Art takes form in response to ideas. First you imagine, then something can be made. You can’t bake a bunch of cookies until you decide to- then what kind? Do you have the ingredients…check, check…off you go. The cookies are made, shared and through your work- connections happen. You’ve made something for someone to taste, enjoy – trigger a memory.
Making art creates connections too. It helps us tell each other who/what is important, points out beauty or things that are confusing. Through collaborative arts programming the arts are used as a vehicle so we can listen and respond to each other. Unlike baking cookies- there is not a predetermined “product”. Only that through the process of making something new we will learn about each other, create evidence of our existence and how we see a bit of the world.
How is this approach different from crafts? Arts and Crafts, traditionally used in programming, are about an already predetermined goal. The pieces of a project fit together in an expected way and we (the participants) are just the labor for someone else’s idea. When working with people with multiple challenges- and a macaroni angel is held up as the example of what we are shooting for- and say participants do not have fine motor skills for the task- or have thought processes that can lead them through the expected steps of the task- then the person’s deficits are amplified. And who wants to be reminded of the things they can’t do? Offer someone a pen in anticipation of seeing their drawing- respond positively to what is made- understanding that they are the only one who could make that particular work—Through this simple exchange you have created the environment where individuals are respected for their personal insight. Now you have created a platform for discovery and experimentation.
As a staff person/facilitator it is not your responsibility to imagine the completed project. You have the ability to research methods, find materials…you bring the idea of what process to explore (i.e. painting, paper mache, quilting, sculpture, doll making, books…) the content- or ideas and approach to the materials- come from your participants. You can say- “This is the correct way to draw a house…everyone follow me.” Or you can offer materials and see what happens. Maybe the participants will draw a floor plan, or a rabbit hole or a flower- doesn’t matter. In the moment of drawing with someone- you can encourage, ask questions…pointing to the drawing, ”What happens next?” encouraging expanding on an idea ….and you might get an idea and think- that sketch would look great cut out of 8’piece of plywood. You have the ability to find the wood, a way to project the image, trace and cut it out. You can then ask participants to paint and further work on the cut outs. Again- you are not responsible in directing the project so tightly that you offer THE colors for the project- but ask the participant artists- “What color do you see this giant bunny?” And the question can be asked directly, holding up a color chart, a few pots of paint (communicating in the best method for your participant)- It comes down to really listening and responding- respecting the ideas of your participants- and deferring all activity/concepts that can be generated by the participants be generated by the participants.
When people first learn of this method of working and feel uncomfortable –I’ve heard, “I don’t have the time to do one more thing”, “I don’t like the way this art looks”, “I’m not an artist”….My response…don’t let your fears block you from new experiences and in turn deny exciting opportunities for the people you serve. Never made anything like this before? GREAT! Participating in doing something unfamiliar- you will learn so much! Afraid of looking silly? Ignorant? What if you aren’t any good at it? Doing nothing may be safe, but it is NO FUN! And no fun makes for a very long work day. MAKE FUN and people will be attracted to you and your project. FUN attracts attention and energy. I love working with people with cognitive challenges- as a population these folks are so enthusiastic and responsive. If you declare DISCO DAY! Blast some music you will have a party before you know it. We are so lucky to work with a group so eager to please and participate in the world.
(Photos: Passion Works Studio)
