Saturday, June 02, 2007 The art of the matter By Janette Huang Teves Mom about town
I RECENTLY attended the delightful art exhibit of Davao artist Mary Ann Tan-Guinoo's talented young students held at the Tan's family residence where their remarkable art works were creatively displayed all over the sprawling garden.
The budding artists could not contain their excitement as they eagerly showed their masterpieces for the first time to their proud and impressed parents (my hubby Gary and I included) and other guests.
According to the US-based Creative Art Space for Kids Foundation (Cask), when a child creates a work of art, they are not just drawing a picture; they are likewise creating aspects of self importance, individuality and engaging in self expression.
"We are all born creative, but if we neglect to develop and strengthen these skills, our creativity becomes inhibited. By assisting and encouraging a child's creativity, parents set the stage for endless opportunities for that child's imagination," states Cask.
In fact, Cask claims that research has demonstrated that participation in the arts enhances the cognitive development, problem solving capabilities and spatial/nonverbal abilities of children.
Maestra Mary Ann
Full-time mom and entrepreneur Mary Ann Tan-Guinoo has always loved the arts even as a child. From the age of 8 until high school, she took summer art workshops with renowned Davao artist Brenda Barba.
After graduating from Ateneo de Davao High School, she took up Bachelor of Fine Arts at the College of the Holy Spirit Manila.
"Upon finishing college, I was the store artist of New City Commercial Center (NCCC) and even taught art lessons to the children of NCCC owner Henry Lim," Mary Ann shares.
Moreover, she worked with Asia Brewery with the promotions department for 4 years.
In 1993, Mary Ann moved to Norway after getting married to Miles Guinoo, also a Dabawenyo. They have three lovely children, Marja Elana (12), Emylou Ann (11) and Arian Melina (5).
While in Norway, the dynamic mom studied Norweigan grammar, literature and history at the University of Bergen.
Symmetry of spirit
Mary Ann came home to Davao in 1997 and started joining exhibits in 2000. The latest exhibit was "Symmetry of Sprit: A Contemporary Art Exhibit of 10 Davao Women Artists," which was participated by Tita Ayala, Josie Tionko, Carlota de Pio, Margot Marfori, Dadai Joaquin, Cynthia Alexander, Bina Balchand, Tetel Tionko, Lourdes Simpol and herself.
For this exhibit, Mary Ann focused on children, landscapes, and flowers.
"Since I spent most of my time with my children, inspiration for my paintings came from their day to day activities," says Mary Ann.
Artist in residence
For the past eight years, Mary Ann has been conducting art workshops for students ages 5 years old and above every summer.
"Aside from my own home-based studio, I have also taught in Woodridge Country Club and Mountain Haven Resort," she relates.
This year, 24 students enrolled in her annual art workshop divided into various levels, namely: beginners, primary, intermediate and advanced.
"I taught the basic art principles: line, shape, color, value and texture using several media: pencil on paper, oil pastels on paper, charcoal on paper, colored pencils on paper and acrylic on canvass," reveals Mary Ann.
Stimulating art activities include drawing and painting (still life, landscape and composition). In their cartooning class, the children made their own cartoon character, drew their favorite TV cartoon characters and developed their own comic strip.
"I also noticed that my students truly enjoyed their T-shirt hand-painting session," Mary Ann says.
Drawing minds
"It is so easy to teach art to children. Their skills are still raw so what I teach is what they absorb. The techniques I put in their mind will come out as I taught them in paper," Mary Ann enthuses.
In addition, she observes when it comes to art, kids are not afraid to make mistakes and explore possibilities unlike adults who have pre-conceived notions and limitations.
"Whenever my students have their art exhibit, I feel so happy that the kids have learned something from me. I have students who have been with me for eight years already. Every year, their works improve by leaps and bounds," she divulges.
As parents, Mary Ann emphasizes that we have the responsibility to develop the creativity of our children. Aside from academic-related activities, they should be exposed to visual arts, dance, music sports and the like. It is crucial that they have well-balanced lives.
"If you notice that your child has an interest in the arts, encourage and support them. Who knows, he or she might be the next top artist from Davao," she says.
For your comments and suggestions, you may e-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com.
