Magic Trash Mix Media Recycled Art Wall

 Tyree Guyton is an African American Neo-Expressionist artist who is a proponent of Graffti Art and Urban Environmental art. Through the Heidelberg Project he has waged a transformation on urban blight on Detroit's East Side, transforming his childhood neighborhood into a living indoor/outdoor art museum. His art shows that when working together, the healing power of art, active environmentalism,  and the importance of inspiring community can turn everyday trash into magic while rebuilding a neighborhood.

After reading this story for #blackistory month, we set out an invitation to paint a mixed media art wall with recycled materials and Colorations Tempera & Bio Color Paint.

Experimenting with different surfaces & varying textures always brings a special spark of interest and engagement because of the open-ended unique process for children. #Processart such as this lets a child experiment & interact with art materials through an enhanced #sensory exploration. With a variety of textures, heights, materials, children began to discover that by using different techniques with the paint on top of the textured surface will produce varying outcomes and a different perspective of art. This is definitely a process-not-product invitation, it is very exploratory, creative, messy, & open-ended.

Creating art boosts children’s ability to analyze & problem-solve in many ways. By creating freely children gain confidence while acquiring so many skills. It gives them a foundation to look at the world with the confidence that they can accomplish any goal. Visual art deeply affects children, for it is one of the most important forms of communication & expression. When children create, they are proud to be unique & take risks, while honoring their innate creative artistic style. Art provides for limitless creativity while instilling curiosity & wonder in the process.