kids + art = FUN

There are so many reasons why I absolutely love teaching art to kids. The energy, experimentation and excitement that they bring to their art is incredible. This in turn gets me more excited about art. When planning my curriculum, I reflect back to all of the techniques and mediums I've been taught. Teaching some of these mediums gives me a great excuse to revisit my favourites. Last week I introduced linocut printmaking to my spring workshop kids. The last time I picked up a linocut printmaking tool was 1993 when I took a printmaking class at college. More recently I've been admiring and inspired by Prince George artist, Mo Hamilton's gorgeous prints (check out her work at https://mohamilton.net - you will love it). 

These art camp kids are amazing. I gave them the creative freedom to draw and cut anything they wanted into their lino blocks. They were not short on ideas. We had an umbrella, a dream catcher, a mountain range, a puffer fish, a nest with eggs, flowers, a horse, a rubber duck, a human... and so many more! With Easter quickly approaching, I created this bunny linocut as an example for them. I inked my little bunny up for the first time with the kids to show them the process. I laid my paper down on that inked up bunny and smoothed the paper across with a spoon. When I slowly pulled that piece of paper back to reveal this bunny, the kids clapped and and wowed with surprise! And as the kids finished their linocuts and began inking and pulling their own papers back, they smiled from ear to ear, so pleased by their amazing creations. 

Have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy!

​Let art rule!
peace xo
michelle