Arts has been part of social work since its founding. Founding mother Jane Addams stressed the importance of the arts in our daily lives. One of her first acts at Hull House in Chicago was to put art prints on the walls of the old place. That was followed by Sunday afternoon art study groups.
But Addams didn't stop there. She also believed there is an artist in every one of us. To bring out this creative spirit, she and the other women at Hull House started an art studio, a pottery studio and a book bindery.
They also started several theater groups, including one of the earliest children's theater companies in the US and another theater group which was a forerunner of today's community theater.
Hull House was also host to a many music and dance groups, including a modern dance troupe and a marching band.
Addams saw art not only as an inspiration, but also as a way to bring people together and a platform for learning about each other.
Corita Kent might have felt right at home at Hull House. A native of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Corita was an extraordinary example of an artist who also believed all of us are creative. She used art as a form of social activism and as a way to celebrate ordinary life. Her serigraphs in the 1960s and '70s urged viewers to work for peace and justice and "love the moment."
Corita (she was known by her first name) was an art teacher at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles for a number of her ideas. It was there that she tested her ideas on art -- and on teaching. Those ideas have been collected into a book, "Learning by heart," and a film, "Corita on teaching and celebration."
Together, Corita and Addams offer a lot of inspiration for social work. They show us how to use the arts not only in our work, but in every aspect of our lives.
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17 comments:
It is often said that art imitates life. When thinking of a art from a social work and activism standpoint, I feel this statement could not be more true. Using art to help people understand and promote social change is possibly the most effective and, in a way, liberating form of art. The social work projects class was very eye-opening and inspirational. It is yet another realm of social work that I had never considered before, but now I am very intrigued by and wanting to explore more and more ideas. Beyond teaching others things, art also teaches social workers something about themselves and helps to promote self-awareness. I personally had an amazing sense of self-discovery and accomplishment after class. I created something and creating something is the ultimate form of therapy. While creating the ofrenda was my favorite part of the class, I also enjoyed learning through theatre. Being able to put yourself into the mindset of another person or to listen to someone else do the same puts a whole new perspective on the topic of discussion. It is a learning tool that is inventive and creative both for the listener and the presenter. Musical use in social work is also an amazing tool. For generations music has served as an empowering way to promote social change. All aspects of art are beautiful ways to help people and to shape the world around us.
-Leslie S.
Jane and Corita have a lot to teach upcoming social work students. I love how their creativity through art and even thinking of art can bring people together. And that is why art is so inspirational, it brings people together and allows people to learn off each other and start new relationships and conversations. Just because someone may not have good handwriting or good coloring skills does not mean they cannot be an artist. Art can be constructed through music and theater and anyway that someone can find possible. That is also why art is so useful, it is versatile and there are many possibilities, there is no end. Through our project class, I also realized how relaxing art can be. I have always enjoyed coloring because it does actually help me relax and just enjoy my own company without having to think of any troubles or tasks that constantly run through my mind. Art is definitely a creative way; too, we as social workers can utilize instead of the boring, stare at each other and talk about your problems, type of social work. Art can help social workers learn more about a client that is hesitant to open up and speak their mind, because art can illustrate what is on the person’s mind without having them talk. I am very pleased I took this project class; it opened my eyes up to a whole new style of social work.
