COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT

As you scroll down, you will notice that this post directly corresponds with the "GUERILLA ART" post. We believe that autism is closely related to all of us in ECE as it is extremely likely that we will encounter children with this disorder some time in our practice.

Our Big Idea

- Place large puzzle pieces (the symbol of Autism) around downtown Toronto for people to participate in a large scavenger hunt

- Those who find the pieces could choose to:
a) participate
b) leave the pieces for others to find

- Those who do choose to participate meet at Dundas Square at a set date and time (instructions would be written on each puzzle piece)

- At Dundas Square, participants assemble the large-scale Autism puzzle

*Media and sponsors would be present during assembly, speakers (such as adults with autism, parents of children with autism, organization members, professionals in related fields) would also be present

Our Goal: to raise awareness and educate the public about autism

Art word of the week: balance

Simply stated, it's when equilibrium or harmony is reached.

Wouldn't it be great for everyone to be viewed equally? There are many people including professionals in the medical/educational field who are unaware about how autism affects an individual, and how to work with individuals with autism. It's a very "puzzling" disorder because there is no known cause and no known cure. 

For more information on autism and Autism Ontario, visit their website: http://www.autismontario.com/ 

 It is a great resource and has lots of ways for you to get involved in your community.

References

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children (6^th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar. 

GUERILLA ART

For this week's blog, our group (Claire, Kayla, Natalie and I) decided to promote awareness of AUTISM around the city. We decided to go where there would certainly be a large flow of traffic, Eaton Centre. Before going out, we got together and spent some time cutting out bristle board in shapes of puzzle pieces (the symbol for autism) and writing some interesting facts on them.

We placed puzzle piece in open areas...

... in areas close to the escalators and stairs...

...on sale signs placed outside of stores...

...and even on tables in the food court!

How did the public respond?

Some were confused as to what we were doing...

...and others were curious about what we put up.

It was great to see people walk up to the puzzle pieces to read them, and even though we did get a few stares from strangers, it was a fun and memorable process. We all agreed that this activity allowed us to see how simple it can be to promote awareness. Out of all the activities we've done over the duration of this course, this was by far, my favourite. People everywhere are making their own mark, and  this website has posted a range of guerilla art forms from across the globe http://www.guerrilla-innovation.com/. It doesn't take a lot to get people talking, and as future educators, all we have to do is generate that idea to get the public involved!

Eaton Centre is a popular location as it attracts many locals downtown 

along with many visitors from around the world. 

(The video above is of a flash mob done at the Eaton Centre just last year.)

Art word of the week: aesthetic process and experience, engaging in an experience using all of our senses!

References

Schirrmacher, R., & Fox, J.E. (2009). Art and creative development for young children (6^th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Delmar.