Dallas Arboretum Blog
STEM Careers in Focus: Alejandra Ramos Gomez
DA: So, how can parents use art to engage their kids in the natural world?
ArG: In my opinion, the best way to engage kids is by showing them that we care about it too. I talk to my kids about my love for living things, for example, by showing them art pieces that include nature and helping them understand that life has served as an inspiration to artists for a long time. For example, Remedios Varo, a surrealist Mexican artist, would paint cats. My students love to learn about her because they see that art can be unique and different. I think it is also essential to teach them to appreciate plants and animals and notice beauty in them. Families can also encourage them to recognize the colors and patterns that they see around them and learn how everything changes sooner or later. Even learning about constellations is something that they can connect to animals and artistic interpretation.
DA: How can your philosophy on art and expression help families to improve their experience in cultural sites like museums and gardens?
ArG: In my opinion, it is about trying to see beyond what others want you to see. It is super important to ask questions and allow our imagination to flow. Dialogic experiences are essential for children; they should feel heard and especially in these spaces. Whenever they ask questions, we can help them develop their curiosity by researching more back home and drawing their conclusions. It is also important to not force our interests on them but instead letting them find the things they are interested in and listening to their perspectives.
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