children’s Village 6th floor hallway into an art gallery.

Guided by their School-Age Program teachers, Crystal Hand and Franz Cruz, students designed the display to showcase their artwork, which was inspired by weeks of study of famous artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, and Frida Kahlo.

(Left) Teacher Crystal Hand developed the project to inspire students to express themselves through art.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) : Allowing For In-Depth Discovery

Our School-Age Program's multi-week Project Based Learning (PBL) approach allows students to explore in-depth topics of interest. Ms. Hand developed the ‘Creative Minds’ PBL to focus on the context, history, and traditions that had informed the artists' work. Each student developed an art portfolio and the project culminated with the children creating the hallway display.

Building More Than an Artistic Portfolio

Ms. Hand’s aim was for students to build more than an artistic portfolio -- she also wanted them to build confidence and self-esteem.

“Franz and I teach the older students, ages 10-13. These children face pressure: some are entering puberty; they strive to do well academically; and they feel pressure from their peers. I wanted them to understand that art offers freedom of expression, and that artwork is unique to each individual. Exploring what inspired artists also helped students discover what inspires them,” says Ms. Hand.

She stressed to the students that there is no right or wrong way to create art. But she did require this: “They needed to be thoughtful and intentional in their approach. We wanted their best effort,” says Ms. Hand.

A student creates a still life drawing using colored pencils. Teachers encouraged the children to use any medium of their choosing.

Teacher Franz Cruz (center, wearing hat) works with students on artwork for their portfolios.

Guiding Gallery Tours: A Show of Confidence
Several classrooms, staff, and parents toured the gallery. Student guides were on hand to offer their perspectives on the artists, their artwork, and techniques. In fact, the students’ enthusiasm to serve as guides affirmed to the teachers the project’s positive impact on confidence and self-esteem.

“Initially, many students were reluctant to create art in front of their classmates. As they immersed themselves in their work, their pride grew and they were eager to show and discuss their work and that of their classmates,” says Ms. Hand

Respecting the Role of the Creative Process
"Our teachers encourage children to express their emotions and experiences in ways other than verbal. The creative process itself is incredibly important, helping to develop imagination, originality, productivity, and problem-solving abilities. With that said, we truly loved the art gallery and were thrilled by the students' pride in its presentation. This PBL reflects the incredible work our teachers do every day to support the whole child," says Mary Graham, Executive Director, Children's Village.

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