D51 May Golden Apple Award: Jen Foster
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Art in elementary school isn’t just about painting clouds and rainbows, although that part is fun too. It’s about unleashing creativity and developing imagination. Jen Foster, our May D51 Golden Apple winner, brings art into the hands of students at Tope Elementary.
With splashes of color lining the walls of Tope Elementary, Mrs. Foster, the schools’ artist-in-residence, brings art into the hands of kids everyday. She said, “Kids need art, they need time to play with intention. They need time to play with materials and color. They are so excited when they make things. That’s the other thing, there’s so much pride when kids make art.”
Art education fosters a sense of self expression and confidence. The art room provides a safe space for students to explore their identities and share their unique perspectives with the world. Mrs. Foster told us, “The best thing about kids is they aren’t as worried about the end product, and they aren’t always worried about it being neat, or perfect, and that’s when you start seeing real art being made.”
Teaching art to kids lets her witness the magic of discovery as her students explore new concepts and mediums. “I just think kids art is beautiful to look at. It’s inspiring, it’s energetic, and it feeds back into the energy of the school.”
For Mrs. Foster, teaching art isn’t just about technical skills, it’s about nurturing self confidence, creativity, and self expression. She said, “The big thing you want to teach in art education is a process, and not the product.” You just have to learn to trust the process.
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