Artists Recreate Kid Monster Art in Their Own Style to Encourage Kids' Imaginations
I’ve got an awesome series of art for you to check out that comes from an art project called The Monster Project. It’s based out of Texas and it pairs elementary school kids with professional artists from around the world to create original monsters. The way it works is the kid draws up a monster character, and then the professional artist recreates that monster in his or her own style.
The project was started as a way to “help children recognize the power of their own imaginations and to encourage them to pursue their creative potential.” The Kickstarter page goes on to explain "...we understand how important that initial creative exposure is and how it can truly alter the shape of a child's future. Creativity comes in many forms, and we hope to encourage their exploration of their own unique perceptions of the world we share. And, while we're at it, we want to introduce to them the notion of art as a legitimate career path."
This whole thing was inspired by the lack of art that we are finding in our schools. As you know, the arts have been decreasing in schools for years to make way for other types of uncreative curriculum. The organizers explain:
With a decreasing emphasis on arts in schools, many children don’t have the opportunity for creative exploration they deserve. That’s a monstrous trend we would like to destroy. As artists ourselves, we understand how important that initial creative exposure is and how it can truly alter the shape of a child's future.
By collaborating with the students and finding inspiration from their imaginings, we hope to help them recognize the value of their ideas and make them feel excited about the potential of their own minds. Creativity comes in many forms, and we hope to encourage their exploration of their own unique perceptions of the world we share. And, while we're at it, we want to introduce to them the notion of art as a legitimate career path.
We have to admit, this isn't just for the kids. What a refreshing opportunity it is to be offered a glimpse into someone else's head – especially the fantastically bizarre, unobstructed thoughts of a child. It’s an amazing opportunity.
This is such a great project for kids, and it’s something I’d love to have my own kids be a part of. I always encourage the artist side of my kids, because have a strong imagination is a good thing to have. I’m all about encouraging kids to pursue their creative potential!
For more information on the project, go to gomonsterproject.com.
