Ms. Malkia Harvey, the art teacher at Payne Elementary (1445 C St. SE) invites fourth and fifth graders to join the Creative Studio Art Club. Students commit to attending weekly sessions during the school day. In addition to developing their own art practices with traditional techniques and materials, they also learn how to use various digital media and create posters and other signage needed for school events. Their mastery of these skills allows them to work independently, with minimal guidance.
A selection of their work, mainly acrylic paint on canvas board, is now on display at the Young Artists Gallery (ground floor, east of the main staircase) at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Ms. Harvey offered this explanation of the concept underlying the show:
What is Quantum Thinking?
Quantum thinking is an approach that applies principles from quantum physics—such as superposition, entanglement, uncertainty, and non-linearity—to enhance how we perceive the world, solve problems, and make decisions. Unlike classical, linear logic, quantum thinking emphasizes flexibility, allowing the mind to consider multiple possibilities, hold seemingly contradictory ideas, and view problems from many angles at once. This way of thinking is especially valuable in dealing with complex or ambiguous situations where traditional, one-dimensional reasoning might fall short.
The opening reception on December 3 was a lively affair with nearly all of the 28 artists, plus their families, in attendance. It was a pleasure to hear the youngsters discuss their work with confidence and enthusiasm. They embody the school motto: “Payne Elementary – Where Genius Lives!” The show will hang until mid-February, so there’s plenty of time to visit, in person. But if you can’t make it, you can view the virtual gallery at www.hillcenterdc.org/artist/how-do-you-feel-about-me.
If your Capitol Hill-based school or youth art program would be interested in having a show in the Young Artists Gallery, please email elizabeth_knits@yahoo.com with ‘YAG’ plus the name of your organization in the subject line.
