New Publication: Arts Learning In Oregon

I was thrilled when the Oregon Arts Commission asked me to write their 2009 monograph Connections: Arts Learning In Oregon, profiling arts education programs in Oregon. Coming from an arts background, not an education background, I was interested to learn why art is so important for children and how it actually helps young brains grow.

What I also found: Too often, art is seen as a specialty item to be cut when budgets are tight. That's a shame. Art is as important as math, reading, and running around on the windy playground.

Children & teens have an amazing capacity to learn and express themselves and our education system seems hell-bent on crushing that creativity as much as possible.

But, there is hope. The programs profiled have tremendous impact on students, whether their reach is large (Right Brain Initiative) or small (GreenStrings). Nonetheless, as we decide, as a culture, how our children should be educated, I strongly believe it should include art.

(Photo: Julie Keefe)

A Creative Malaise

I've been experiencing a bit of a creative downturn, a malaise if you will. Even if something pops into my head like, "I could decoupage that!" or "I'll make kitchen curtains out of these embroidered tea towels!" it is discouraging to then do the calculation: (time + effort= project completion?).

When my nieces were born, I went all-out for them in the craft department because I felt so inspired by their entry into the world. Kids are also very accepting of the imperfection of handmade items, so they are excellent patrons.

When I was pregnant, I kept waiting for the same inspiration to overtake me. But it never really did--or at least it manifested itself in other ways, for instance my obsessive organizing of the baby's closet.

As I wait for a full-blown creative wave, I'll start small just to help it along.

Step 1: Move desk out of nursery. I can't do my stuff in there when she's sleeping, which is the only time I have to do the stuff.

Step 2: Do one creative thing a day. Yesterday I used our cool new rubber stamps to make a label for Olivia's one-year memory box.

Step 3: Give self a break.

That's all I have for today.

Oh, this old thing?

Watch out Portland! We've got our own Sartorialist roaming the streets. Put on your best outfit and maybe you'll get tagged... (Especially if you just happen to be lounging around Fresh Pot on Mississippi...)

Urban Weeds: Street Style From Portland blog