Underwater Scenes at Kids Arc Foundation

Kids Arc was one of my favorite facilities. It was open, bright and colorful. It was filled with art. These beautiful paper cranes were hanging from the ceiling. There must have been hundreds. They were made by the kids and ARI volunteers during a previous session and have hung here ever since!

Using a method called wax resistance, we worked with a large group of children, teaching them about creatures and things you might find underwater. We began with a large display board with lots of different underwater creatures with the Thai word and English word next to it. We took turns saying the word in both languages. 

After our language lesson was over, we began with a blank sheet of paper and used crayons to draw our favorite creatures from the board of underwater animals. 

Then, we covered our crayon drawing with watercolors in blues, purples, and green washes. The kids were hesitant to paint over their carefully drawn sea creatures. But, after a few demonstrations and a bit of trust, they found out the magic of wax resistance! 

The kids worked very well together and had lots of imagination with little guidance from the volunteers. I found the children at this facility to be extremely beautiful. Absolutely stunning faces! Their exotic features and dark hair is something I envy and find so beautiful. 

Everyone was very proud of their work and excited to show off their “magic” painting. 

Their excitement for art and their very steady concentration was a beautiful sight to see. I am continually blown away by the natural beauty and simplicity of Thailand. 

As we finished our day together and cleaned up our paint supplies, I noticed the gorgeous teal color coming out of the sink drain. Beauty is everywhere; you just have to take the time to see it. 

Art Heals! 

Krista Wanous

Miss International 2012