Toronto School of Art

Throughout my art practice, there also runs a strong thread of art making with children and youth. I began to work with kids when I was still in art school, and I have pretty much continued ever since. In all my teaching, I think of myself as a guide who is there to suggest and encourage; to introduce a new material, an idea, a process, and together we see what happens... This would be how I feel about my teaching for all ages: from 7 to 70.

I am always refreshed by the energy and innovation of children and the discoveries they make. As an artist, one is always trying to achieve their state of perfect play; a space where you are uninhibited and totally lost in the moment. I take this to my own art practice.

In working with older children, I have observed their strong interest and desire to develop their drawing skills and expand their art experience. The Drawing Explorations class is meant to offer drawing fundamentals to kids 10-12, in a fun and innovative program; to take their art to the next level. Drawing is the foundation for so much in visual arts, and it builds confidence and a deeper appreciation and understanding of the way art works.

____________________________________________________

Donnely Smallwood teaches the Drawing Explorations course for 10-12 year olds, as well as courses for adults, including Collage and Assemblage, Installation, and Introduction to Drawing.

Having studied art and education at the University of Hamburg, Germany (Master of Fine Arts and High School Teaching Diploma), I have been working with Youths and Adults of various ages in school- and private institution settings since the early Nineties, as well as following my own art practice. Teaching has always been an important part of my being an artist -- it is not a "day job;" rather a place to exchange ideas, communicate, inspire and be inspired.

I believe that an understanding of our world, an acceptance of different cultures, and exploration of contemporary and historic art forms, and a recognition that the unknown is to be welcomed and not to be rejected are essential in creating and understanding art and culture.

In a world run by technology I find it essential, especially for tweens and teens, to explore their imagination with a hands-on approach to build a creative mind. In a praxis-oriented classroom/studio situation I show and present images and films, as well as take the students out to museums and galleries in order to connect their own work with historical and current ideas and approaches. I feel lucky and privileged to assist them in the process of understanding the importance of art and finding their own voices.

____________________________________________________

Tina Oehmsen-Clark teaches the Youth Studio course for 10-13 year-olds and 14-17 year-olds, respectively, the Portfolio Development course for teens and young adults, and the Introduction to Sculpture: Media Explorations course for adults.