December 5, 2011 – March 3, 2012

In a flat world where social media and electronic marketing demand front row attention, our future lies in children’s reflective
and imaginative thinking.  How can we promote imaginative thinking?  One significant way to encourage the growth of kids’
thought patterns is education in the arts.  On a Wednesday evening and two Saturday mornings in October we gathered
together children who live in ICCF housing or whose parents attend classes at ICCF.  The children ranged in age from
preschoolers to teenagers.  We invited them to talk about living in spaces that they could call their own.  Many were living
temporarily at Family Haven emergency housing, so really did have to imagine living in a home of their own. 

What would they dream of in an ideal home?

Some drew tall houses with secret attic spaces in which to hide or play, and described finding special stairs to reach these
worlds. Of course the house included chambers for their mother nearby.  Other children placed their homes in gardens
with gates.  One young girl had grass growing on her roof.  Another drew palm trees because she wanted to live in Hawaii. 
One child drew a tree house.  Several older children included trampolines, pools, and basketball hoops.  In a few cases
street names and house numbers from past homes showed up in the drawings.

What does this tell us?  
What is valuable?  
Children tell us in their pictures what they want in their future. 

Art gives us a window into their imagination. 

Art helps people connect to each other.



Notes contributed by Helen Bonzelaar, former Professor of Art Education, Calvin College, and AnnaMae Bush, Advancement
Associate, ICCF. This exhibit was made possible by the contributions of many people.  Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk brainstormed
with the ICCF art committee to organize the workshops, provided materials, and enlisted several of her Calvin College
art education students to help with the workshops. The workshops were supervised by Chris and Greta Overvoorde,
Helen Bonzelaar, AnnaMae Bush, Grace Ghent, Courtney Kurnz, and Kaycie Konynenbelt.  Frames were provided by the
Grand Rapids Art Museum, Byrneboehm Gallery, and Calvin College. Matting and framing labor was donated by Kevin
Boehm and Joel Zwart.  The exhibit was installed by Chris Overvoorde, Joel Zwart, and Jeanne Logan.