Last week I had the opportunity to visit RG Jones Elementary School (CMSD) during their lunch blocks to provide an alternative arts therapy recess for students. I haven’t sat in a cafeteria in what feels like forever, talk about nostalgia! We set up two small tables on the platform between the cafeteria and the gym. Students were able to pick between our program, going outside, or playing games in the gym. Our “Find Your Spirit Animal” exercise consisted of students first drawing what they thought was their spirit animal with their eyes closed, then drawing it regularly in whatever chosen environment they’d want to live in, and finally learning the significance behind the animal they chose.
While talking to these students, I couldn’t help but fix my eyes on the color changing billboard that read, “CHANGING” in front of me. Prior to beginning the activity, students were hyper and slightly agitated. Through this activity, they visibly became more collected and calm. The presence of art and free range creativity is vital to the wellbeing and upbringing of not only a child, but adults as well. That’s the core of our mission here at Art House Inc., the arts enrich lives and can help foster better communities.
