Giving Hearts for Creative Arts

Why Evolve The Art Studio?

Children intake sensory experiences differently than adults. Their surroundings – colors, sights, textures, and sounds – have a much stronger influence over the way they engage with their world.

Currently, our Art Studio is a bit of a visual overload, while neglecting sound, light, and touch. Our Education Department strives to evolve this space, turning sensory dials up or down to create a safe space that encourages our little visitors to create and process their thoughts and feelings in a tactile way.

COLOR

Colorful walls indicate that it’s time to play and get active. Neutral hues, on the other hand, indicate that there’s an expectation for calm behavior. The blank palate also facilitates a safe space for self-expression, coupled with the fact that a calm temperament enables vulnerability.

SOUND

The museum will always be lively and vivacious, but The Art Studio has the potential to be a calmer space with inspiring music to help a child tune into the task at hand.

LIGHT

We really hope to swap out the fluorescent lighting for a gentler experience. We’d love to even add some twinkle lights!

TOUCH

Through rugs, pillows, baskets, plants, and other tactile items, we can add different textures as a way to promote creativity and bring in the natural world.

ACCESS

As part of the evolution, we strive to bring in an Artist in Residence program, wherein local and visiting artists guide, challenge, encourage, and provide access to all sorts of sensory artistic experiences.

The Importance of The Art Studio 

The Art Studio is a place where imagination can roam free without technology, algorithms, or peer influence. It’s also a universal place where a child can process their emotions, regardless of verbal communication abilities.

It’s important that we evolve The Art Studio to further facilitate expression, wonder, curiosity, persistence, divergent thinking, and pure creativity; it’s these skills that cultivate healthy, creative children who grow into healthy, creative adults.

Children & Their Grownups in The Art Studio 

The Art Studio provides a safe place for adults and children to connect. Together, caretakers and children, can embark upon an exploration – they can investigate emotions, examine thinking, find joy in sensory play.

Young children speak to and about their world in both imaginative and relational ways. Through art they participate in human conversation about ideas, experiences, and emotions. They contribute their perspectives, hopes, and critiques. (Vecchi). 

As a bonus, all donors are entered to win a raffle for a Pretend City Membership (or renewal) for a family of 3. 

Raffle Drawing: One Year Pretend City Membership or renewal for a family of three. All donors will be entered into the raffle. The raffle drawing will be held on Friday, September 24th at 8:45 AM. You do not need to be present to win.