Difference is something that's been on my mind lately. I think a lot of times feeling different comes with feelings of inferiority and being viewed with lesser value.

 

Rationally thinking, being different doesn't make those things true. In fact, being different and thinking differently can be the exact opposite. Our differences add color and vibrance, value to our lives. How boring would this project be if all 30 students created the same character or used the same color? It seems obvious, but our differences don't always feel appreciated by others and wanting to feel accepted, to "fit in," to feel valued is such a real struggle in life and something creative brains might be more prone to experience.

 

This is my number one goal with these kids in art groups: to show them they have such great value, there is so much good that can be found in anything they do, there is somewhere they are always accepted and they fit in and their differences are embraced.

These images give us a glimpse inside their brains and I love to see how they see things! A couple may have based their character on the same object or animal but they each saw them in a different way. They are all amazing kids! It is so fun for me to look at these characters and see their personalities and see where they started and how far they've come! I am so proud of each of them!