Creativity and imagination fill the gallery space in the lower level of the North Building at the Denver Art Museum. The DAM is currently showcasing artwork by early childhood students—children under the age of six. All of the pieces on view were created by the students of Mile High Early Learning and Clayton Early Learning. The artwork has been created in a variety of ways with a wide range of materials. These creative young artists have made a stunning array of colorful and eye-catching artwork with the help of dedicated teachers and staff.
From learning about colors and mixing to using objects found in nature, the variety of artworks on view teach students something different about both art and the world around them. Mile High Early Learning Westwood Center created Kaleidoscope Art, using coffee filters and food coloring to explore colors and the ways in which they mix together. Alongside creating their own, the students also explored kaleidoscopes to see a variety of colors.
Other artworks developed out of math concepts young artists were learning in class, like the body tracings done by Clayton Early Learning Far Northeast Center. Originally using tracing to help in a math measuring activity, the idea came to trace entire bodies.
After tracing, students painted their tracings before adding various objects and materials to their creations. Their original body tracing artworks are life-sized and on display at their center, and the color copies here at Denver Art Museum will give you a taste of the imagination that went into them.
Body Tracing by students at Clayton Early Learning Far Northeast Center
One set of artworks I truly enjoy is the recycled cardboard abstract sculptures created by students at Mile High Early Learning Lowry Center (some of which are pictured at the top). The teacher cut out cardboard shapes and the students chose their favorites. After painting and adding any embellishments they wanted, the students were able to assemble the pieces into the desired form. These artworks combine creativity and imagination along with other skills such as spatial awareness.
Entry to the showcase is free; admission to the rest of the museum requires a ticket.
