MaryAnn F. Kohl, process art and treasures of childhood

Artist Profile: About MaryAnn and Process Art

This article from 2010 answers some often asked questions about process art for children. Feel free to share it with parents or others in your teaching programs. 

 

 

Artist Profile

 

Process Art Inspires Artful Adventures for Kids! by Lisa Albert

Process Art Inspires
Artful Adventures
for Kids!

By Lisa Albert  

 

“Kids need space to create,” is the simple guidance that award-winning author of art activity books MaryAnn Kohl offers to parents who are getting involved in their children’s arty play.  Given freedom to explore and make choices, children are more likely to use their own ideas in creating art.  You see, too often times, adults (parents and some teachers) project a sense of what a finished piece of art should look like, which denies children the opportunity to explore and create from their own imaginations, and to learn from that exploration and discovering.

Why is process art so important? Kids learn as they explore art materials and the creative process of taking ideas from within and bringing them into existence.  Art allows for trial and error from which authentic learning can take place.  Art is open-ended and fosters individual expression and originality.  When kids have the freedom to go through the process of creating art, they are happy and they are learning.  

Process art is natural.  You need only provide children with age-appropriate art supplies and blank paper, and the stage is set for arty adventuring.  You may want to store art materials in shoe boxes or on conveniently situated shelving.  “If you’re doing that,” Kohl says, “you’re way ahead in the goal of inspiring learning through play.”  

MaryAnn Kohl of Washington State grew up in an artsy family.  Her mom was a painter.  Her dad was a book printer and was lead singer in a band.  Her grandmother was published and her grandfather had a chain of bookstores.  Kohl became an elementary teacher and incorporated her love of art into such subjects as math and science.  After her first child was born, MaryAnn quit teaching and took up writing, which was always a lifelong passion.  By 1985, MaryAnn started Bright Ring Publishing, which is still going strong today.  She has written such best-selling favorites as Great American Artists for Kids, Mudworks, Preschool Art, the Big Messy Art Book, MathArts, and the Preschool Art series.  She has downloadable e-books and free activities on her website.  MaryAnn also writes for Gryphon House, Inc., and she is currently working on a new historical fiction novel.

Respected as an art educator of international repute, MaryAnn Kohl has consulted with such companies as Jim Henson, Blues Clues, as well as major magazines.  Years ago, MaryAnn connected with Abrakadoodle at a NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) convention.  She has presented at Abrakadoodle’s annual national conference at the Crayola Factory.  

This year, she is presenting a process art workshop at Abrakadoodle’s first-ever global virtual conference this May.  “We share a common belief in the importance of active discovery learning through art,” MaryAnn remarked.  “I am delighted to reach out to Abrakadoodle’s directors and teachers with an affirming professional development experience.”  

“Art values and respects the individual uniqueness of a child,” MaryAnn said.  “If you help kids manage materials and promote exploration,” MaryAnn commented, “you are creating a roadmap of your child’s experiences.”  When smushing red into blue, your child discovers he produced purple.  Kids love to see what will happen during the creative process. Mary Ann says that kids often ask her, “But what are we supposed to make?” She responds, “There is no right way; no wrong way; just your way.” She says their eyes sparkle when they hear these words.  

MaryAnn explains that the first time a young child experiments with a new art material, don’t expect a product.  By the third experience with that art material, children refine their process and may strive to create a finished piece of art.  

Try it! Below are a couple of outdoors activities MaryAnn suggests for your kids to get into the natural “process” of art:  

Arty Plastic Pool Play

If you have a small plastic pool, line the bottom with blank white paper.  Squeeze blobs of paint on the paper.  Select round objects (fruit works great), and gently tip the pool so that the objects roll through the paint leaving prints on the paper. Perhaps your child might like to add a hand or footprint.  At the end, wash the fruit well, and enjoy a healthy snack!

Cloudy Day Impressions

Find a comfortable place for your child to lay down with a view of the cloudy sky.  What shapes does your child see?  Encourage free thinking.  Next, set out some blue construction paper, and a pot of white paint with a paint brush.  Invite your child to paint.  It might be a very literal impression of what he/she viewed, but it might also be a whimsical interpretation.  Remember to keep the experience open-ended.  Your child is in control of his/her art and will delight in the natural creative process!

Want to learn more about MaryAnn Kohl? Visitwww.brightring.com.   

To learn more about the importance of art education, go towww.abrakadoodle.com/ny05.  

Lisa Albert is the Director of Abrakadoodle, the country's leading art education program for children ages 20 months to twelve years.  Abrakadoodle offers classes at two convenient locations,New Beginnings Early Start Center in Kings Park and Dream Makers Performing Arts School in East Nort

Face Your Fears: Art for Toddlers and Twos

Another new article at Barnes and Noble.com  -- Parents Expert Circle.

