It was another week filled with preparations for upcoming camps at the Ohio Craft Museum. While it makes for a busy week, it does not create the most engaging content for a blog post!

With this in mind, I decided to try a new approach to my weekly blog post.  I sat down with Judi Young, the new Education Coordinator for the Ohio Craft Museum, and asked her a few questions about herself and her hopes and goals for the museum. 

ART BACKGROUND

Judi is an artist who creates whimsical collages which have been featured in stores and exhibits around Columbus. She was first inspired to create her collages when she saw a piece of art in a store that captured her eye. It was a print of a torn paper collage that looked like a rooster. Enthralled by the work, Judi began collecting materials such as scrapbook paper and wrapping paper to make her own collages. Judi has completed multiple artist-in-residency programs and has been making her own animal-focused art since 2004. She has been an educator since 2006. 

ART EDUCATION: WHY & WHAT’S NEXT

When asked why she thinks art instruction and/or experiences are important for children, Judi expressed her belief that it is important for children to have artistic experiences because it facilitates the development of a well-rounded person by reinforcing individual creativity as well as divergent thinking skills. 

As the new education coordinator, Judi hopes to integrate lessons about influential Ohio artists, such as Aminah Robinson, into future camp sessions. As a history major and an enthusiastic art hobbyist, I appreciate this approach as it will allow the campers to learn more about art, art history, and the specific history of Ohio artisans, which remains true to the central theme of the museum itself.

I am very thankful for Judi’s willingness and eagerness to sit down with me and talk about her plans for the educational aspects of the museum, as well as her background and inspiration. Judi’s kind guidance and encouragement has been a welcomed addition to the camp, and I look forward to the return of the young camper’s energy next week!