Guerilla Art

For this weeks blog I had to venture out into the world and leave an anonymous art piece in a public place. I decided to do sidewalk chalk art in my local park. I chose to leave the message: "Smile! Spring is Back!" because all winter long I have had to watch grumpy dog-walkers stomp through snow and ice in order to exercise their dogs. How have I witnessed this you might ask? Because I myself am a grumpy dog-walker. I thought this would be a good idea because it has been a long, cold winter and the change from winter to spring means finally going on walks is bearable and even fun again.


I decided to leave my message right beside the garbage can, because I know dog-walkers are often in need of this particular item. I sat and waited for a couple minutes and was very happy (because I did not want to have to wait for too long) to see a young man walking his dog. Like I had suspected he was in need of the garbage can and after throwing his bag into the garbage saw my guerilla art message. I was excited because he looked down and smiled and I think he might of laughed to himself. I was nervous to initially do this project but was happy that I did because it makes me feel like little people can make a difference. Even though sometimes it feels like its hard to be heard, little things can start a ripple of change. 


I actually had a lot of fun participating in Guerilla art because I felt like I was sending out a positive message to my neighbourhood. Although I only sat and watched one person go by my art piece, it will likely remain for several days and influence more people than I will ever see. I was glad I decided to send a positive message, because in our fast-paced society people are often in such a hurry to get some where that you often do not see them smile. I hope that my art piece allowed people to stop and think about what spring represents: new beginnings and renewed hope. I love that after a long, cold winter spring brings warmth and new life.


I believe this was a great learning experience for me as a future educator because it really reinforced to me the importance of including art and creativity in the learning experience. There are many ways to incorporate art and different social causes into education and involve students. I think it would be a great idea to right positive and inspiring messages in public places with the help of students. It encourages them to be creative, but also shows them at a young age that everyone can make a difference and be heard.