“Kids need space to create,” is the simple guidance that award-winning
author of art activity books MaryAnn Kohl offers to parents who are getting
involved in their children’s arty play. Given freedom to explore and make
choices, children are more likely to use their own ideas in creating art. You
see, too often times, adults (parents and some teachers) project a sense of
what a finished piece of art should look like, which denies children the
opportunity to explore and create from their own imaginations, and to learn
from that exploration and discovering.

Why is process art so important? Kids learn as they explore art materials and the creative process of taking ideas from within and bringing them into existence. Art allows for trial and error from which authentic learning can take place. Art is open-ended and fosters individual expression and originality. When kids have the freedom to go through the process of creating art, they are happy and they are learning.

Process art is natural. You need only provide children with age-appropriate art supplies and blank paper, and the stage is set for arty adventuring. You may want to store art materials in shoe boxes or on conveniently situated shelving. “If you’re doing that,” Kohl says, “you’re way ahead in the goal of inspiring learning through play.”

MaryAnn Kohl of Washington State grew up in an artsy family. Her mom was a painter. Her dad was a book printer and was lead singer in a band. Her grandmother was published and her grandfather had a chain of bookstores. Kohl became an elementary teacher and incorporated her love of art into such subjects as math and science. After her first child was born, MaryAnn quit teaching and took up writing, which was always a lifelong passion. By 1985, MaryAnn started Bright Ring Publishing, which is still going strong today. She has written such best-selling favorites as Great American Artists for Kids, Mudworks, Preschool Art, the Big Messy Art Book, MathArts, and the Preschool Art series. She has downloadable e-books and free activities on her website. MaryAnn also writes for Gryphon House, Inc., and she is currently working on a new historical fiction novel.

Respected as an art educator of international repute, MaryAnn Kohl has consulted with such companies as Jim Henson, Blues Clues, as well as major magazines.

Years ago, MaryAnn connected with Abrakadoodle at a NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) convention. She has presented at Abrakadoodle’s annual national conference at the Crayola Factory. This year, she is presenting a process art workshop at Abrakadoodle’s first-ever global virtual conference this May. “We share a common belief in the importance of active discovery learning through art,” MaryAnn remarked. “I am delighted to reach out to Abrakadoodle’s directors and teachers with an affirming professional development experience.”“Art values and respects the individual uniqueness of a child,” MaryAnn said. “If you help kids manage materials and promote exploration,” MaryAnn commented, “you are creating a roadmap of your child’s experiences.” When smushing red into blue, your child discovers he produced purple. Kids love to see what will happen during the creative process. Mary Ann says that kids often ask her, “But what are we supposed to make?” She responds, “There is no right way; no wrong way; just your way.” She says their eyes sparkle when they hear these words.MaryAnn explains that the first time a young child experiments with a new art material, don’t expect a product. By the third experience with that art material, children refine their process and may strive to create a finished piece of art.

Try it! Below are a couple of outdoors activities MaryAnn suggests for your kids to get into the natural “process” of art:

Arty plastic pool play

If you have a small plastic pool, line the bottom with blank white paper. Squeeze blobs of paint on the paper. Select round objects (fruit works great), and gently tip the pool so that the objects roll through the paint leaving prints
on the paper. Perhaps your child might like to add a hand or footprint. At the end, wash the fruit well, and enjoy a healthy snack!

Find a comfortable place for your child to lay down with a view of the cloudy sky. What shapes does your child see? Encourage free thinking. Next, set out some blue construction paper, and a pot of white paint with a paint brush. Invite your child to paint. It might be a very literal impression of what he/she viewed, but it might also be a whimsical interpretation. Remember to keep the experience open-ended. You child is in control of his/her art and will delight in the natural creative process!

Want to learn more about MaryAnn Kohl? Visit www.brightring.com.

Abrakadoodle artists featured at the new art studio opening

Art is impactful and worthy of investment. This was a message that resonated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Allen Academy in Detroit, which on Monday, January 14^th formally opened a spacious, newly renovated space that will be devoted to Abrakadoodle’s art program. According to Dawna Kelly, Director of Abrakadoodle-Wayne County, “We are honored by the Allen Academy’s commitment to the visual arts. They have been one of our customers (more like family members) for the past five years, and we have been providing our art program for students through grade six in a very small space with no water supply.” The new art studio features 24 workstations, two sinks and a space for a kiln to be purchased later this year.

