Artists Care

a few weeks ago, we did a mini-lesson about what do artists Care About and Think About when they make art?  We talked about how artists RESPOND to their world.

Right now a lot of people are hurting, angry, trying to make sense of a big situation.  This could be the perfect time to RESPOND and make art?

This is not a political conversation but how we care for those that are hurting and scared.  We take care of one another. We are like a family here at Meramec School and this is National Kindness Week.  This is the perfect opportunity to express ourselves and send a messages to comfort others while spreading kindness.

Right now there are people that feel satisfied, some people are very sad and disappointed and some people are left trying to make sense of it all.  Think of a baseball game. There is a winning team and team that has to come in second place.  What do baseball players do at the end of a game?  (sportsmanship)  Think of how we treat one another and can come together.  

Think of a time in your life when you were hurt, angry or upset by something?  
Was it something someone said or did?  
Was it something that seemed unfair or not right?  
Was it a time when someone you care for was hurting or suffering?

What did you do to make it better?

*Did you try to talk to a person and hear their side of the story?
*Did you listen?
*Did you try and understand another person's point of view?
*Did you care for the other person?
*Did you say I love you?
*Did you say I support you?
*Did you say you matter?
*Did you try and comfort one another?

At Meramec we follow the Meramec 5

Kindess, Respect, Responsibility, Safety, Cooperation.

Love it not political * Kindness is not political * Peace is not political

We are going to create an installation art piece here at Meramec.  We will use the symbol of the heart to send messages of:
Respect
Healing
Gratitude
Love
Hope
Courage
Comfort
*You will write a message on a heart.
*You will design and decorate the heart.
*You will place your heart in a spot at Meramec where someone will get the message that they are safe, they are comforted, they are respected, they are loved, they are encouraged, they are cared for, they are honored, they are courageous, they matter.

*Think of the perfect spot in our building where your message will be received.


What is our responsibility when someone is hurting?  
Despite differences, how can we find common ground?  
What is our responsibility as artists and citizens?  
What is our responsibility as artists to stand up for the rights and beliefs of ALL citizens?