The Art of Growing UP
10 Things Kids Learn When They Create - Part 5: Cultural Understanding
Visual Art speaks a language that crosses borders. At Art Camp, students aged 9-15 discover how shapes, colors, and patterns connect us to people across time and place.
It's fascinating to see how certain visual elements appear in art worldwide. Spirals, circles, and geometric patterns appear in art from cultures that never contacted each other. The same can be said for how certain colors represent similar ideas across different societies.
Yet there's equal wonder in discovering how differently cultures can use the same basic elements. A triangle might represent mountains in one tradition and strength in another. Red might symbolize joy in one culture and something entirely different elsewhere.
By exploring these visual similarities and differences, students naturally develop:
A deeper appreciation for how humans express themselves through art
Recognition of our shared creative instincts across cultures
Understanding of how environment and history shape artistic choices
Curiosity about the stories behind different visual traditions
This kind of learning happens naturally when making art. As students experiment with shapes and colors from various traditions, they absorb cultural understanding without even realizing it.
These visual connections help young people see beyond stereotypes to appreciate both what makes us similar and what makes each culture unique - an essential skill in our diverse world.
Art Camp starts June 2 at the Crystal Beach Beach House. Camp runs through July. Join us to explore the universal and unique visual languages that connect us all.
Spaces are limited! Contact me at crystalbeachhouseartcamp@gmail.com to reserve your child's spot.
