The Brain on Art Series: Introducing Morgan Beard
Morgan Beard is from the Kawartha Lakes and is currently majoring in Child Studies at the University of Guelph, looking forward to becoming an elementary school teacher. Morgan enjoys summers in cottage country, practicing yoga, and spending time with her two golden doodles.
Morgan worked for Kawartha Art Gallery during the summers of 2021 to 2024, and during her time here, managed the Gallery’s Crazy Creative program, a drop-in program for youth aged 7 to 13. Morgan worked to engage the youth through interactive sculpting exercises, with admission by the public being food or financial donations for Kawartha Lakes Food Source.
Morgan was always amazed at how with just a ball of Magic Model clay in their hands, children would build entire worlds, tiny animals, colourful sculptures, and bring ideas to life.
As a response to COVIDovid-19 shutdowns of 2021, Morgan developed and produced summer programming for youth which consisted of five online instructional lessons for youth aged 8 to 10 years old.
Here is an example of just one of the creative approaches that Morgan took to building her online art programming for youth 8 to 10 years:
Morgan’s Thoughts on the Arts
The first things children learn to do in life are arts, as they sing, dance, and colour. From their earliest moments, creativity is how children make sense of the world around them. It is their language, their joy, their way of expressing themselves.
I witnessed the power of the arts firsthand during my time at the Kawartha Art Gallery. When COVID-19 closed the gallery’ies doors, I made art tutorial videos for children to follow along to at home. In a time filled with uncertainty, art offered joy, a sense of normalcy, and a way to stay connected. It reminded me just how powerful art can be. as Iit doesn’t just entertain:, it uplifts, heals, and unites us.
When we were able to return in person again, I helped run the Crazy Creative Saturday drop-in program. With just a ball of model magic clay in their hands, children built entire worlds, tiny animals, colourful sculptures, and brought ideas to life.
I believe the arts are one of the most impactful tools we can give children. They provide a safe space to take risks, experiment, and process emotions. Most importantly, the arts remind children that their ideas matter, their voices are worth hearing, and imagination has no limits. Without art, the world would be a very plain and quiet place, missing the colour, creativity, and joy that makes life truly meaningful.
It is through your support that the Gallery can continue to advance a healthy rural creative economy through engaging art, cultural programs, and services for our community.
Learn about the many ways to support the Kawartha Art Gallery at https://www.kawarthagallery.com/ways-to-support or to contribute please reach out to Susan: susan@kawarthagallery.com (705) 324-1780
