A young participant enjoys an Art Day at the Esplanade. -- SUBMITTED PHOTO Julie Downey Hoglund
I am ridiculously enthusiastic about my job as a children’s art instructor at the Esplanade, and after a full week of February Break Art Days programming, I can’t stop smiling.
One recent participant described her Art Days experience as “a great big, super fun day” and I couldn’t agree more! These full-day educational experiences for children (ages 5-12) are rooted in process art, sensory explorations and creative play, all my favourite things!
Looking around the sunshine-filled Discovery Centre during an Art Day, I see moments of deep, intense focus. Young artists are experimenting with new materials or elbow deep in sensory play. They are oohing and aahing and squealing in delight when colours mix into something new, or when beautiful or unexpected things are happening on the paper. The room is full of creativity and joy.
Art Days also include interactive exploration of the Esplanade as well as frequent visits to TREX Space, a nearby public art gallery and project space managed by the Esplanade and funded by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Weather permitting, we also explore other downtown attractions and parks.
I believe wholeheartedly in the power of play, following a child’s lead and delighting in their discovery. My hope for the Art Days programs is to introduce foundational art skills, new materials and concepts in a way that makes participants smile. I have been an art instructor at the Esplanade since June 2018. My post-secondary education and prior employment experience includes a unique combination of social work, early childhood and special needs education, as well as fine art.
While Art Days at the Esplanade provide big, fun, creative experiences for your child, they also aim to help solve the childcare problem many working parents face during school holidays. Each Art Day is a separate registration, allowing families to pick and choose dates that work best for them, signing up for a single day or multiple days. Art Day programs, including the upcoming Easter Break and PD Days, are appropriate for children ages 5-12 and make a great option for siblings.
Lastly, three cheers for amazing Esplanade colunteers! Hip, hip hooray! Their time and efforts make creative (messy!) programs like this possible. Thank you volunteers.
Julie Downey Hoglund is an Arts Instructor at the Esplanade
