An Experience designed for queer or questioning young adults and their parents to be able to explore artistic methods that promote the safe expression of honest, raw feelings, taught by someone who has first-hand knowledge of what they have gone through or may be currently going through. Often times, queer or questioning young adults lack an immediate parent, guardian or loved one that understands the struggle of identity, and so may not be able to effectively communicate the complex feelings to the people who want to support them. This class helps bridge the gap between expression and understanding, and helps not just the student to explore creative outlets, but also offers parents and guardians strategies for providing safe, supportive and effective environments for their child's creative endeavors. This Experience is not a therapeutic replacement, nor am I a therapist.

Experience subject

This flexible experience can be taken as an individual artist, it can be taken as a parent or guardian, and can also be taken together! The experience has 3 main focuses: 1. Exploring and understanding the methods, mediums and materials a child or young adult is drawn toward. Today, we have all kinds of expressive avenues including both physical and digital options. The first focus is determining the right method and giving advice on how to accommodate access to it. 2. Identifying patterns and themes in their creative works. Are the drawings quick or methodical? How do colors, shapes, motifs or subjects inform the art? What are you trying to express, and is this the most effective method? The second focus teaches you or your child which visual language techniques can be most beneficial to explore on their own or in a follow-up course. 3. Interpreting and encouraging artistic expression. What is my child trying to express? How can I discern emotion from an image or a sculpture? This last focus is geared toward parents, guardians, or anyone looking to develop an eye for critical and thematic interpretation. It is very helpful for the student to also learn how to interpret art as well, as it will help reinforce the skills they will be learning in the previous focus.