Now the year is winding down- new classes are forming for the fall, new students are coming, and good friends are going to try new things- leaving my Studio School after years.  I wish them all the best, and know they will continue to thrive and grow.  An inevitability with an After School for young children- is that you know they will move on.  My goal has been to empower them - to give them the tools to keep expressing themselves.  They must however eventually utilize these tools, no matter where they are.

NYC is crammed full of opportunities for children- who wouldn't want to try them?  A word of caution, however- (which my time with your child hopefully affirms I have the experience to make- if in doubt check my resume on my website, www.joanrobertsart.com)-against jumping into  a seductive art curriculum that boasts of being based on the work of adult visual artists.  If there has been one consistent comment made about your children's work in my classes- it is that everyones work is so different- so unique.  Most of the new parents are astounded when they see that. Usually, in school classrooms, and even in professional classes, this is not the case.

My question:Why shouldn't the work all be different, when each child has his or her way to see the world?

The kind of learning your children have been involved in is not flashy.  It is self growth. It has its ups and downs- as new ways of expression are tried and mastered. As children combat their own fears, and move through them. This is the kind of growth famous artists have been allowed to go through as children, and then as adults.  Matisse, I know, did not paint in a mature style as a child.  He grew.  Same is true with all of them.
Abstract Expressionism gave education and art understanding a big boost- as abstraction was given respect, and connections were recognized between young children's work and that of masters. But children don't need to copy adult art and ideas in order to show their abilities and artistic worth- they are doing the equivalent, in their own voices.
Discipline Based Art Education (described above) looks impressive, because the children themselves are impressive- they can and do paint in the style of famous adult artists- something many adults could not do.  They see the looks, hear the praise, and accomplish the work to get them that praise.  Meantime, they get further away from finding their own voice and trusting it. Many will stop doing work completely. They will be second guessing what is expected, desired.

My question:

Is this moral?

There are many classes out there that allow children to experience different materials in their own personal way- adding to their skills but not taking away from their self-confidence.  Please choose wisely, now that you have seen the work they did here.  They are off to a great self- confirming start.

I know this is a serious note.  I have never pretended to be anything but.  I believe for significant learning to take place, not only the student, but the teacher too needs to take risks, based upon his or her convictions and experiences.

Joan