THE Studio Classroom exhibition, currently on show in the main lobby at Mary Immaculate College, features work produced by children at three local primary schools through an innovative new project.
The schools, St Mary’s Primary School, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School and Presentation Primary School, worked with MIC and three artists in a scheme that aims to bridge the field of art education and the world of contemporary art.
Working with Anne-Marie Morrin of the Visual Arts Education at MIC, the TED Project delivered a pilot six-week art initiative with three artists; Jean Cleary, Julie Brazil and Kate McElroy; working closely with the schools and children through online residencies.
Prof Michael A Hayes, President of MIC said: “Connecting the artists with the primary schools has demonstrated the use of virtual technology to connect studio and classroom where exciting collaborative arts practice evolved.”
The primary focus of the Studio Classroom was to promote innovative ways for artists, primary school teachers and pupils to engage and respond to art practice.
This project connected artist studios directly into the primary classrooms and promoted innovative ways in which children can respond to artist work by working directly with the artist.
Describing the process further Anne Marie Morrin, Visual Arts lecturer at MIC, said: “Working directly from their studios the artists transported the child into an exploratory mindset where experimenting was encouraged and risks embraced. The art sessions moved away from the traditional art class setting where emphasis is placed on the acquisition of skills through the manipulation of materials and tools.
“Instead consideration was given to the starting point where the exploration of ideas and how these ideas can be transformed into visual forms.”
It is hoped that the project will help develop a model for new approaches for artist, teachers, and children to work together in the teaching and learning of art in schools, and how technology can help support the creative process.
