In Fall 2017, Coleman Center for the Arts launched Open Studio, a hands-on after-school art class for K-8 students. Open Studio provides materials and instruction for students to create artwork in an open-ended format. The program centers around ideas of free play, inquiry-based learning, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking. At Open Studio, students are encouraged to think expansively, explore, and experiment with new materials without fear of failure.
Classes were held once a week in coordination with the Hightower Memorial Library’s extended student hours during the school year. The Hightower Memorial Library, an important community partner, is housed in the CCA’s main building in downtown York, which also houses the CCA’s classroom space and gallery. Over the course of the 2017-18 school year, three six-week sessions were held–each session provided area students with 2 full hours of creative programming.
Students were able to work on one large project or spend class time testing many techniques and mediums. They could also choose to work individually or in collaborative groups. Instructors provided structure, support, and encouragement as students explored new ideas and artforms. They assisted students with materials and tools, posed questions, suggested techniques, and guided progress. They shared art history and contemporary projects to introduce new concepts and build connections to the world outside of the classroom.
In addition to hands-on experience creating artwork, Open Studio allowed for inspiration time spent exploring arts books and monitored online research. At the end of class, students were given the chance to present their work as instructors lead an age-appropriate critique process–providing space for students to reflect, make connections to the artwork of others, and grow in their understanding of the creative process. After clean up and presentations, the class also had time to view and discuss additional art forms, such as short films, movement, or language arts. They even snuck in a few boisterous rounds of catchphrase!
During the final spring session, Coleman Center’s community garden was added to the curriculum. Garden Manager Catherine Shelton lead students in lessons on gardening, cooking, nutrition, ecology, and health. Students planted peppers, measured their growth, and discussed their many culinary uses. Students created (and enjoyed) snacks and desserts, took home seeds for their own gardens, and fashioned feeders for local birds.
For the last class of the first session of Open Studio, students had a request –a dance party. That request has become a tradition–now every six week session ends with celebration and dance!