Open-Option Class #1

For my open observation experiences I have been going to see the Hirshhorn's Artist at Work with Youth classes. These classes are taught by Artist-in-Residence Mary Colbe. Each semester Mary teaches 6 Saturday classes based on one of the Hirshhorn's large shows. This spring the classes are inspired by the Louise Bourgeoise show and concern fears, families, and dwellings.

The first class I observed was for 26 kids (age 6-9) and their parents, who tag along. Mary and two colleagues started the session by taking the crew through the Bourgeoise exhibit. They stopped at 3 or 4 pieces and discussed the significance as a group. Mary would open by asking questions to the class about what they thought the piece was and meant, and then spoke about the piece in relation to tackling fear and embracing family. Mary and the students were equally enthusiastic, and many positive comments were made in the galleries.

Next, the group went to the ArtLab. Mary reiterated Bourgeoise's major themes. She then showed a project she made that was a home/box/cell that housed her fears. She explained that, like Bourgeoise, she could get a handle of her fears by examining them. She asked the kids to go make similar projects. They had a wide variety of materials and tools and an endless supply of creativity. We spent about two hours walking around to help the students and ask them about their projects. At the end of class, Mary had the students display their projects at the front of the room and let volunteers explain them.

The project were incredible. Each was more innovative and emotionally significant than the last. No two projects looked alike. The students worked as long as they could on the projects and many said they were going to do more at home.

To be quite honest, I was very afraid the prompt of 'your greatest fears' would end badly. I feared that those negative thoughts would upset the kids and make them dwell on negative things. However, the children all embraced the concept and all felt empowered. I believe the key to this empowerment was a direct result of Mary's incredible teaching style. She was incredibly genuine and enthusiastic and the students really fed off of her. Additionally, the young students whose parents would know about, register for, and drive them to an early Saturday morning class at the Hirshhorn presumably already feel the importance of art. Each of those students because they love art and love making art (as were the other ~60 kids on the waiting list for the class). They did not have to be convinced that what they were doing was fun. They came because they knew it would fun.

However, I wonder know how much that enthusiasm is related to their ages.

To be continued...