Contact Local Artist Marcia Jane Arnold

My Personal Philosophy of Teaching

Nurturing Each Child’s Gifts

I believe that each child has a gift that can be nurtured and allowed to flourish for the pleasure and well-being of the child (not adults). I have developed my own way of nurturing the child’s desire involving a process to make art in a non-threatening and relaxed environment.

Building Self-Confidence

I believe in using the process of making art to build self confidence, learn skills, and develop a sense of aesthetics. Through a gentle, affirming process, I assist the student in building this self-confidence. The student, through practice, begins to adopt positive, self-affirming thoughts. These positive thoughts help the student consider art making as an enjoyable experience, instead of a struggle to produce perfect imagery.

Taking Creative Risks

Through years of teaching experience, I have found that children following my directives become accustomed to taking creative risks, are tolerant of their mistakes and are relieved of the burden of striving for perfection. As a result, the child’s “best” artwork will naturally come forth. After making many unskilled tries, the student ultimately builds upon those attempts and eventually accepts the “I can do!” view of learning.