Cocodrilo Bebé is a project that aspires to be much more than an art school for children. It was created by Monika Dominik, an architect, a pastel artist and a teacher. The idea came to life amidst vast lands of Peru and Bolivia and hot beaches of Ecuador. A month long journey in South America, its people, landscapes and rich culture became the inspiration and the starting point of courses and workshops that (for now) target school children. TRAVELLER’S ART EXPEDITIONS – through art expeditions children develop their curiosity in the world, their empathy and the feeling of connection and wishing well to all children around the world. They get to know different cultures, handcraft characteristic for particular regions, they learn to appreciate their own culture and artwork. Children get the chance to present their ideas, express how they understand and see the work of their friend, since all of us perceive art differently based on our own personality and experience. We use mixed media which stimulates creativity and allows each child to find his or her way to tell the story they want to convey. During these meetings children will also feel empowered to use their art and creativity for solving problems by recycling, upcycling etc.
2. ART COURSE – paper, cardboard, candy wraps, paints, glue, scissors, fabrics, threads – all of those things can be transformed into beautiful things when combined with children’s unlimited creativity and motivation TO USE THEIR HANDS. This course has a more general topic of art&craft activities for children. Children develop their ideas sometimes for few classes and as in the art process of adults the idea transforms and changes. Children learn to develop their ideas. In a group they share their thoughts and present their work or say something about the work of a friend. They learn to be open for other opinions and still recognize their own. Other elements of taking part in any Cocodrilo Bebe projects and classes is brain storming. Many ideas insignificant at the beginning can be an inspiration for something big.
