Christmas ArtWorkShop

 

What is an ArtWorkShop?

First of all, this is not a grammatical error.  It is a combination of an "Artwork Workshop" and, in this case, a "Christmas Art Workshop." So, in essence, it is an ArtWorkShop; all one word. 

In any case, this artworkshop was an open studio experience that allowed artists to create their choice of Christmas-themed artwork. They could use any of the displayed studio artworks for inspiration, or create something totally unique. 

(Sometimes artists already have something in mind and I certainly encourage this!) 

As the artists' assistant, my job is to provide materials, supplies, technical support, and positive feedback. Nothing more. The artist is responsible for his/her own ideas and creativity. 

Note: I try to incorporate the TAB process as much as possible into an open studio experience. (Teaching for Artistic Behavior.)

This talented artist wanted to work on her drawing skills. The nutcrackers on display in the studio caught her eye, so she decided to create one of her own. 

This artist utilized construction paper to create these 3-dimensional figures, similar to popup cards. This is what I believe construction paper is designed for: imagination-based creation: cutting, gluing, folding, and embellishing with markers, stickers, and what-have-you. 

Viola!

Here's another paper-construction masterpiece, this time created by a four-year-old, with the help of her adult assistant (otherwise known as Grandma). 

While having fun making art, she made a plan and then dabbled in paper cutting, punching, folding, rolling (around a pencil), arranging, and gluing; as well as drawing, embellishing, and finishing a unique project. 

All of these art-making skills and experiences will benefit her when she enters school.

Obviously I don't treat every art class as an open-studio. Novice artists want to learn specific skills or how to use unfamiliar media and as an instructor, I can provide that instruction. However, the best learning experiences often come from self-guided creativity, unfettered imagination, and free experimentation with materials and processes.