OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Process process process
Here at Creative Critters, we are all about the process. We lead students through projects that have space for exploration and experimentation. We love to embrace “mistakes” and make something new. We believe everyone is naturally curious and creative. By creating a culture of affirmation, we support young artists to let go of limiting beliefs and discover the love of making art for art’s sake.
Community comes first
Making art helps us create community, and some of the best art is created by the community. Our classes promote healthy social engagement between students by using group circles, shared decision making, and collective creative processes. Our programs are infused with opportunities for students to be themselves, grow, and teach their peers and their teachers what they know. When possible and appropriate, we promote age mixing, which allows opportunities for older kids to mentor younger ones.
Creative Expression Supports Human Development
At Creative Critters we believe that kids thrive in the presence of adults who trust them and believe in their capacity to grow. In all the work we do, there are always two lessons - the “what” and the “how”. The “what” is the project of the day - making a bowl, or painting with watercolors. The “how” is about social, emotional and ethical development. How do we share these materials? How can we make choices as a group? How do I let someone know when they’ve hurt my feelings without hurting them back? Using a coaching framework, we nurture young people to grow as artists and as people.
