Art Space

Art is a powerful form of communication, especially when words are either inadequate or unavailable. Given an opportunity, young children can be prolific in developing and exploiting their god-gifted talents especially in the field of drawing and painting. Art also enables the children to develop a positive sense of self- competence and capablity, to learn, improve and connect with others socially. There is no right or wrong way of creating art. If all young children's efforts are celebrated and praised, without any judgment, then every child can enjoy success in art.

Adults respond variously to children's art. Many consider them charming, dynamic and even poetic. The modern artists like Klee, Picasso and Kandinsky looked to young artists endeavors for a new way of seeing and thinking about their own aesthetics and art. For some, children's drawings and paintings are merely a curiosity, while for others these may be a window to their soul.
We, the teachers of art in St. Stephen's, adopt the' Laissez faire' approach for teaching art in order to preserve the child's natural creativity. We act as facilitators, providing resources, but reluctant to appear didactic.In case we do teach specific skills, we work to disguise the instructions, and strive to “teach without teaching. Art is something one does not need to learn nor be taught.
The artists from St. Stephen's are “natural they have been spreading colors and have won laurels for their creativity. Art has never been the same, ever since the Stephenians started creating natural artists.

During these activities, they are made to learn the various nuances of drawing, sketching, shading and above all the colours. There are no boundaries as to what a child wants to learn or create. Each one of them creates his or her own master piece.

At times, one witnesses chaos which makes it necessary to create a great work of art. When told that there are no mistakes in art - there is a riot of colours on every sheet of paper. Letting your imagination run wild, your pulse racing and hands trembling to fill the blank sheet of paper with colours - is the ultimate aim of Art Activity.

LAURELS WON
1. We bagged the first five prizes and the running trophy for ICSE inters school painting competition held at St. Kabir's school on 29th April, 2011.
2. We won the first prize in the banner painting competition on “nine is mine at St. John's school on 25th. August, 2011.
3. A good number of children won prize in all India camel Colour Contest held on 14thSeptember, 2011.
4. We won the inter school painting competition held on Energy Conservation.Children participated in inter school art competition organized by 'Les Amis' at Government Museum of Art, Tagore Utsav at British Library, Environmental festival and various art competitions on Christmas. Lots of prizes were won by the children.
The art student participated in a joint arts project with Vale First and Middle School, UK . A breathtaking mural was combining the art works of all young artists. This displayed in the school in UK.
The art students also participated in a project by UKIERI, which included Pottery Painting, Collage Making, and T-Shirt Painting. Environment has also been a priority, as our department has been making posters for the various environment preservation days, celebrated by our Nature's Glory Eco Club We also conducted the following Workshops for the energy and resource institute:-
1. Fabric painting workshop at Jagatpura slum area.
2. Fabric painting workshop at St. Stephen's School.
3. Greeting card making at St. Stephen's school
4. Quilted bag making workshop at Jagatpura slum area.

Our school wears a festive look on every special occasion or a festival with the posters and decorations created by the artists of St. Stephen's School.

Preeti Bhatia
Teacher-in Charge