Permission to Play

Circling HomeWork #13

Something true: most adults really just want to play, in a childlike way. Putting on temporary tattoos, coloring, dancing that’s not about being sexy, running around at the park. I know because I see their eagerness when the smallest permission is given—here, try these supplies, take some paper. In my day job producing museum programming for adults, I see time and again the joy and creativity that shines through when space is created for them to make something. I’m bad at drawing, they say… and pick up the materials. They’re not! It’s not the point at all, but also—they’re not.

Simplicity works here; overwrought prompts or fancy skills or materials are not required. Each time I’m concerned an artmaking opportunity we’re offering as part of a larger event is too simple, I’m proven wrong. It’s the context that matters: other people who are also already non-expertly participating, a permissive setting that makes it easy to join in (room at the table, a welcoming person to say hello and give basic instructions, supplies at the ready), a space that’s comfortable.