Note for Teachers and FAMILIES

May 1st, 2020

At this time we would like to acknowledge the unique conditions in which this learning resource was created. We know that families are facing many new challenges including caring for the wellbeing and education of children.

During ordinary school conditions, students are carefully guided through challenging processes over time. Often, many layers of learning are explored. Students will research information, explore possible responses, experiment, design, and practice skills before they even begin to create a final work in the arts. Along with those skills, we encourage students to explore their own perspectives, ideas and express them in a safe and supportive environment.

The activities provided here do not attempt to re-create that complex learning environment but encourage more independent explorations. We continue to encourage students to find their own voices and respond in their own ways. And, as always, have fun!

It takes courage to make art and so we would like to offer a few words of advice:

“Making art should relieve stress, not create it. Be kind to yourself as you learn”. Mary Ledger, Citadel Family of Schools

“There are no mistakes in art. It’s always an adventure, we are all trying something new and that’s how we learn.” Lynn Coolen, Prince Andrew Family of Schools

"There is no such thing as perfect art, as we are all unique and create beautiful unique art."- Brittany Pennell Fine Arts Specialist with Indigenous Art Focus

“The eraser is the most important part of the pencil. Trust your eyes and hear what they are telling you. They will show what looks wrong, and your eraser will give you the ability to answer them and make it right. If you're really stuck, ask another set of eyes”. - Paul O’Toole, Eastern Shore District High Family of Schools

“Experiences in the arts are about the journey, without worry of the destination. Make mistakes, learn from the experience and continue to grow.” - A. Giza, Sir John A MacDonald Family of Schools

“Forget about being an artist. Be yourself and play with the creativity you were born with. Ask questions, have fun, make mistakes, experiment with stuff, explore materials and techniques, read about things you don’t know, think for yourself and look at the world around you with wondrous eyes.” - Jonathan Church, Dartmouth High Family of Schools.

“Art making is neither a right nor wrong process. There are no mistakes in art making. Art mistakes are really opportunities to see something else that wasn’t in your original intent. They are an opportunity to take your work in a new direction. You may even be surprised to see that a perceived mistake was really a bonus/a gift that improved your work. So let go of the fear of making a mistake and throw yourself with abandon into the process. Never be afraid to start an art journey – dive in and watch where the magic takes you”. Catherine Thompson, Auburn Drive High Family of Schools

“The arts experience is typically threefold, much like a clover leaf: one is learning in the arts, one is learning through the arts and the other is learning about the arts. It is not only about making things and being creative, it is also about being informed and appreciating what others have created, whether in music, theatre, dance, film or by visiting museums and galleries and looking at art”. Sabine Fels, J.L.Ilsley Family of Schools

"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun." - Mary Lou Cook - Aren Morris, Halifax West Family of Schools