By Kate P. and Rosie E
On Saturday mornings Whiting Hall and its surrounding area smells of incense and candles while the sound waves of acoustic guitars and bongos travel throughout the air. Creativity class has become the “go to” place for the students of The Family Foundation School. Opportunities for ultimate creativity spark when you walk through the door, thanks to the encouragement of creative director and former principle, Robin Ducey.
Students sit in the hallways with their instruments, making music in groups. Others get creative inside Whiting Hall, sitting at tables with buckets of clay, paper, paint, pens, etc.
You’re oft to find the poets and writers of the class lounging on couches with notebook and pen in hand. “We don’t want this class to become hippy central, okay?” said Ducey one class period when nearly fifty kids showed up for class.
The atmosphere of Whiting Hall has become very enticing with dimmed lighting, candle lit tables, sweet scents, and art decorated walls. “We light candles and burn incense and the students have helped to decorate Whiting Hall so it looks like a sacred space and a safe place to let your ideas flow,” said Ducey.
Rita Argiros, Vice President of the Family Foundation, suggested to Robin Ducey last June, when Ducey stepped down as principal, that she share her artistic abilities with the students. An art student in college, Ducey has artistic experience. But she found her true love for painting nine years ago.
“I started to read books that linked spirituality and creativity and I saw that all of us have a creative side that can be developed.” As her love for painting grew, she began to talk to others about her “creative recovery.”
The class certainly has touched many students; attendance has more than doubled since the class first began.
As the class grew students began to express the things that they wanted to create and more students began to work together to create music, art, and poetry. Nash B, Cajai J, and Chris B. have written and recorded seven songs in their Creativity Class born band, Musaic. Rosie E. has written a short book of poetry and bound it herself, while another student, Phil P. is writing a comic book. Anais P. has created beautiful jewelry out of clay.
This class has proven to be a significant time for artistic students to express themselves. Journaling, which is not normally permitted at the school, is allowed and encouraged for writing project plans and inspiring emotions.
“I have so much fun in the class,” said Paul P., a regular of Creativity Class. “I love being creative with my friends. It brings us closer.”
Since the class population has grown so much, there are now two classes on Saturdays and there is also an activity period available, assisted by Pam Allen. Next semester there will be a scheduled class that Robin is going to teach during school hours.
Creativity Class has grown from a small community of kids to a rather large variety of writers, painters, musicians, sculptors, and designers. The atmosphere of the class is also very relaxing for those who are in need of a peaceful workspace.
For students who cannot seem to find their niche, Creativity Class is a wonderful opportunity to find your hidden talent and socialize with others.
