People often back down quickly when asked to draw. This intimidation always surprises me, since the same is not true when asked to paint. Maybe it is because we have held a paint brush to paint some trim in our house or put varnish over a picnic table. Maybe it is the difference in large motor skills and small motor skills. But either way, drawing is not something we chase after. As soon as required art credit is acquired in school, we stop drawing. So it became obvious that we should offer a drawing class to middle-school girls. After all, this is the age of drawing doodles on everything and everywhere!
Girls with Graphite emerged this past fall as a drawing class that taught drawing and catered to the interests of the 11 to 14 year-old girls. We watched as these young ladies learned not only how to draw, but how to speak out. We taught critique skills and positive feedback, and the girls mirrored this behavior. The group grew in confidence, which was a delight to see. Now we are thinking that if it worked with these girls, it might also help install that confidence in adults! If we truly believe that it’s never too late to learn, then why not, right?
Creativity, Collaboration, Confidence, Cultural Awareness, and Critical Thinking are all gained through art education according to artinaction.org It is amazing that confidence comes from trying art, according to the article, “Why is Art Education Important in the 21st Century“.
These are great skills at any age gained from the art process. Our Girls with Graphite 2 will start up again in March for those same young ladies who took in the fall. We plan on offering a mini-course in drawing in April. Make sure you follow us on social media so you don’t miss the opportunity to take a drawing class in the spring!
