ARTS
Independent Imagination: Workbook Connects Blair Artists As part of Blair’s healthand-safety protocols last year, the academic calendar included several weeks of remote learning before and after winter break. Blair’s fine arts teachers knew it was important to help their students continue to build art skills during their extended time at home, so they devised a fun and creative way for students to get hands-on experience in several mediums: Blair’s very first art workbook. The workbook served as an independent art study to amplify innovation and imagination among Blair’s artists. According to fine arts department chair Kate Sykes, the department was inspired to find a way for students to stay engaged with their art practice during winter break. They also didn’t want students to feel bored and isolated at home where their activity options might be limited. Art teacher Evan Thomas and photography teacher Tyson Trish worked closely with Mrs. Sykes to design and print the 25-page workbook. It featured a different prompt on each page for various art exercises. Students created their artworks directly in the book or, for more physical exercises such as sculpture, they scanned QR codes that led to instructional videos. Exercises included ceramics, word association mind-maps, storyboards, various forms of sculpture, drawing, illustration, self-portraits, color memory association and more. Each individual page included a custom hashtag that students could use to share their work with each other and the Blair community. The workbook featured custom designs by Elizabeth Montfort ’20, Marty Dericks ’22 and Irene Jung ’21 that students could color or illustrate. A PDF version of the workbook was sent out to the greater School community for anyone who was interested in participating.
“We put it together rather quickly so we could get it in the hands of our art students before they left for Thanksgiving break,” Mrs. Sykes noted. #blaircolorsofimagination Draw a picture of something over the watercolor swatches that you would like to imagine in these colors
Mrs. Sykes, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Trish wanted to ensure students felt supported in their artistic and creative growth from afar, and the workbook served as an opportunity to provide them with emotional support, creative inspiration and hope. The workbook was also a chance to introduce different artistic styles to keep creative brains active and engaged. “It does feel like something that we can add to and improve upon, and there are definitely some ways we can get more students more involved,” Mrs. Sykes said. “I can foresee us sending art workbooks home with students over the summer for years to come.” ■
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