art/vision/voice - Maryland Institute College of Art

118 art / vision / voice
stimulate new ideas. Placed in the latter half
the session, such a trip can help in
generating renewed excitement.
v Moving seamlessly from individual to
collaborative projects is a sophisticated
proposition. It requires good instincts
about when and how to move from
individual work into group endeavors, as
well as a sense of how to make the
transition. Creating a rhythm of working
back and forth between solo and
collaborative projects throughout a
program can build community along the
way while continuing to honor each
individual’s need to express his or her own
ideas. Or, as in this case, working towards a
final collaborative project creates a sense of
finale and togetherness.
Given all the above, it does suggest that the
effort to engage with communities through
quality art experiences is loaded with a broad
range of challenges. There is a great deal to
consider. It appears worthwhile to have
preparation in artistic and social development,
a review of representational strategies and
how they can be developed, and insights related
to matching materials to ideas. Experiential
processes, themes, and metaphors that
accommodate the exploration of personal
voice and working collaboratively help staff
envision the possibilities and shape
experiences for others. In the future, such
preparation might make such a program run
more smoothly, and retain more participants,
staff, and community members. Such
preparation might also better equip future
staffers for whatever new challenges might
come their way in another program.