During the formal dedication ceremony, Allen Academy school leader Monique Woodland Phillips was joined by several board members to include Barbara Barrett, Regional Vice President of the charter management group. Isaiah Pettway provided remarks regarding the importance of the fine arts, and Trena Braswell offered comments recognizing the student artwork on display at the event.

The Allen Academy is situated in a former Catholic school, and the art studio space was the former rectory. A priest who lived and worked at the rectory returned to share a heartfelt message about the importance of art education for our society. He talked about a recent visit to a nursing home in which seniors with various levels of impairment would still tap their feet when they heard music or smile at the sight of children’s artwork.

SF 49er's Vernon Davis is also an artist, gallery owner and arts supporter (photo courtesy of Bleacher Report)

On the field, the 49ER’s elite tight end is a gifted football player, but in the studio, Vernon Davis expresses his creative side. Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Washington, DC, Davis found peace and enjoyment in art. He went on to major in studio art at the University of Maryland. Through the years, he has recognized that the arts have been considered uncool. In fact, he grew up trying to keep his love for art hidden. Now, he’s trying to change that perception. Last fall, Vernon Davis opened Gallery 85, his own art studio located in San Jose, California.The studio features both his art, as well as creations by emerging artists. He also created the Vernon Davis Foundation for the Arts. The mission of his foundation is to bring art back as a genuine, viable outlet for inner-city youth, giving them new, positive ways to express themselves. His foundation helps fund arts education and art appreciation for at-risk youth, as well as awards college art scholarships for select youths from low-income communities. Vernon Davis wants to make art cool. Regardless of the outcome of this Sunday’s Super Bowl, we applaud Vernon Davis, who is using his celebrity in a positive way to encourage children in art.

The Cave of Altamira in Spain is famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings.

Kids love animals, and so it only stands to reason that they also appreciate viewing and creating their own animals in art. Throughout history, artists have always created drawings, paintings and sculptures of animals. Cave art reveals ancient paintings that date back tens of thousands of years in which animals are portrayed. Ancient Egyptian artists often depicted gods with the heads of animals. Tribal art generally features a combination of animal and human characteristics that seem to symbolize man’s bond with his natural environment. Mythical beasts of the Middle Ages decorated medieval manuscripts with creatures that sometimes took on secret symbolic associations. Art of the 17th Century featured hunting scenes with dramatic life and death struggles, while 18th Century artists celebrated the natural beauty and majesty of animals in their natural habitats. Victorian artists of the 19th Century painted sentimental pieces of their domestic pets and livestock, while artists in the 20th Century explored a wide range of animal genres and invented some, as well. As we get underway with the 21st Century, we see wonderfully diverse animal artisans.

"Northern Monarch" by Solberg is a great example of his breathtaking watercolor originals.

Abrakadoodle features a number of talented contemporary and classic artists who inspire students with their animal creations. Mort Solberg is a wildlife painter and an Abrakadoodle Artist of Distinction. Children love to create art in his style that  incorporates the use of a large paint brush to create art that combines realism with abstract images. Mort brings his love of nature and the outdoors into his award-winning art, and he wants to foster that appreciation in children.

"Zara the Zebra" by Sophie Harding.

Contemporary artist Sophie Harding enchants kids everywhere with her adorable animal creations fashioned in a Naïve Art style that feature simple shapes and vivid colors. Born in England, Sophie received a diploma in General Art and Design, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Textiles at Central St. Martins. Her training has motivated her to use many different types of artistic media in her work. In addition to Naïve Art and fine art prints, Sophie is a successful illustrator of children’s books and magazines, greeting cards, gift wrap, calendars, tableware and textile designs.

1. Create arty fruits and veggies~ who says eating healthy has to be boring? Your child can make edible art, offering creative fun that is also tasty! Consider making a butterfly.

Edible art is creative, fun and a healthy treat!

