Nurturing Growth: Creativity in the Natural World
January is always a time of inspiration and hope for us at the ARTS Center. This year is no exception; as we experience change in the world around us and face the challenges in our community, we embrace our work with an even greater purpose and a commitment to the transformative power of creativity.
Our dedicated team is focused on building the curriculum and preparing for our Spring session of programs. Before each session, we come together to reflect on our past achievements, learning from our experiences and celebrate our collective accomplishments. With over 50 passionate and creative individuals, we are ready excited to co-create meaningful impact with our young people in South Bay, and beyond.
Creativity in the Natural World
As a team, we gathered for a full-day retreat to discuss the general concepts of our Spring theme, "Creativity in the Natural World." What lessons can we learn from the natural world, and how can we combine these findings with the power of art to transform ourselves and the world around us? This theme is based on contemporary research in mental health, art, and education suggesting that engaging in the natural world positively affects beings of all ages. While researching this theme, our Program Manager, Olimpia Vazquez Ojeda, came across a beautiful and poignant quote to inspire our team as we prepare for the spring.
“Our students are flowers who desire natural growth and the promises of the rain. They seek a rebellious bloom against control, authority, and the conventions that have not served them well, nor prepared them for the world —and the “elemental crush” of society has not always centered their genius, and has instead focused on what they are not, or what they cannot do. Yet, they grow and desire environments that nurture their growth.”
Taken from Gholdy Muhammad's “Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Teaching and Learning”, this book is filled with inspiring connections between the joy of teaching and learning and the natural elements.
Muhammad invites educators to reflect on their role as “[…] the waterer, the cultivator, the artist, the sculptor, the innovator, the songwriter, the storyteller, the designer of the curriculum—through the practice of unearthing.”
We are excited to take these ideas, cultivate joy, and grow together this spring!
Nurturing Team Wellness: Our Self-Care Day Experience
In addition to our retreat, we recently organized a "Self Care Day" team outing to Otay Lakes County Park. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to unwind and strengthen our bond as a team. Surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, we enjoyed a relaxing picnic by the lake, which provided the perfect backdrop for reflection and rejuvenation.
This "Self Care Day" outing also deeply ties into our commitment to fostering a community of care. We understand that to be compassionate leaders and effectively support those we serve, we must prioritize our own well-being. Taking care of ourselves allows us to bring our best selves to our work, ensuring we nurture a vibrant support community where every young person feels valued, empowered, and prepared to succeed.
By spending time to reflect and recharge in such a beautiful setting, we reinforce our belief that self-care is not only an individual practice but also a community necessity. When we are at our best, we can cultivate an environment where creativity thrives, enabling young people to navigate their journeys confidently.
Our commitment to personal and team wellness is crucial for providing compassion and support for our community's growth and success. Together, we are dedicated to building a foundation where young people can flourish and reach their full potential.
Newly Redeveloped Volunteer and Intern Program
We are excited to announce the launch of our newly redeveloped volunteer and intern program. Our Volunteer and Internship Specialist, Stephanie Rivas, shared her enthusiasm, stating, "I've been able to see volunteers connect with our programs and youth in such a positive way. I am excited to continue growing the program to engage more community members in our team's amazing work!”
With this renewed focus, we aim to deepen the connections between volunteers, our youth, and staff, fostering an even stronger community of support and inspiration. We're committed to creating a nurturing environment that benefits everyone involved.
“Community is at the core of the volunteer program, and I’ve witnessed that growth between our youth, volunteers, and staff, which inspires me to continue to grow our community of passionate and driven folks!”
Teaching Artist Curriculum Shareouts
As part of our commitment to fostering collaboration and continuous improvement, our Teaching Artist curriculum shareouts have been an essential step to the start of every session. During these sessions, our talented Teaching Artists gather to present their innovative lesson plans and creative approaches centered around the theme "Creativity in the Natural World." These shareouts provide a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas, techniques, and insights, allowing artists and educators to learn from one another.
The collaborative atmosphere strengthens our programs and enhances our collective understanding of integrating the arts with the lessons found in nature. Each Teaching Artist's presentation offered unique perspectives and demonstrated how art can illuminate the connections between creativity and the natural environment. The feedback and discussions from these shareouts are invaluable, setting the stage for even more enriching experiences for our students in the sessions ahead.
