Young at Art

I guess I have been interested in art, in general, for as long as I can remember. At age 4, when asked what I wanted to be, I would say an artist. My parents encourage art in my life
by providing me with art supplies. There’s just something about new paper and new colored pencils or paint that really gets you excited about creating. It’s like opening a whole new set of possibilities. I still get excited about new art supplies and just can’t wait to try out all the new stuff being developed.

It is my belief that my experiences as a child has set my direction as an artist. I also believe that it is important and essential to nurture a child’s interest in art. These days it seems that with all of the cuts in the education budgets, art seems to be the most vulnerable and the first to go. School children are receiving less and less opportunity to do art in school. Art is a source of creative exploration. It allows us to communicate visually and express ourselves from the inside. It helps us to develop skills in all areas of learning. It is also known to aid in the healing process by helping us to release and understand past traumas. This is especially the case with children. In my opinion, the arts are just as important as academics and sports.

More than half of the working artists today, when asked if their desire to make art as a child influenced their current art career, would say it did. We as working artists have the opportunity to encourage budding artists to pursue a career in art in the future. Or if not a career, a wonderful hobby to help combat the stress of everyday living.

This is the perfect time of the year to give the gift of art to young people of all ages. There are several art sets available to get any young artist started. The most appropriate mediums for budding artists are water-based products including watercolors and acrylics. They are fast drying and can be washed up with water. There are also non-toxic versions available at reasonable prices. Children should be taught the correct way to handle art materials in general. It is also a good habit for any artist to use a barrier cream on your hands to reduce the risk of absorbing any bad stuff into your skin.

Providing kids with art materials is only one way to be an artistic influence. Taking them to art museums and galleries is a wonderful way to share your time and love for art with them. Reading books about art and talking about information is another way. Sharing postcards and posters in frames helps them to collect and appreciate art more personally. Also prominently displaying their own art in professional mats and frames will boost their self-esteem and encourage them to continue their journey in creating art.

Volunteering at local schools can be a great experience. Cheap Joe, himself, spends time teaching elementary age children in his spare time. Just a few hours a month can be the difference between having art and not. Teachers will appreciate the interest in the future of our children and you will be rewarded with smiles and hugs from eager little artists.

Making a difference in the life of another adds to you as a person, however, when a child is that person, you can literally change their point of view of the world and the people in it.

Happy Art Sharing!