Embrace

Children today process more information than in any other known time in human history. Throughout their lives they become increasingly aware of the precarious and
uncertain futures they face.

This art process is designed to provide students with tactile and slow methods to communicate their reflections on strength, intuition, and inherent wisdom. Students are prompted to contemplate kindness, connection with the earth and one another, the supports they have and the supports they give through being themselves. With a core focus on meaningful relationships and loving nurturance, students were invited to explore art through the lenses of hopefulness, possibility, and honesty. As rhizomes are inseparable, students draw their attention to these networks as a metaphor for community and interdependence. Wrapping of stones and tree branches are subtle actions toward embracing natural forms and notions of ancestral presence. Felted wool wearable art pieces, customized by each student’s discovery of personal importance and affirmations of belonging, are individually beautiful and unique, while collectively impactful.

Children have incredible insight and strength. Through slow processes, students returned through story to embrace reciprocation, collaboration, kindness, and love.