Mona Fairbanks is a local artist who takes inspiration from our area’s natural surroundings. She is teaching a class for teenagers, “Sky, Land, and Sea: A Look at Your Own Backyard,” Aug. 13-17 at the new ARTspot in downtown Edmonds. Cole Gallery staff shared this interview.
Q: What do you love about teaching children?
A: I love the fearlessness and openness children bring to their work.
Q: Why is it important to expose kids to art and the creation of art?
A: … I always tell children that art is really story telling. They have a story like each of us have a story. The oldest stories we have preserved are in the form of art, and it is an important way to communicate and preserve our culture.
Q: What is your upcoming camp about? How about other classes you will be teaching in the future?
A: The camp is about discovering the local flora and fauna of Edmonds. I think it is important to be able to look out our windows and name what we are seeing. When we can put names to flowers and animals we can better appreciate them. I would love to teach other children’s classes and adult classes also. Some adult classes will be botanical illustrations, bookmaking and pencil drawing.
Q: What are some of the most rewarding experiences you have teaching?
A: The best teaching moments are when a student discovers that they have the confidence and ability to deliver an idea through a picture.
Q: Why are you teaching at ARTspot? What do you think is great/special about ARTspot?
A: I love the idea of a teaching spot in Edmonds that has supplies close at hand to experiment with. It is very inspirational to me to see and imagine new techniques and new mediums.
Q: How can parents be involved with their children’s art experiences?
A: Parents can be involved just by being interested in their children’s environment and exposing them to lots of different thing whether it be music, theater, fashion or food.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: I think it is always important to note that art doesn’t live in an isolated part of our lives but is integrated in all aspects. It’s worth noting the value art has to not only enhance our lives visually but to support areas like math, science and history.
ARTspot
WHERE: 408 Main St., Edmonds
PHONE: 425-640-6408
For more information about artist Mona Fairbanks, go to www.monafairbanks.com.
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