The Benefits of Process-Focused Art

This year as we re-introduced our annual Spring Family Committee Fundraiser, each of our classrooms collaborated on large-canvas art pieces to auction off at the event. Our educators offered a variety of different materials for the children to explore as they created these works of art and gave the children ample time to get to know the materials throughout the process. First, the children covered the canvases with strips of tape before working together to cover the entire canvas with paint using a variety of tools. Once the paint dried, they removed the tape and collaged over top using glue and tissue paper. Finally, the children sealed the collaging by painting over top with more glue and a layer of glitter glue for some extra sparkle!

Throughout the process, the children build off of one another’s knowledge of these materials as they experimented and problem solved together. The children in our Shemesh Class developed a system for collaging where some children walked around the canvas adding spots of glue while other children followed behind adding tissue paper on top. While some classes worked to leave the lines left by the tape visible, the Shemesh Class challenged themselves to completely cover the remaining white space.

Process-focused art nurtures children’s learning and growth across developmental domains. Using open-ended materials fosters creativity and inquiry. As children experiment with the materials they learn to predict, plan, and problem-solve as well as communicate their observations and ideas with one another. The children strengthen their relationships with one another and their environment as they connect over a shared experience. By manipulating the materials and utilizing various tools children build hand strength and develop their fine motor skills. Process-focused art experiences also promote focus, relaxation, and self-esteem as children develop pride in their new abilities

While our focus was on the children’s creative process rather than the end product, by giving the children the freedom to explore and create using whichever materials they wanted, each group created a unique and individual canvas representing their class. The children were so proud of their works of art, and they were the highlight of our auction!

 

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