Creativity Is a Process, Not a Spark
We often think of creativity as a spontaneous realization – in popular culture, great ideas are depicted as sudden and almost miraculous. However, as anyone in a creative field can probably tell you, this could not be further from the truth most of the time. The truth is that the art of ideas is a cumulative process, in which one takes inspiration from various sources before putting pen (or brush!) to paper.
That’s exactly what our summer rising participants at PS/MS 37 spent the summer learning as a part of “Art Quest: A Masterpiece in the Making,” a project based learning initiative that aims to teach students about the distinct styles and histories of the world’s artistic masters.
Introducing Art Quest: A Masterpiece in the Making
Throughout this theme, students were immersed in the world of art as they explored the works of various renowned artists; specifically the origins of their style and what about their work makes them different from their contemporaries. After familiarizing themselves with various artists and mediums, students were then encouraged to try creating their very own works inspired by their studies.
These weeks of artistic experimentation culminated in our very first gallery event, in which students and staff put together a hands-on experience for family and visitors. To bring the theme to life, the exhibition placed several stations filled with activities such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and other mixed media. Furthermore, to give visitors a better idea of the students’ process, each stand also included a short video depicting each class at work over the past several weeks.
The Lasting Value of Creativity and Imagination
Events like these are an important chance for our entire community – students, staff, and families – to get together and share in the progress of these amazing young people. Regardless of whether or not our students aspire toward the arts in the future, we see the value in encouraging them to use their creative thinking skills and imagination. After all, these are the skills necessary to envision the future.
