The first week of classes at US and Art was a whirlwind of creativity, courage, and resilience. As we opened our doors to students ranging in age from 3 to 103, we witnessed numerous instances of individuals embracing a growth mindset, a foundational principle we strive to instill in our community. Here’s a glimpse into the transformative journey many of our students embarked upon in just the first week.
The Project
This week at US and Art, our younger students embarked on an exciting and insightful project: drawing self-portraits. The process was both challenging and liberating, designed to help them see themselves—and their art—in a new light.
Blind-Contour Drawing: Seeing Without Judging
We began with a blind-contour drawing exercise, a playful yet profound method where students used mirrors to draw their own faces without looking at their papers. This exercise is a favorite at our studio because it encourages students to truly observe and notice the intricate details of their features without the pressure of creating a perfect likeness.
As the children focused on their reflections, they traced the contours of their faces with their eyes and let their pencils move in sync. The result? Wacky, abstract drawings that often prompted giggles and wide-eyed astonishment. This exercise was about more than just fun; it was a powerful lesson in letting go of perfectionism and embracing the process of seeing and creating.
Letting Go and Embracing Creativity
The blind-contour drawing session served as a gentle introduction to the concept of letting go. Many of our young artists, like so many of us, can be their own harshest critics. By creating in a way that made perfection impossible, they learned to appreciate the beauty in imperfection and the joy in the act of drawing itself. This liberating experience set the tone for the next steps of their project.
Mirrors Again: A Closer Look
After the initial blind-contour exercise, the students returned to their mirrors, this time with a bit more structure. Armed with their newfound ability to see details without judgment, they began a more focused and deliberate drawing of their faces. They noticed the curve of their noses, the shape of their eyebrows, and the unique patterns of their hair. This time, they were more confident, and their drawings reflected a deeper understanding of their own features.
Throughout the week, the studio buzzed with excitement as the children discovered new aspects of their faces and their abilities. They shared their drawings with pride, comparing their first blind-contour attempts with their more refined self-portraits. The transformation was not just in the quality of the drawings but in the attitudes of the students. They learned to appreciate the process, celebrate their progress, and most importantly, see themselves with kinder, more curious eyes.
Celebrating the Journey
This self-portrait project was about more than just drawing faces; it was about seeing oneself clearly and kindly. By engaging in these exercises, our young artists practiced mindfulness, patience, and self-compassion. They learned that art is as much about the journey as the destination, and that every line, no matter how wobbly, is a step towards understanding and expression.
A Canvas of Emotions using growth mindset
From the very first day, it was clear that our studio would be a place where emotions ran high and breakthroughs were frequent. One of our youngest students, a girl who initially burst into tears at the overwhelming prospect of starting something new, exemplified the heart of our mission. With gentle encouragement and the space to make mistakes, she soon began to find joy in the process of creation. By the end of the week, her tears had transformed into a proud smile as she showcased her artwork, a testament to her newfound confidence and resilience.
The Challenge of Frustration
Frustration is a natural part of the learning process, and our students faced it head-on. One memorable moment involved a student who struggled with a particularly challenging technique. At first, he was visibly disheartened, contemplating giving up. However, with the support of our instructors and the encouragement to view mistakes as opportunities for learning, he decided to persevere. His determination paid off; by the end of the week, he had not only mastered the technique but also developed a deeper appreciation for the art of persistence.
From Fear to Fun
For many, the fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, especially when it comes to trying new art techniques. We saw this fear turn into excitement for several of our older students. Initially hesitant, they approached their projects with caution. But as they began to experiment and realize that mistakes were not only acceptable but celebrated, their fear dissipated. The studio was soon filled with laughter and animated discussions about the joy of discovering new methods and styles. Watching them transition from fear to fun was incredibly rewarding and a true reflection of the power of a growth mindset.
A Community of Learners
What stood out most during this first week was the sense of community that blossomed among our students. Regardless of age or skill level, everyone was united by a shared goal: to learn and grow through art. Older students offered words of wisdom to younger ones, and in return, they were inspired by the unfiltered creativity and enthusiasm of the children. This exchange of ideas and experiences created a vibrant, supportive environment where everyone felt valued and encouraged.
The Beauty of Growth
At US and Art, we believe that art is not just about the finished product but about the journey of creation. This first week has shown us that with a growth mindset, our students can overcome challenges, embrace new techniques, and find joy in the process of learning. We are incredibly proud of how our students have started their artistic journeys and look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and flourish.
Here’s to many more weeks of creativity, resilience, and the beautiful messiness of learning through art. Together, we are painting a future where every mistake is a stepping stone to greatness and every new attempt is a brushstroke of courage.
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