What We Believe
Art is for every earthling, every child.
Process matters more than the product. Children create new worlds that exist far beyond adult ideas of “good” or “bad” art.
Children are capable, imaginative beings. Their ideas matter—and they flourish when given the space, tools, and trust to explore.
When we nurture creativity in children, we invest in a better, braver future—for our kids, and all our kids.
A Note from Brooke
It is a dream come(ing) true to spend my days making art with children, nurturing their creativity and watching them shine.
I have a background in Art History and have spent the past decade plus squeezing art into every moment I can – volunteering in classrooms, after school, and hosting pop up art workshops. ​
I believe, with my whole heart, in the power of art in the hands of children. It inspires me and gives me hope. Art tells stories, builds community, and shows a way forward for all of us. It is a privilege to give kiddos materials and a safe, judgement free space where they can explore and follow their own inspiration. ​
​
Earthlings Art Space, is basically me, any number of kiddos, the garage studio, and a lot of messy making. Maybe one day we'll have a beautiful store front downtown, but for now, we're making do with what we have – which is really all artists need anyway.
​
I hope you'll join us. ♡ Brooke
(hi from me and the family, seen here on a favorite family hike to "frog town")
On talking to kids about their artwork
A child's artistic language exists outside the bounds of spoken languages and outside the context of the broader systems – created by centuries of adults – that govern societies. It is important that children's voices are not quelled by well meaning grown-ups suggesting that children's art be pretty, true-to-life, or even "display-able". Approaching their artwork with joy and curiosity encourages creativity, their excitement in the process, and confidence. These are a few lines I often use:
“Tell me more about it!”
A child’s scribble might be inspired by a feeling or an imaginary world, or may simply be the product of a fun moment playing with art materials. Assuming it needs to “be” a specific something or an accurate representation of what *your* eye see is limiting to a child’s imagination and artistic confidence.
“I’m drawn to the way you used lines over here and dots over here.”
Specific comments show children you are see them and their work. Instead of leading with “cool!” or “it’s so pretty!,” try making an observational comment about one or two aspects of their art. “You used mostly circle shapes here” or “I wonder how you decided to use red over here?” You affirm their creativity and process by noticing it and being curious about it, even if they don’t have an answer to your curiosities.
“What do you want to do with this piece next?"
Giving children the power to decide what to do next with their artwork is a way to further stretch their creative muscles. Maybe they want to use their piece as a backdrop for a puppet show, or mail it to a friend. They may add additional marks to it, fold it into a fortune teller, or display it proudly on the refrigerator. Art doesn't end with the piece is "done".