Children's Art Exhibit

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”   

~ Albert Einstein

HB artists!

For over a year now, Jayne Halle has been working with the children of Hekab Be Biblioteca as the art teacher. Jayne is a full-time resident of Puerto Aventuras and is an avid photographer, visual artist, and nurse practitioner --- the term “art teacher” does not do justice to what she provides and does for the children in our program.

Jayne Halle, art teacher extraordinaire!

Studies have shown the vital importance of art and creative expression for children and teenagers. Children who participate actively in non-school-based art programs are four times more likely to win an academic award, eight times more likely to receive a community service award, three times more likely to win a school attendance award, four times more likely to participate in a math or science fair. The developmental benefits of art education include increases in language skills, motor development, decision making, visual learning, inventiveness, cultural awareness, and improved academic performance.

When Jayne first started working with the children in the Hekab Be afterschool program, she reminded them constantly that each project they worked on was THEIR work and could be completed in the way THEY felt comfortable. From this humble beginning of reiterating that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way when we are referring to art and creative expression, Jayne has fashioned a community of children who are extraordinarily creative, engaged, and proud of their works of art.

A group project that Jayne made into a collage

 To celebrate this phenomenal transformation, we partnered with the Akumal International Artist Residency to produce an Art Exposition in the empty gallery space in the Plaza Ukana of Akumal. This was our second event of this type; the first was held in the community space of the CEA dorms during the Artist Residency last February.

 Our “Art Walk” on Tuesday, October 7^th was extremely well-attended, and we even had offers from visitors to buy the children’s works of art! For our children to be involved in such an experience is gratifying for all of us --- it recognizes the potential they have to do something that is personal and creative and all their own, and encourages them to be proud of what they can accomplish when they do their best.

Please enjoy these photos of our Superstar Artists and community members of Hekab Be Biblioteca and the amazing place that is Akumal!

 

This girl experiences the thrill of seeing her art on display!

Parents & community members alike enjoyed viewing the works by these young artistes!!