6 EASY WAYS TO ENCOURAGE KID’S ART APPRECIATION
The experience of art does not necessarily have to require large investments in time and money— nor does it have to be particularly intimidating. As Noreen Parafina, Museo Pambata’s program director explains, “What children see around them, in the house or in the community, is the beginning for the appreciation of art.”
Start with basic art supplies— or better yet, recycle!
1 Art appreciation can begin, conveniently and inexpensively, at home. Have paints, crayons, and paper ready for moments of creativity. Similarly, the use of recycled materials such as empty plastic bottles and toilet paper cores can fuel resourcefulness and teach respect for Mother Earth. (Museo Pambata has published a book about such: 101 Crafts to Make With Toilet Paper Roll
Tubes. Art educator Norman Ramirez advises, “Provide kids the means and materials to create art so they can be part of the process of creating art.”
Engage in collaborative family creative activities.
2 Projects that involve the whole family strengthen family ties and create lasting memories. Mom Maricel Montero, who never took to the arts as a child but recognized its importance when she had her daughter, suggests, “Talk about the things that surround you. Craft poems and weave stories together. The important thing is you are connecting with your child.” Echoing the same sentiments, classically- trained artist Kathryn Cárdenas says, “Family art activities establish harmony among family members.”
Visit museums and non-traditional creative spaces—even in the mall!
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Find time to visit galleries, creative festivals, and open- air art fairs that are growing in abundance around Metro Manila. Weekends provide the perfect break to carve out time for appreciating the pockets of creativity in the city— from Saturday/Sunday markets in the community park to photo exhibits in the mall. There are annual activities to look forward to, such as “Art in the Park’” and children’s “Viva Europa” month. You can also explore BGC’s thriving arts and music community and take in public art on foot. Artist Sam Galvez Lorenzo, who manages the family- owned Village Art Gallery, shares a tip: “Teach them to just observe and encourage them to point out art pieces they like or dislike and ask them why. What they say just might surprise you.”
Go global, experience local.
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Cultural centers such as Goethe Institut, Alliance Francaise de Manille, and Instituto Cervantes complement their core language programs with visiting artists, performers, collaborative exhibits, and cultural activities that can be some of the most interesting cross- cultural experiences without having to travel abroad. Many of these activities are kid- friendly and are open to the public for free. Sign up for their mailing lists for announcements on events such as book days, poetry readings, and film screenings.
Enroll in an art class or workshop.
5 Numerous art workshops under master artists and art educators abound in the city. Ayala Museum offers inexpensive art activities for children such as START and The Art Room. A children’s favorite, Museo Pambata, hosts regular programs throughout the year such as arts and crafts, storytelling, folk dances, and shadow puppet shows. Special workshops like Japanese woodblock printing and the annual European animation film showings are in cooperation with embassies, cultural institutes, and international foundations.
Get crafty! Celebrate the work of our hands.
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Craft MNL celebrates the work of your own hands. Craft MNL in Makati hosts fun workshops like screen- printing, rubber-cut stamping, jewelry- making, and doll- making. 10A Alabama in Quezon City hosts weekend craft fairs every few months that showcase the work of various artists and crafters.
Creative Resources in the North:
NORMAN RAMIREZ is a QC-based painter, illustrator, and art educator with a BA from the UP College of Fine Arts. He works with the Mainstreaming and Special Education Department of PWU-JASMS. Call 0915-5636494 or email surador@yahoo.com.
KATHRYN CÁRDENAS is the first Filipino to graduate from the Florence Academy of Art in Italy. She has taught adult painting classes and children’s arts and crafts in Europe. Drop her a line at Cardenas.paintings@gmail.com. CANVAS (CENTER FOR ART, NEW VENTURES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT) is a small, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of greater awareness and appreciation for Philippine art, culture, and the environment. Contact info@canvas.ph.
10A ALABAMA is an old ancestral house-turned-art and furniture gallery in New Manila, Quezon City. Email alabama10a@gmail.com.