Bringing the inside out through

ART
by Craig Spence

hen you think about it the number of times we are expected to sit still and keep quiet far outnumber those moments when we are told to shout, sing, dance, or splash paint with joyful abandon.

To Winnie Tam, Founder and Director of Artspace (www.artspaceforchildren.com) thats an imbalance we need to correct, because the lessons kids learn through exuberant artistic expression will carry them and society forward. What were finding in the 21st Century is that people who bring creativity and innovation to their work and to their life are the ones that really stand out in the world, she told Student Success. I think art is really what nurtures those aspects of our character. It really is valuable to society. That sentiment would resonate loud and clear for recent Langley Fine Arts School grad Dustin Hurrell. Arriving at LFAS in Sept. 2009 after having enrolled in four
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Bringing Music to Life

Music Lessons. Early Learning. Ensembles. Learn from the Best! Register today... 604.534.2848 | 4899 207 Street, Langley, BC

www.langleymusic.com

Lavrova Ballet Academy

FA L L R E G I S T R AT I O N
2012/2013
CLASSICAL BALLET

Ongoing REGISTRATION! Our school offers a variety of programs suitable for everyone!
* Recreational Program * Competitive Program * Student Development Program * Exams * Adult Classes

BALLET | JAZZ | POINTE MUSICAL THEATER | ADULT BALLET | CONTEMPORARY CREATIVE MOVEMENT

We are excited to present our brand new Student Development Program! It is open to children ages 12- 18 who are entering Intermediate Foundation RAD ballet level in September or higher. This program is designed to provide the ultimate training atmosphere to nurture young aspiring artists who are driven and determined to persue a career as a professional dancer.

For information: 604.530.8050 #16- 19257 Enterprise Way, Surrey BC www.lavrovaballet.com | info@lavrovaballet.com
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schools in America and South Africa over the previous four years, Dustin thought LFAS was going to be just another name added to the list, he wrote in a posting to the schools Blue Dog Press (lfasbluedog.com). He couldnt have been more pleasantly amazed at how wrong that assessment would turn out. Although he doesnt see himself pursuing a career in the arts, having experienced the vibrant and sometimes outright whacky environment at LFAS has widened his eyes where else would you be in jeopardy of getting trampled by dance students running down the halls herding hula-hoops and exercise balls. Now, even tough I am far more academically inclined then I am artistic and creative, the school has given so much to me, he wrote. Having had the opportunities to both get up on the stage in drama and write in creative writing I have been given a good perspective of life. He goes on to describe the importance of doing what you love and creating something that you want to share with others, even if the endeavour requires ups and downs from adrenaline rushes, to the stress and pressure of rehearsals, to the emptiness felt right after the final performance. What he is expressing Winnie calls the transformative power of the arts. She cites the example of summer camps where students engage in paired activities that is, exploration of two arts disciplines instead of strictly focusing on first choices. When kids explore artistic modes outside the box of their fortes they often discover talents and strengths they didnt know were in them. Whats important is to focus on the process, not the product Winnie said. Dont look at drama as a finished play with set roles; see it as an opportunity to draw out the unique voices of students. Taking that approach has made all the difference for children who never thought they would ever join a drama class, she said. Its never too early to begin. Our philosophy is really founded on the belief that when children express themselves creatively through artistic endeavours they develop cognitively, socially and physically, she said. Artspace offers programs for children aged six months to 12 years.

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Six months! Obviously at six months old were not expecting the children to sing along, Winnie explained of the schools Song & Movement program. But research shows that when infants are immersed in an environment rich with language and sound their cognitive development is enhanced. The experience of art in infancy can last a lifetime. Theyre so open! Winnie said of the youngest students. Theyre sponges at that age; theyre not judging their experiences on a product, theyre really judging their experience based on a process. Just as importantly, parents are learning, too, and bonding with their children through art. Really, ultimately one of the reasons we have early childhood classes where parents are involved is because it gives parents some tools and resources for new ways to interact with their children that are really positive and mutually beneficial, Winnie said. She puts a heavy emphasis on positive. Yes, kids go to art school to learn techniques and improve as painters, actors, dancers, musicians, writers But encouragement especially from parents is key. Let the teachers nudge your child through the ever widening skill set from bright-eyed dabbler to technically proficient artist she advises if thats where your child wants to go. The most important job for parents is to admire, listen and honour their childrens efforts. We tend to dampen kids artistic spirit based on our own preconceptions and even fears. Dont do that, Winnie cautions. Be open. Its a real eye-opener for parents to experience what a two-year old can do in an art class, she said. v

Imaginations Grow at Vikkis Clay Art Studio!

Bring Art to Life with drop-in sessions, supplies, guidance and instruction provided! Vikkis Clay Art Studio #2-24330 Fraser Hwy Langley, BC V2Z 1N2 Tel: 604-607-5537 www.facebook.com/vikkisclayartstudio Instructor-led Clay Modelling (special times) Paint Pottery Work with Glass Build a project to be proud of! Inspire young minds!

www.vikkisclayartstudio.ca

for fast hool king c Boo Main S S! r& AMP Junio MER C 13th & SUM - July 4th th -2 9 July ust 20th Aug

camps

Weekly Classes

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We are a professional art studio for artists ages 2 to 15.

Birthday Parties

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4CATS CLAYTON HEIGHTS 1146820 188th Street, Surrey (778) 574-2287 | 778-57-4CATS claytonheights@4cats.com 4cats.com/claytonheights

4Cats Arts Studio

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Art is good!

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