Written by Spring 2025 AFA Intern Anouk Mignon
On Thursday, May 29, I had the chance to shadow teaching artist Brynne at RSC2, The Renaissance Charter School in Queens, during first-grade classes.
Brynne began each session with games to help the children release energy and feel comfortable expressing themselves. One of my favorite games was the “dance party”, where each student could take turns starting and stopping the music. A highlight for me was Brynne’s collective chant at the beginning of the class: ” I am an artist; everyone is an artist!” It felt like a small ritual that reminded everyone, children and adults alike, that creativity lives in all of us. I could really see how excited the children were to participate and create.
The day’s art activity focused on the concept of habitat, specifically the underwater world of the octopus. The objective was to create a watercolor painting depicting the octopus’s environment. The students listened carefully to Brynne’s instructions, especially on watercolor technique: first dip the brush in water before applying the paint, then rinse it before using another color.
Each child interpreted the theme in their own way, drawing elements of the marine habitat: some drew seaweed, others fish, coral reefs, or mysterious underwater caves where octopuses might hide. Many also enjoyed mixing colors to create new shades.
It was very heartwarming to watch the children fully engage in the process – focused, imaginative, and proud of their work. This experience was a wonderful reminder of how the arts can empower children to express themselves and connect with the world around them.
