Judy Shintani: Half Moon Bay Coastside children’s art teacher
by Whitney Merrill
Judy Shintani demonstrating how to put the fish in the ocean at the Coastside Children’s Program preschool. Photo: Whitney Merrill.
Judy Shintani and her kids at the Coastside Children’s Programs Preschool in Half Moon Bay are preparing to “put the fish in the ocean.” The children eagerly crowd around the large hallway mural that they have painted, and decide where they want to attach the papier-mâché fish sculptures that they have created. Shintani doles out tape and encouragement in warm and loving doses as the children place their art in their chosen spots. There are smiles and joyful cries of “I made this!” as they complete the final stage of this multi-phase project, and revel in their group collaboration.
Paloma Farnworth, 4 years old, points to completed project.
Shintani says, “My goal is to get kids to collaborate in ways that they didn’t think of before.” She describes the different components of the artistic experience that start with mixing the primary colors of red, yellow and blue into custom colors; “Kids love that!” she says.
Then the children create the mural — a two-dimensional piece of art. Next, each child creates a sculpture or compilation — a three-dimensional item. Finally, they place their sculptures in the context of the mural, the larger environment. Shintani explains that this process was born out of an intention to engage children in a “deeper experience of art” and emphasize the connections between each of them, their community and their broader environment.
Shintani first experienced art as a 3-year-old child when her mom, an elementary school teacher, took Shintani to private art classes in Lodi, Calif. “My mom took me to lots of activities, including ballet and swimming, but it was art that made the big difference for me,” she says. The private instruction made an impression on her and inspired her to teach kids, she says, even though “I always said I wasn’t going to be a teacher, because they didn’t get paid enough.”
Shintani helping Brady Miller, 21⁄2 years old.
Shintani teaches her students that art is about learning how to solve problems creatively, and her solution to this monetary challenge was to work in high tech, including Intel, early in her professional career, pursuing her art on the side. After seven years she took a sabbatical, went to Brazil for a break, and then went back to school to get her Master’s in transformative art. From that point on, there was no going back.
In addition to teaching and promoting art for children, Shintani creates her own art and leads workshops for various groups, from children to seniors from all walks of life and cultures. She has her own studio, the Kitsune Community Art Studio, on Kelly Ave. in Half Moon Bay. Her artistic methods include the use of meditation and visualization combined with various artistic expressions such as painting, sculpture, movement, writing and sound.
Creating a safe and grounded environment is a key component of all of Shintani’s teaching and workshops. She says, “I provide a safe place for kids to express themselves without criticism. My teaching style is to provide techniques and ideas as starting points, and then allow kids to let their creativity run free.” As a participant in the Open Educational Resources initiative, Shintani posts her lesson plans and provides instruction to anyone who is interested in teaching art to others. Her plans often involve the use of recycled materials.
Coco DuBose, 5 years old, placing her fish.
When I asked Shintani why she is so passionate about what she does she says, “People … communicate and share differently when doing art.” I see this concept in real time as the kids complete their ocean mural project. While there is a bit of “kid chaos” at work here, I can sense that it is different than their playground, reading or snack-time interaction. Wonder, joy and a smile are on each child’s face as Shintani gently encourages and guides them. Perhaps someday one or more of them will be inspired to teach others about art — but in the meantime, I’m looking forward to hearing more of “I made this!” on the Coastside.
Shintani currently teaches at the Coastside Children’s Programs in Half Moon Bay, El Granada and Montara. More information about her workshops, as well as examples of her own art, can be found on her websites.
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