Art Studio

The art studio plays a significant role in the life of Brown Play School. The Brown Play School studio is a warm, open, organized and well stocked space, where children are encouraged to build, explore, and expand their ideas. The full-time art teacher offers a balance of guided instruction and free expression through open exploration of several art mediums and art processes. The art teacher opens the studio with an early morning project during drop-off; the project is usually open-ended with a focus on building fine motor skills. This studio time can be helpful way for children to ease into their morning at school. During center time, the studio project reflects whatever ongoing theme the school has adopted. The projects integrate new found knowledge and are fueled by the child’s interests.

Through the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we understand that when a child has artistic freedom he or she  has a greater sense of self esteem, imagination, and creativity. The teachers at Brown Play School introduce a variety of tools and art mediums, but it is the child’s decision what to create and how to bring it to life. The children care more, learn more, and enjoy an activity more when they produce their own creations. Another aspect of the Reggio Emilia philosophy is documentation; we feel it is important to include a child’s thoughts with their art work.

At any point during the year, you will find several displays of the children’s art work around the school in all of our centers. The children produce their own holiday gifts for their families and create wonderful costumes for our Harvest Parade at the school. One of the highlights of the year is the Self- Portrait Show. Each child proudly displays their canvas at a gallery event held in the community.