The plight of STEM or STEAM and creativity at any age.

I have through the years had many discussions on the need for students, especially girls to get into STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Math) based programs. I personally like to focus on STEAM (where the Arts are included in the mix). 

I came across an article recently, stating how creative thinking is needed more in schools and children need to play and be creative thinkers. The spoon fed method of teaching called rote memorization has created students who find it difficult to  create new ideas.  

This actually made me think of my want to move from doing Paint Nights, where everyone essentially paints the same image to teaching creativity where everyone create their own unique piece. 

Fortunately I taught design thinking for 10 years and now I have the opportunity to instead of applying it to digital design, I am working on courses on how to help non artists to be creative and current artists to stretch their knowledge.  I am now working on creating those courses. I have already been teaching Intro to Painting for Non Artists which has been very well received. My plan is to build on this introductory course and expand from there. 

My focus is on teaching adults and seniors and my plan is to offer to retirees a creative outlet for them to explore. 

I am so blessed to be able to help others to be creative and to show non artists that they are not limited by their lack of prior knowledge. 
​