What are we really saying to the kids of this community?
I am asking because when your paper is inviting Grade 1 to 3 students to colour into some really imaginative outlines of a snowman and a Christmas tree for the purpose of entering a contest what are you really telling this coming generation?
a) you have no creativity or you lack the courage to use it.
b) you are too intellectually challenged to think of your own ideas,
c) you are emotionally too immature to express your feelings,
d) you lack the basic skills to use a variety of materials,
e) your powers of observation are so poor that you have no clue on how to start your own drawing and painting,
f) you have become so involved with digital media that expressing yourself without them is just too difficult,
g) your parents, friend and teachers have obviously failed to support the artist in you,
h) and now the newspaper is agreeing.
After having taught creative expression for decades in my pre-Sookian life, I feel ready to say, please do away with these kind of colouring contests from now on. Treat kids with dignity and sponsor events that allow them to express their own thoughts and feelings.
Just think what a fascinating show of original art everyone could enjoy at a SEAPARC that offers memberships for participants in such a happening.
Wilf Wenzel
Sooke