-Lisa Assid
I never thought of art and social work going together. After taking social work project I realize how they do go hand in hand. Social work project was a great class. I enjoyed meeting new people and the small class atmosphere was great too. Everyone was very nice and helpful. After the first classroom meeting Friday night, my nervousness went away after not going to college for 7 years. I realized it’s never too late to go back. My favorite part of the class was creating the ofrenda. I never thought of honoring my grandparents (Stanley and Helen Vogt) in such a creative way. I miss them both dearly even after almost 10 yrs of them being gone. The ofrenda projects made me realize its ok to still miss them and think about them. I am glad Jane Addams and Corita Kent introduced the arts in social work. Art and music brings out creativity and self discovery. It makes ideas come alive. Addams and Kent’s work has inspired many people to use art and music not just for work but in everyday life. Thinking of using art and music in social work could help clients to open up and discover endless possibilities. Not all social workers are the “bad guys”. They do like to have fun while working. The reason I say “bad guy” is because social workers tend to be misunderstood. Some people (myself included as a child) tend to think of social workers as people who take children away from their parents. As an adult and going to school for social work my thinking has changed. I see social workers are there to help people, not be the “bad guy”. My decision to go back to school to become a social worker has built my confidence and given me a new outlook on life. Michelle Vogt
As I sit here and remember class and read through the blog of Jane Addams and Corita, I try to decide what the best part of it all was. In the blog it said, “Addams saw art as not only an inspiration, but also a way to bring people together and a platform for learning about each other. “ That I could not agree more with. Though I found the whole class interesting and worth the time, my favorite part was creating my own personal ofrenda. Each of us creating our own ofrenda went along with how Addams saw art. Not only were they inspirational because they were coming from within us, but they also taught us something about each other. I chose something that meant the world to me. I chose something that inspires me to become a social worker. Art is used everyday by psychologists, social workers, doctors, ect. They use art because it tells a story about the person behind the art work. In my case, I want to get my master’s degree so I can open my own practice. I want to help children that are being abused. I have come to realize that the artwork by children is the story. It is the story about what is going on in their lives and it is the story they are afraid to tell. The Hull House did a wonderful thing displaying art, because not only is it beautiful but artwork can be the light to a question unanswered. Chasity Davidson
I think that the early works of the social work profession were on target with the use of art in ministering to people. As Adams stated the art is in each of our spirits. I really appreciate that fact that music, craft, and theatre are included, for they each have a way to reach people. Music is special in that the timbre vibrates through the problems we have and reaches the soul, then it seems to unit us as one. It is quite a healing tool to witness, as people join one another in songs of ministry. Ministry music has a way of bringing peace and tranquility and that can be so healing and inspirational. Crafting things together is a real creative way to open up people and let them express the problems they are experiencing. Theatre is a great tool also, it let’s people volunteer in theatre to help heal the soul slickness of others. This type of healing also brings about healing to the ones who are performing. Volunteer theatre groups have been doing performances for the shut in for a long time and found how it raises the spirits of the spectators and performers. It brings people out of their own selfishness, and that is healing in itself. I think we can all remember how the Hollywood people gave performances to the people in the armed services during all the wars. I appreciate the fact that Adams agreed that we can include art in our daily lives. Music is a great way to reach youth. I have been blessed to have been involved with guitars and music. After I complete my BSW degree I will have time to be involved with music/ guitar ministry. Adams and Kent were correct in using art as a catalyst in activism. I hope to follow suit with that in the future. If you can reach people, you will also learn what they are experiencing. Sincerely, Todd Waldow
The use of art in most fields is making a comeback. It is such a release of so much different emotions and feelings. When looking at art, it is so easy to feel so many different things. It is such a great way to get things off your chest that you can not normally do.
I think people forget how easy it is to make art. You don’t have to be a great artist, but have a vision. Art comes in so many different ways; one just needs to open to the expression. Art is an expression of the soul, not the ability to draw well.
I really enjoyed the class. It was fun to see different views on the ofendias and how other people chose to relay their messages. It was a nice experience for me to make the shoe box for my lost loved one. I think it was a good experience overall. I really enjoyed Altman’s presentations on the different kinds of music. I found myself listening more closely to my favorite songs and trying to understand what the meaning was. I see myself as an artistic person but am not able to reflex my art in the way a normal artist does. I can not draw very good or just stencil something on the wall. My artistic is more in the vision, and then I need someone else to help carry it out. I am thankful for what I have though and remember it is a gift.
Jessica Kougl
I thought that this class has been interesting and well worth my time. I have learned that art has been a big part of social work, which was something that I never realized. I loved making the ofrendas! I loved it because I was honoring one of my favorite people, Mahatma Gandhi, and I realized that I did have an artistic bone in my body. As social workers, we need to remember that we are the mentors. Remembering confidentiality is huge! Also we need to realize that people are looking for us to help them, so even if we do not have the answers we need to try and find them for our clients. Sincerely, Stephanie West
Our society has disabled our inventive and creative ways of thinking. Arts have been cut from school programs and for the majority are not stressed or taught at home. Our profession should continue encouraging old and young to get in touch with their artistic talents.
