Young children’s artwork can be fun, exciting and beautiful to look at, but it also has a lot to say about physical and emotional development.
In celebration of the Week of the Young Child®, Edward Street is hosting a unique art exhibit and immersive experience. Spring Is Bursting Out All Over! is now showing through June 12 at the Printer’s Building Hallway Gallery, 50 Portland Street, Worcester, and virtually on our website.
Primarily a showcase of young children’s artwork, Spring Is Bursting Out All Over! is also an opportunity to stand in the shoes of young children. How do they express themselves during each stage of development? What can we learn about young children from scribbled drawings or the colorful stroke of a crayon?
Seventy-two works of art will be displayed (plus an additional 100 online), with opportunities to guess the artist’s age and learn how their work symbolizes their growth.
Like 19-month old Isabella. Her work features lots of hard stamping, which is common for children her age. They enjoy high sensory input methods like scribbling, squishing and mark-making.
And three-year-old Curtis. He’s beginning to understand how the world works, such as that the sun helps grass grow. By titling his work, “The Sun is Shining on the Grass So it Can Get Bigger,” we know he’s excited to share what he’s learned with you.
“Each piece is a window into a child’s creativity as well as their learning,” says Edward Street Director of Special Projects Rose Hayes. “You’re able to see what they know and what they’re figuring out about themselves and the world. It’s everything from motor development to social emotional development.”
Artwork is even being displayed at children’s eye level, so adults can see the world through the eyes of a young person. More importantly, it signals to young people that their work is important. “They can see themselves as artists and be recognized for their artistic abilities, but also for their thoughts, feelings and ideas,” noted Edward Street Master Teacher Jo Ann Borinski.
Spring Is Bursting Out All Over!, funded in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, is running through the end of the month. Visiting hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m, and by appointment Wednesdays 4-7 p.m. (To schedule a viewing, please contact Toni Ostrow at tostrow@edwardstreet.org.) The gallery may be accessed from the 50 Portland Street entryway. Press 011 to request entry. Indoor gathering limits are 4-5 people at a time.
Established in 1981, the Week of the Young Child® is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association. The event aims to focus attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize programs and services that meet those needs.
For more information visit our virtual gallery or contact Toni Ostrow at tostrow@edwardstreet.org.