Every month at our center we learn & explore different famous artists from around the world. Since art is a fundamental component of early childhood, more exposure to various forms of art lets children see the beauty around them & in others. Art can be rooted in history & a catalyst for change in culture, which is why it is so important to introduce children to all different forms of art. This month we have been learning about the artist Frida Kahlo. We have been looking at her famous self portraits, still life, paintings, & reading many stories about her.
We read the book Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos which inspired us to let the children create her unique blue house "Casa Azul." Frida Kahlo spent most of her life here, and after she passed it became a museum for everyone to see her personal objects, paintings, sculptures, photos, documents, books, & furnishings that was a huge part of what inspired her to create.
While children’s books open children’s eyes to differences, actual experiences have the most profound influence on what children think & believe. The integration of literacy, arts, & an experience such as this strengthens literacy skills, provides a deeper connection to the context, & fosters creative thinking. We used recycled cardboard boxes to create "Casa de Azul," & invited the children to paint it blue just like Frida's house.
Cardboard is such a versatile material that provides a great surface to paint on. Since it comes in so many different sizes, textures, & shapes it allows the children to explore art in a different medium, use their imagination to think of a range of ways to paint cardboard boxes, & promotes collaboration as the children can work together to paint and talk about what they are creating.
Experiences such as this will empower them to be creative, develop a sense of culture, and become aware of the beauty in the world around them.
Here are other ways to explore Frida Kahlo: