Fine Arts & Theater

This blog was written by Giovanna Dasso, Public Allies Volunteer and resident artist.

The art program is growing. I have an art's and craft's time everyday Monday through Thursday with my class. The kids love it a lot. Art time is a time where the children have the opportunity to enjoy what their imagination can create. The art that we do can consist of cutting and gluing, making their own masks, and even just drawing a story. I want them to know that they are talented and their imagination is important and valued. Art is not something that is wrong or right and they shouldn't be afraid to show off their personality through their art.

I can see improvement in so many children. Now, when I say improvement I do not necessarily mean that their art  has been improved. I mean that their way of thinking has been improved. So many children will ask an adult to do their art. A lot of them believe that their art is "ugly", "wrong" or they just say "I don't want to, because I can't". I can see a change in the way that they think. I can see them as more confident children, wanting to do thing's themselves, and they are proud of the work they do. I am glad that this has been a success with many children who doubted their own abilities.

Oh yay, the Christmas play! The Christmas play is going quite well. The children in the play practice their lines at home and are anxious to perform and do a great job. It was a great relief to see the children actually act their roll very well. I was expecting low whisper voices, saying the words without emphasis, and shy posture. I was so surprised and far from the truth! They seemed confident right off the bat and acted very well. This is an area that many of the children are comfortable in. What a big, pleasant, and wonderful surprise!