I just wrapped up an art program for the PTA called Reflections. Students are given a theme and create artwork. The art is judged and the first place winners advance to the city, state, etc. It’s fun for the kids, and we have a big celebration at the end of the program.
Last week, we gave out the awards. Fourteen deserving kids are advancing to the city level with excitement and pride. But now I’m thinking about all the other kids. I wonder and worry that some of them have made a life-long decision about their abilities based on this contest.
Did any of them say, “I didn’t win. I must not be good at art.” And then shut the door on their creative selves?
It’s a familiar refrain. I have met so many adults who say, “I’m not good at art.” Many of them can tell me about a specific moment when they took an artistic risk as a kid and were either criticized or simply not encouraged.
Now is the time to rewrite that song. Put away your measuring stick and remind yourself that sometimes you are creative. Sometimes you are artistic. None of us are all that all the time, but all of us are some of the time. Go dip into something artistic or creative. Rewrite the song!
