Artasia at Franklin Road
Today's Family Early Learning and Child Care
🖌️ Artist Educators: María Puerto, Brynn Mercer
Week 1 - Crafting our Stories
The groups at Franklin Rd were very confused over how the program was being delivered since we had two different rooms receiving it at the same time. Nonetheless, the children were proactive when the instructions and material was provided; they needed a very clear orientation on how to begin a badge and enjoyed working with cardboard a lot. Their badges represented their identities quite well since they were able to provide us with their favourite shapes, colours and animals. The significance of their names in every badge was also discussed as most of the children did not feel the need to add it but then upon reflection, they quickly realized how important your first name is to your identity.
Week 2 - When We March
This week, our thematic prompts focused on collective identity and the power of community; we started the conversation by asking about who are our superheroes, what makes them superheroes and why we admire them. Afterwards, we began to explore how our superheroes were mostly based in our households, maybe an older sibling or our own parents! We decided it was time to give them a recognition somehow. we were able to create messages that made the children feel were important to share with their friends, family, and community using repurposed fabric and materials. Most of them opted for flags that symbolized both their country of birth or where their parents came from; they also added very personal takes to each flag, adding their favourite pattern or animal to it.
Week 3 - Threads of Connection; Reflections on Land and Environment
In Week 3 we introduced students to using sustainable materials as dyes in a tie-dye making exercise. The students explored the idea that natural items such as turmeric and beet juice can be used in place of chemicals that can harm the environment and ourselves. It was exciting to hear the children explore how turmeric is used in their household as a spice in cooking, and that everyday items can have multiple possible uses. The children also explored the sensory experience of the dyes, and how they had unique scents. They experimented with mixing the colors as well. Since the activity was quickly completed, I had brought some coloring sheets and activities for them to complete in the remaining time. I was extremely impressed with their ability to colour inside the lines. One student became upset that she had slightly gone outside the lines, but it was a great opportunity to explain how small ‘mistakes’ in art can make the piece more unique and interesting.
Week 4 - Wearable Designs & Sustainability
Week 4 was focused on the idea of creating wearable art pieces with sustainable and recycled materials. We supplied the children with fabric scraps, plastic wiring, beads, buttons and paper. The students were especially excited about the beads, some of which I had brought from home from when I was a child. I loved seeing my old materials used and enjoyed again. I was also impressed with how engaged the boys were in making bracelets and necklaces. When I was a child, I remember this being seen as a ‘girl’s activity’, but it was really wonderful seeing how those barriers have been dissolved over time. All types of art can be enjoyed by all types of people, and nobody should feel embarrassed to participate in an activity they’re excited about. The boys all made bracelets and necklaces for their younger brothers, which was very touching. I love when students create for someone other than themselves, it shows real empathy and consideration for others.
Week 5 - A Feast of Stories: The Grand Finale!
This was the fifth and final week of programming at Franklin Road. It was a bittersweet moment, as all of us Artasia staff members really enjoyed working with the children at this site. This week’s activity was focused on sharing stories through food and recipes. We supplied the children with felt, paper and markers and challenged them to create their favorite foods and recipes. It was exciting to see the children sharing recipes from home with each other, as well as helping each other cut and glue pieces together to make their creations. One girl made a lunchbox with her favorite fruits and vegetables inside. There was a theme with the children creating fresh produce as part of their favorite meals which was really touching to see. It might’ve been partly prompted by María, who as an introductory question, would ask the students what their favorite fruit or vegetable was at the beginning of the session. A lot of beautiful pieces were made and shared, including some pieces being shared with us Artasia staff which is always very rewarding.
Thank you to our Focus on Youth team members Eddie Ivanchuk and Harshvi Patel for supporting us at this site!
Brynn can be found on Instagram or at her portfolio website.