Joyful Art Making

Every year, as the end of the year approaches, I look forward to seeing the Art Show. I love it for so many reasons. The aesthetic beauty and quality of work speaks volumes about our art program, our school and how we value the light in each child.

I love seeing every child represented. This show is not about a handful of talented artists for whom we are giving a platform. It’s about seeing that every child is gifted.

It’s also about the value of art. We need beauty. We need people who can see the world in ways that teach us to see in new ways. As artists the children are “speaking” with their imaginations, hands and with materials that they have explored. Whether the work is expressing their dreams (Yellow Room Dreamscapes) , who they are (Red Room Puppets), or their favorite owls (Green Room Owl Puppets), there is important learning happening. In their butterflies (Blue Room), Owl Sketches (Orange Room) and Self Portraits (Purple Room) you have a window into how children see themselves and perceive the world.

I hope our children get the message when they see their work displayed with all the art in the school that they are gifted and that they are artists. As they grow and thrive in Brooklyn Friends they will continue to make beauty with their eyes and hands. They will create.
Pablo Picasso said “Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”

Looking at the art show I think there is a chance that these children will continue to see themselves as artists even when they do grow up.

Thank you all for a wonderful year. May your summer be filled with creativity, joy, and beauty!

Thank you for your children,

Maura