Banana on Cadets
Introducing a fresh, fun art club for kids that’s all about exploring creativity in unexpected ways!
Our very first session will kick off with a Not-So-Xmas theme, where kids can dive into holiday-inspired project with a playful twist.
Following that, we’ll be hosting a few more exciting clubs during the start-of-year school holidays to keep young imaginations active and inspired.
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Introducing Ben Allder
Illustrator, dedicated maker, and proud father who first started ‘Art Club’ with his own two boys (now 11 and 8). Beyond his creative pursuits, Ben wears the hat of a mental health advocate, understanding the practical importance of a nurtured mind, and the significance of being a valuable part of the village.
Ben sees Art Club as more than encouraging creativity, but also being role model. Renowned experts in parenting and child psychology, Maggie Dent and Stephen Biddulph, emphasise the profound impact male role models have on children's lives. These figures provide guidance, support, and a sense of security, shaping children's understanding of healthy masculinity and helping them navigate the complexities of life.
By embodying positive values and behaviours, role models become a source of inspiration for young minds, fostering confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of identity in the children they influence. In a world that constantly evolves, having compassionate and nurturing non-toxic male role models becomes even more essential in promoting balanced growth and a positive outlook for the next generation.
Making mistakes and learning.
The fear of making mistakes can sometimes block children's thinking and hinder their learning progress. On the flip side, children's curiosity is like a rocket fuel for exploring endless possibilities. Art, in particular, offers a space where kids can sketch out ideas, paint without worry, and experiment without fear of consequences. It's a playground for ambitious and daring learning, encouraging them to go beyond settling for mediocre success.
In a supportive learning environment where students and teachers have secure relationships, mistakes and failures are seen as natural outcomes of attempting problem-solving. We call them "Happy Mistakes." Art is not just about decorating products; it's a dynamic process of thinking and creating. Art lessons don't always have to be strictly structured; they can be an open-ended journey where children tackle challenges and embrace the concept of making mistakes. By connecting mistakes with positive emotions, kids expand their behavioral repertoire, fostering qualities like flexibility and the ability to cope with learning difficulties.
Colour outside the lines.
Banana on Cat-et Art Club is for kids looking for a challenge. We encourage differences not similarities, we embrace mistakes (happy accidents). With a down-to-earth approach, Ben recognises the value of mistakes as learning opportunities.
In his world, creativity isn't just about art; it's about making life practical, vibrant, and filled with meaningful experiences. Ben firmly believes that the practice of making art, and making mistakes along the way, enables students to rehearse making choices and seeing the consequences.
Ben believes that nurturing creativity is a fantastic life skill that can add joy and fulfillment to any journey, helping build resilience and good mental health in our young people.
Ben encourages each creative to begin the pursuit of their own individual style.