School-Based Art Studio in Upper Austria

Character Development in the School Setting

Fostering creativity involves creating spaces for action. These spaces enable children to access independent and self-determined forms of expression through creative processes.

The School Studio / Painting Studio

The concept of the school-integrated painting studio is based on the experiences of Elisabeth Walder and builds on the insights of Arno Stern. Elisabeth Walder has been successfully setting up painting studios in schools in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland, for over 20 years. The School Studio / Painting Studio is a space for activity that offers everyone a framework to develop their individual artistic expression and to maintain or rediscover the joy of painting. It is governed by specific guidelines to allow the creative expression of shapes and colors to flow freely. The painting studio involves no psychological interpretations or aesthetic evaluations. It differs fundamentally from therapy and art classes, as well as from art production. It is not problem-oriented but rather resource-oriented. The relationship of equals between the studio leader and the participants contributes significantly to the well-being of everyone involved. The painting studio is a place of concentration, free from competition or pressure to perform. The challenge of creating one’s own paintings entirely from within—without instruction, without predetermined themes, and without evaluation—and of refining them not only fosters drawing skills but also independence, self-confidence, and social competence. During the painting process, ideas must be brought to life, artistic challenges must be overcome, and solutions must be found. These creative skills support the children in their personal development: many decisions must be made and accepted, and many experiences can be explored and practiced. In the art studio, children are both learners and teachers. Children who struggle academically often paint very freely in the studio and are visibly content, while academically strong children frequently face initial difficulties there. Hyperactive children are provided with a clearly structured space and the opportunity to find calm there. Children from immigrant backgrounds are integrated, as there is little talking and simple instructions are quickly learned. The art studio is a special place where holistic, creative education can be lived out and directly implemented within the school setting. The school-integrated art studio offers educators a well-founded method for integrating holistic, creative education into everyday school life. The focus is on fostering creativity, independence, problem-solving strategies, frustration tolerance, and teamwork. With the introduction of the university course “Painting and Design—Creative Work with Children and Youth” in 2014, school-integrated art studios have been established in Upper Austria and throughout the federal states in various types of schools, kindergartens, recreational facilities, and social institutions. These projects are initiated and supported by graduates of the university courses. kunstuni-linz.at/University-Course-in-Painting-and-Design