That is exactly what the John Michael Kohler Arts Center's Preschool is all about. Through the involvement of guest artists and other Arts Center resources, children learn to respect and value other people, other cultures, and other points of view. Because the Arts Center is one of relatively few major arts organizations in this country devoted to all the arts, children have access to extraordinary arts resources. They visit the galleries each day and explore the exhibitions in a variety of ways. They may tell stories about a sculpture, discuss how the color in a painting makes them feel, or create a related dance, collage, song, or work in clay.
Guest performing artists provide equally important experiences.
They may see dancers from India or hear Zydeco musicians from New Orleans, then have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with them. These experiences are built upon in the studio through daily music, movement, theatre, and language activities. Guest artists, specially trained volunteers, and the Arts Center's education staff also lead special hands-on activities, providing an invaluable resource. The teaching methods employed are child oriented. The children are encouraged to vocalize their thoughts.