There are certain goals you tuck away in the back of your mind, the “someday” projects that you hope to get to when the timing is right. For us, creating and teaching an art curriculum for kids has been on that bucket list for a long time. This year, we finally got to check that box as we began teaching at St. Stephen’s in Oil City.
The Dream of an Art Curriculum
We’ve always believed that art isn’t just a subject you learn in school; it is a way of processing the world. We wanted to build a curriculum that didn’t just teach kids how to draw a straight line, but how to trust their instincts and use their imagination as a tool.
Getting to bring this vision to the students at St. Stephen’s has been an incredible experience. Walking into that classroom and seeing those eager faces ready to dive into the “brain jar” with us is a reminder of why we do what we do.
Why This Matters
As creatives, we feel a huge responsibility to pass on what we’ve learned. Teaching kids allows us to:
- Foster Confidence: Helping them realize there are no “mistakes” in art, only happy accidents and new directions.
- Encourage Problem Solving: Showing them that a blank page isn’t scary, it’s an opportunity.
- Build Community: Connecting with the younger generation right here in Oil City and helping them see the beauty in their own backyard.
A Full Circle Year
Looking back at everything that has happened this year, from the murals at The Exchange and the library to our solo show in Foxburg, this teaching milestone feels like the perfect piece of the puzzle. It’s about more than just our own art; it’s about investing in the future of the creative community here.
Every time a student has that “aha!” moment or feels proud of something they’ve created, it confirms that this was a bucket list item worth waiting for.
Thank you to St. Stephen’s for inviting us in and letting us share our passion with your students. We are having the time of our lives!
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