Provide slices of apple in a bowl; gather some baby carrots (look for long and thin pieces) provide some blackberries or another favorite berry, and finally, cut up a bowl of thinly sliced, short celery sticks. You might wish to offer some embellishments, such as dried cherries (shown) that can decorate the apple wings. Arrange the edible insect using the photo as a guide.

2. Sculpt a pinch pot~ this is an activity for all ages, and it’s easy to make! In fact, this is a great activity for your children because it helps to develop fine motor skills and muscles in the hand. All you need is some air-drying clay, such as Model Magic. A pinch pot is

Colorful pinch pots are easy to make and offer lots of clever uses!

small, and so you do not need a large amount of clay. Your child can choose to make a little pot in any color, and when it’s done, your child will enjoy adding artful design to his/her creation. Get started by rolling a palm-full of clay into a ball. Once the ball is nicely shaped, cradle the clay ball into your palm and press your thumb into the center. Note that some modeling clay will require more effort to shape. Once the initial dent in the center is made, then you gently squeeze thumb along with index and middle fingers, working the inside and outside as you expand the center. As you press and smooth in a circle, you will soon see the small pot as it takes shape. Make sure the wall of the pot is not too thin. Finally, you can simply draw a pencil design on the interior and/or exterior, or you can paint it in any color you like!

Creative storyboard by Nicole, age 12

3. Sketch a storyboard ~ Kids love to use their imaginations, and they all have stories to tell. A storyboard is a way to outline ideas using mostly images. Whether your child imagines a new video game concept, a children’s picture book with favorite items or simply wants to tell a story using mostly images, this is an activity that promotes visual literacy, creativity and self-expression. Your child can use a large art pad and experiment with image-mapping. Alternately, your child may enjoy using plain note cards to shape pictures into an expressive piece. Provide your child with pencils, colored pencils, crayons and/or thin markers. Give your child lots of space to spread out and work. Start with conversation. “Tell me about your idea. How do you think you want to create your main image?” For a younger child, you may wish to suggest shapes that will help him/her get underway.

"The Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh

Post-Impressionist artists contributed to new ways to make art. Georges Seurat literally made his mark on this style by using tiny dots of color, which would come to be known as Pointillism. Vincent Van Gogh used extensive swirling, curling brushstrokes and vivid colors in his powerful art. Did you know that he created “The Starry Night” in June 1889 during his extended stay at a hospital? The hospital was formerly a monastery and featured beautiful grounds with fields, vineyards and olive trees that inspired Van Gogh during his hospitalization.

Kids love to learn about art and artists, and to apply this knowledge as they create original art in Abrakadoodle programs. Other well-known Post-Impressionists included Henri Rousseau, Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Gains are beyond measure when children develop a sense of confidence and craftsmanship in the process of creating art. Art is such a powerful communication tool, and children in our program learn to appreciate the unique voice that each of them brings to his or her own creative endeavor. Consider enrolling your child in art afterschool to inspire your child’s imaginative skill building!

Original art by Xavier, age 10 of Detroit, Michigan

When children are free to express their ideas, we all benefit. As parents, we can enjoy a view into what inspires our children. Allowing children to create art without constraints provides great fodder for conversation – never judgment. Some children naturally inject humor into their art, while others convey interesting visual metaphors. Give a child color pencils, crayons, markers and age-appropriate art supplies such as scissors, paints and more, along with some sturdy art paper and watch his/her imagination take shape!

Warhol's art celebrates what's popular in our culture

Pop Art just sounds fun, doesn’t it? It brings to mind ideas that are fresh and burst off the page in colorful, clever ways. Pop Art originated in the 1950’s, and it is short for Popular Art, because it was inspired by widely recognized and admired objects, advertising, publications and people ranging from Campbell’s soup to Elvis Presley to comic strips and more.

Art inspired by Roy Lichtenstein's Ben-Day dots

Encourage your children to try Pop Art at home! Talk about what’s popular in our culture right now. More importantly, what’s popular with your child? What with the buzz around improved nutrition and the importance of eating the rainbow, perhaps your child might like to create a favorite fruit or veggie that includes some playful Ben-Day dots. Simple shapes and bold colors will help make your children’s art POP!