SESSION

The Role of Supplemental Art Lessons in GLOW
by Carrie Cook
The GLOW curriculum emphasizes verbal processing, writing,
conversation and social engagement. The art component is an opportunity
for students to take their written and conversational experience
and process ideas at a visual, nonverbal, and unconscious level.
EACH ART LESSON INCLUDES:
n Discussion questions that bridge the lesson themes and the art
project
n Writing or drawing prompts as a means of brainstorming
n Relevant ideas from a prominent artists and artworks from
around the world
n A formal activity
Additionally, supplies lists, instructions, and notes to facilitators
prepare the site staff for this component of the program.
Social Emotional Benefits
The art component provides a range of experiences for girls and mentors
to share together:
Mentors and students work on a project side-by-side, making space for
less structured conversations.
Mentors and students share the experience of “getting in the zone.”
To be a creator in this flow state is soothing and hypnotic. Abraham
Maslow, of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs renown, called these sessions
of “extraordinary experiences” our peak experiences. We are at our most
fulfilled, unified, aware and centered. We are in full connection with
our inner selves. It is the physical manifestation of our true potential, he
argues. Our imagination is so present that time becomes illusive. Our
worries and fears disappear. Through focused, engaged attention on
an art project, students begin to sense the feeling of creative time and
transcendence. A facilitator can curate a set of background music to assist
in promoting this experience.
n Making art in a group setting gives participants the experience of being
“alone together,” an intimate connection with one’s self in the presence
of others.
n The art activity serves as a “third thing,” a shared focus that both
mentor and student can attend to together and refer back to in future
conversations.
n At the end of the session or year, art projects are sorted and shared with
the broader community in an exhibition format.
Get in the zone.
14 Cronmiller Cook / Way to GLOW, Year 1, Session 1