I have always loved teaching others about Art History, and this Summer, my passion became a reality! I was able to host an Art History Camp for 29 children ages 4 - 12 years old and taught the children about the history and meanings behind various types of art in the Middle East. Under my guidance, the children learned about the symbolism and meanings behind various patterns, shapes, and colors through all modes of Middle Eastern Art. I also taught them the importance of art therapy, as art can be used as a tool to help ease negative emotions such as trauma, stress, and anxiety.

I decided to split my Art Camp into 4 subjects of Middle Eastern art in order to guide the children in the best way to learn about art history in the Middle East. The 4 subjects of art I decided to focus on included Ottoman Tughra signatures, Moroccan tiles, the art of flowers and animals, and Middle Eastern Ceramics.

I started the Art camp by presenting a Google Slides to the children about art history in the Middle East. I also made sure to emphasize the ways Art can be used as a means of therapy, explaining how it can help process complicated emotions such as anxiety and depression.

I explained to the children that the Ottoman Tughra was a signature used by every Ottoman Sultan when signing important documents. Tughra signatures tended to have lots of loops and arches, exaggerating various letters such as the alif and saad, letters from the arabic alphabet. Each loop was filled in with small, intricate patterns, such as flowers, drawn using various colors. The colors often included red, organge, yellow, blue, and green.

The next project I did with the children was creating Moroccan tiles. Moroccan tiles are ceramic squares that are placed together to create a bigger mural. Traditional patterns on these tiles are usually made with natural pigments and glazes, however, modern methods of making these tiles use paint instead of other materials. Moroccan tiles usually have flowers, circles, and other geometric shapes on them and are brightly colored.

The children were also able to practice their drawing skills while making flora and fauna inspired pieces. I taught them how to make Middle Eastern inspired animals and flower prints by swivelling their pencils swiftly. Whilst looking around the room, I was able to see various kinds of unique animals the kids were drawing such as axolotls and dinosaurs. It was heartwarming to see how much they enjoyed this project.

Last, but not least, I taught the children how to make Middle Eastern ceramics! Although we didnt have a kiln to cook the ceramics in, the project was still very fun as the children created all kinds of Middle Eastern inspired pottery. Once they dried, I helped the children paint arabic words on their pottery, teaching them how to write from left to right.

I really enjoyed this art camp and hope I will be able to host many more in the near future to inspire young minds to do art and teach the calming effects of engaging creativity. (There are many pictures from the art camp below!!!)