Written by art author and advocate, consultant, and presenter, 
MaryAnn F. Kohl 

Face Your Fears: Art for Toddlers and Twos

 

Art for Older Kids: When Exploration Isn't Enough

New post at Barnes and Noble's "Parents Expert Circle".... an article written by award-winning author MaryAnn F. Kohl, children's art author, advocate, presenter, consultant, and teacher.

Art for Older Kids: When Exploration Isn't Enough

 

B&N Parents Expert Circle

 

May ArtsyKidsNEWS : Warmed Crayon Drawing from Play Create Explore blog

Today I share the MAY edition of the ArtsyKidsNEWS.
You can sign up to receive it in your email
by going here (my website mailing list sign up)
or here (Mail Chimp ArtsyKidsNEWS sign up).

*** Notice: Sign up for the newsletter,
and the FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY in JUNE,
for members only. You don't have to do anything.
Just be a member. Random drawing! ***

The newsletter below is shown with JPGS, so the links are not active. 

Go here to see ALL PAST NEWSLETTERS:
http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=5ede963e35560c1088968f662&id=7fb103d00

Go here to see the May ARTSYKIDSNEWS online with active links: 
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=5ede963e35560c1088968f662&id=a678e1845b
 

The Short Story of MaryAnn's Publishing Company: Bright Ring Publishing

The Short Story of MaryAnn's Publishing Company:
Bright Ring Publishing 

MaryAnn Faubion Kohl has a passion for children and for their natural creativity through art that first permeated her teaching years, then her parenting years, and now her current daily life. That passion became a publishing company in 1985, Bright Ring Publishing, Inc., with her first book, Scribble Cookies: Creative Independent Art Experiences for Children (now titled Scribble Art). There was nothing on the market like it and it has become a cherished classic for parents, teachers, childcares, homeschools, and libraries around the world.

Bright Ring has progressed from that simple classic to a full color glossy art book for kids, Great American Artists for Kids: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great American Masters (2009).

When asked about independent publishing, Kohl says, “Independent publishing has given me a voice and a crayon-bright-pipeline directly to kids that has changed the face of art for children in this country. What used to be cute kid crafts directed by adults is now true art inspired by children’s own creativity. My mission has been a joy and continues to grow as I bring my passion to the lives and art tables of kids everywhere.

One of the side benefits of my independent press is traveling and speaking to large groups of educators and librarians around the country, sharing my passion for creativity and art for children, and best of all, sharing hands-on art experiences with them. After they have been through ten or fifteen art experiences, and they feel the hands-on joy of pure creativity, they are hooked! If I sell a few books in the process, well then, I know I’ve succeeded.”

Bright Ring Publishing, Inc. recently completed a wide count of all the books in print that Bright Ring has published, those Kohl has written for Gryphon House, Inc. (another independent press), and those translated in numerous foreign countries (harder to count). The total it is closing in on 2 million copies. Kohl was asked, “How many children has each copy reached?” She replied, “The sheer thought of that number is gloriously staggering and impossible to know. It could be over sixty million, if I do a quick estimate, thinking of one book reaching a classroom of 30 kids per year, and then a new classroom the next year, and.... Forgive me if I take a moment and stare at the clouds imagining each of those children finding art within themselves.

Inspiring doesn’t quite cover it!

MaryAnn Kohl loves art for kids, and has enjoyed the publishing experince since 1985, bringing her books to children everywhere.

 

Chicago Children's Theatre: The Houdini Box

Chicago Children's Theatre: 
The Houdini Box  

 

 

 

 Book and Lyrics by Hannah Kohl, YES, MY DAUGHTER!
Music by Mark Messing
Directed by Blair Thomas

Based on the book THE HOUDINI BOX written and illustrated by Brian Selznick, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Selznick wrote Hugo Cabret, a Caldecott winner, and is now seen as the movie, Hugo)

Chicago Children's Theatre,
Show will be at the Mercury Theatre: 773.325.17003745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago 

January 24-March 3, 2012 
Recommended for ages 5 and up

The Mercury Theatre

BUY TICKETS

Brought to life right before your eyes by actors, musicians, and puppets, sure to thrill and surprise. As famed escape artist Harry Houdini circles the globe performing one incredible stunt after another, Victor, a young devotee goes through his own rigorous magician’s training – locking himself in closets, holding his breath under water and walking into walls.  After a chance encounter with his hero, Victor receives a special box that just might contain the secrets of Houdini’s great success.

Save 15% on early-bird tickets until JAN 15th!

