MANAGING THE ART ROOM

Gabriel M., grade twelve, sketchbook research on artist Belinda Eaton.

Keri Reynolds

Incorporating sketchbooks into the art room supports meaningful opportunities for students to document their thoughts, ideas, and inspirations through self-directed learning.

In the May 2023 issue of SchoolArts, I described how I incorporated sketchbooks into art assignments to foster student engagement through contemporary artist research. I knew I wanted to continue having my students explore contemporary art in their sketchbooks, but I also wanted to consider how I could support them with opportunities to further expand upon their work.

Importance of Sketchbooks
Sketchbooks are an important part of the art room because they support artistic development, growth, and depth of learning and empower students to document their process and how they come up with ideas. Students can also use their sketchbooks to record information and observations, explore different media, refine their skills, and experiment as part of the creative process. Moreover, the use of sketchbooks can motivate students to explore real-world themes and issues through making connections with contemporary art.

Artists of Today
Contemporary artists frequently explore personal, social, and political issues and develop innovative approaches to art-making. Contemporary artists also represent a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, including women and artists of color, which makes them relatable to students and their interests. Giving students the chance to explore the works of contemporary artists helps them develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. These 21st century skills are frequently evident in the work of contemporary artists due to their interactive and unconventional approaches to art-making.

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