Art making is better with others

Some people can learn to draw or paint by reading a book or watching YouTube videos. For many of us, the enjoyment in making art is because it is a solitary activity, so the idea of doing this with others seems counter-intuitive. But making art as part of a group or in a classroom environment has many benefits. When learning to make art from instructional books and videos, you only get one point of view: the author's or instructor's. One of the exciting things about taking a course or workshop with a group, is that when people share their work, you quickly discover there is no one "right" way to do something. Everybody will have a result that is unique to them.

Art programs are usually the first to be cut in the schools during budget restraints and yet art is such a vital force to develop self-confidence and to create a sense of connection with others. There is something special about being in a room with other people when you are all engaged, working together in silence. It is a wonderful experience to do an activity with people without the pressure to make conversation.

We have a human need to be part of something that is larger than ourselves. Making art together is a great way for both introverts and extroverts to be together at ease. Art sessions give people a chance to spend time with range of different kinds of people, while still maintaining some solitude and sense of individuality. People of different ages, ethnic backgrounds, political preferences and social classes, all can come together to share the intrinsically human experience of making art.

In the summer workshops at the Vancouver Island School of Art, participants are anywhere from 15 years of age to 80+. The shared experience of intergenerational groups is something that makes VISA a unique and special place to make art.

Wendy Welch, May 2017