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “The Houdini Box” is Top 10 show to see in early 2012

-Chris Jones
“The Houdini Box,” Chicago Children’s Theatre. Brian Selznick wrote the children’s book “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” the source for “Hugo,” one of the more prominent holiday movies this year. That has propelled Selznick and his work to a new level of awareness. “The Houdini Box,” which will be directed at Chicago Children’s Theatre by the formidable visual storyteller Blair Thomas, is a brand-new musical based on Selznick’s first book, the story of a boy who receives a mysterious box that may unlock the secrets of Harry Houdini.

“The Houdini Box” Kick-Off event with Neighborhood Parents Network:
Come join us at the February 11th, 11:00am performance for a special kick-off event with NPN. Stay tuned for event details!

 

Art with Anything featured in "Arts & Activities", May issue

My book, Art with Anything, is in Arts & Activities May edition.

It's such a good magazine. YAY!!!

You can look at the entire magazine online. Lots of great art ideas for you and your kids.

http://pubdev.ipaperus.com/ArtsandActivities/AAMay2011/

 

 

Creative Kids: Part 1: Basic Creative Supplies

Building Creative Kids, Naturally

 

Part 1: Basic Creative Supplies

by MaryAnn Kohl

            Creativity and its potential pandemonium can be a little intimidating for parents new to the experience, but remember that anything that encourages creativity is the right thing to do. Supplies need not be expensive or hard to find. The basics are the best. Easy, enjoyable suggestions of materials and supplies that will encourage creativity in children are at your fingertips.   

Crayons and Chalk

            Crayons are the most versatile art material ever created! Children draw with crayons on big paper, small paper, cardboard, paper plates, fabric and more. Broken crayons can be melted into coloring disks in muffin tins. Grated crayons can be ironed between wax paper sheets. Rubbing peeled crayons on their sides is a new experience for many kids.

            Drawing with chalk is especially stimulating on sidewalks and playgrounds and increases brain development because of the kinesthetic muscle involvement.

            In any kind of drawing that encourages creativity, staying in the lines is not important. Drawing and experimenting is important.

Paint            

    Painting is versatile and unlimited in creative possibilities. Paint on paper at an easel, on a table, on the wall, or on the floor. Paint directly on windows or on the shower wall. Try different kinds of papers, like bumpy, thick, colored, slick, or exceptionally tiny. Use different types of “brushes” such as cotton balls, cotton swabs, sponges, feathers, toy cars, balloons, popsicle sticks, and of course real brushes. Paint with one color, or the entire rainbow. Buy paint, or make your own!

 

Playdoughs and Clays

            Playdoughs and clays are a wonderful way for children to create individually while pounding out their tensions and using up bundles of energy. Children would agree that big muscle creativity is always the best! Children can find a hundred ways to manipulate clay, from pulling to squeezing, smoothing to rolling, pounding to punching, and pinching to smashing. Add some kitchen tools like rolling pins and cookie cutters, and various other tools from the toy box, and you have the perfect formula for hours of creativity. Here’s one of my favorite recipes:

MaryAnn's Favorite Playdough

1.  Mix on low heat in a pan until a ball forms:

     1 cup flour

     1 cup water

     1 cup salt

     1 tablespoon cream of tartar

2.  Leave natural or color with food coloring, tempera paint, Kool-aid, or Jell-O, or watercolor paint.

3.  Knead, and then explore warm or cool.

4.  Store in an airtight container. 

 

 

Sand

            A child’s life without sand is like a chocolate chip cookie without the chips! Sand is unstructured and satisfying for children. It can be relaxing, or very hard work. Sand is called a sensory experience because the children can feel it as they create. As they mix and stir, measure and pour, mold and squeeze, children are using pre-math skills while employing their imaginations. Sand can be explored in a sandbox, in a sensory table, in a plastic tub (put a tarp under it!), or at the beach. Add some tools like buckets, spoons, shovels, toy cars, and figures to the sand play for increased creativity. To color sand, mix in some powdered tempera paint.  Draw with colored sand by pouring it over glue lines. Fill jars with layers of colored sand. Mix sand into playdough for a sensory exploration, or into paint for textured painting results.

 

Water

            Like sand, water is versatile, exciting, and soothing – one of the all time most creative materials for young children to explore. Fill a tub or a bucket. Supply objects to explore as “float or sink” and for pouring and measuring. Experiment with added food color or bubbles, dolls to wash, or paintbrushes for painting with clear water that evaporates. Sponges will yield endless fun. A few towels close at hand are a good idea too.

 

A Final Thought

            Parents who respect and encourage children’s creativity help them learn to think and solve problems for themselves. Children who feel free to make mistakes and to explore and experiment will also fee free to invent, create, and find new ways to do things that may eventually change the world!