A Day at The Art Garage
When people ask what a day in the life of a studio assistant at The Art Garage looks like, so many things come to mind. Helping teachers during class and doing tasks that range from restocking toilet paper to meticulously organizing paintbrushes, refilling glues and washing the paint off of pallettes at the end of class. It's all important to keep the studio running smoothly every day. In between those tasks, there are outstanding moments of human connection, growth, and creativity that I as an assistant have felt and still cherish!
Sometimes kids come in for the day, nervous about being in a new environment or being away from their parents. These emotional moments sometimes cause tears. I always feel a sense of understanding for these kids as someone who also felt homesickness and attachment to my parents when they dropped me off for activities when I was a child.
When this happens, I do my best to make them feel comfortable and welcome. I'll take it at their pace, sitting with them and encouraging them to start with what feels best about the project. It is the most fulfilling experience when a student who starts the class crying can fully bounce back and have a great time and make amazing art they're proud of by the end. Seeing that smile of accomplishment and enjoyment, and hearing them say they can’t wait to show a parent, sibling, or any important person in their life, is incredibly heartwarming and meaningful to me!
Working here as an adult really makes me wish I had known about The Art Garage as a kid. I would have loved to attend! Art always has been and always will be my thing, so it heals a younger, more anxious past version of me knowing these students are getting that experience, and to get to be a part of that for them.
Adult classes prove to be just as impactful to assist. Many students come in feeling nervous about starting something new or have never done art at all! Some say a past teacher or adult in their life discouraged them from doing art. Others have dabbled in art, and want to try something new, but feel a sense of perfectionism towards it that leaves them stuck halfway through.
These students, despite hangups and self-doubt, genuinely try. They try something new and creative, try to translate what's in their brain onto paper or sculpt it into clay, and try to let go of anything that holds them back. It's liberating both for them to experience, and for me to witness. Trying in and of itself is fun, and they discover that when they're able to let go of past doubts and fears.
The process is what makes art enjoyable, and the end result is the proof of that effort. I think a huge part of this studio’s identity is encouraging the act of trying and acknowledging the bravery it takes to do so. I strongly feel that creativity and self expression are some of the best parts about being human! Everyone has the capacity to be creative, but maybe not everyone is given permission or the chance to do so. The Art Garage gives everyone permission, whether you're a complete beginner, hobbyist, or professional, to be an artist! I feel so incredibly lucky to have these experiences that make every day as an assistant here so meaningful.