TT
It makes me glad to see some connection between art and social work. Before I set my heart on wanting to major in social work, I went to college three years ago thinking I was going to be an art teacher. I was fascinated with the minds of artists and wanted to help them grow. Art is a great unifier where there is no right or wrong; good or bad. We simply have the freedom to express our experiences, emotions, our minds, etc. We get the opportunity, as artists, to reflect on ourselves and the world and then try to share this the best way we know how. We can try to describe the seemingly indescribable. And as artists the usual pressure of being right, successful, or the best is gone. There is none of this in art, there is just freedom of expression. It's hard for me to make a direct connection to social work, but I know it is there. I know that art gives a voice to the voiceless. I know it connects us all and brings us to a level where we are simply human. Through art, we can understand one another and grow together.
Katherine Freeman
I believe art comes from the sould. You have to find true peace within to creat a masterpiece. When the soul reaches beyond the wonder of life there lies a true work of art. Life if like art, full of the greatest and the lowest at times. It is how we handle all aspects of our true nature that lies in our hearts that matter. Peace is the art of life and in order to really create a great work of art we need to find a balance of peace within our heart and the soul. Social Work is a great connection to art. Everyone of us has a great story to tell if we are involved in the work of the social field otherwise we would not be were we are today. What a great subject.
I think Jane was deffinatly on the right path with the art and how it has an impact on our lives. It pleases me greatly that there is that connection with Social Work and art, because that is always something I believed stongly in. Art is a way for everyone to express themselves, whether it be working on a personal piece or art, or interpreting other pieces of art..it is in our everyday lives. Still today I see those connections frequently. What is the first thing you notice when walkin into a doctors office, dentit's office, library, or a hotel room? The ugly art work, it is something that society has exprected to find.
Jenae K. Hansen
I think Jane was deffinatly on the right path with the art and how it has an impact on our lives. It pleases me greatly that there is that connection with Social Work and art, because that is always something I believed stongly in. Art is a way for everyone to express themselves, whether it be working on a personal piece or art, or interpreting other pieces of art..it is in our everyday lives. Still today I see those connections frequently. What is the first thing you notice when walkin into a doctors office, dentit's office, library, or a hotel room? The ugly art work, it is something that society has exprected to find.
Jenae K. Hansen
I found it amazing that both Jane and Corita both tied art into social work. People are so different and the two women found a way for people to come together and be happy. I had to really think about there being art in everyone. I myself have never been able to color in the lines, but i doodle on everything. I did not think this made me an artist! Social Work and Art I find a great connection because you can express yourself through both. Every Social Worker has a story and all art can tell a story. Jane and Corita knew what they were talking about and they have so much to teach any student willing to learn about Social Work.
~LM~
Inspiration brings people together and is a platform for each other; social is a form of activisim to celebrate ordinary life. It is also a visual aid to help interpret the artists point of view.
I feel that what jane addams and corita have done with art is outstanding. After seeing the video on Corita in my Social Work Project class I have an amazing respect for what she does. She is an amazing person for all young social workers. I learned alot through her art teachings and feel she can do some amazing things just through the power of art.
Art is a great way to express ourselves. I think that it was a great example from both Corita and Jane. I think art brings out alot of stress and things on peoples minds. I would have loved to be there at that time to see the art galleries and other amazing things that Hull House had when it was up and running!
~Kristi Schumacher~
I think art does have an impact on how we view life or what is going on our lives. For instance, a child who is being abused can draw monsters or ugly things and a child who is happy draws flowers and happy things. I think it is important to have art involved in our daily lives. It can be very therapeutic and it helps us to discover that everyone has a little creative side within themselves. Art can help us as Social Workers to get through to people that otherwise might open up. Art is not just drawing it can be listening or writing music, beading-making jewelry, or doing something that makes you relax and breathe.
I myself can not draw to save my life but I do make jewelry. It helps me to slow down and relax.
Margaret W.
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