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So many good points here, Hope. Art is so subjective, which is part of what makes it difficult for people to approach, but also what makes it freeing! Kids don't come at it with all the baggage that adults do, which is so refreshing -- I love seeing art through my children's eyes.

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So much yes! That's a very good insight. It's a lot more simple for them. When we visit art museums, we don't really pick up on metaphors or hidden messages, but we say "Ooh that's pretty" and "Ooh I like that", and I think that would please the artist just fine 😅

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I think those are entry points into art -- unless you're compelled to do it for an external reward like a grade, why would you study something you weren't pulled toward, for positive *or* negative reasons? "Oooh, I like that" is the first step toward, "What does this really mean?" (So is, "Ugh, gross!" or "That disturbs me.") It's a way in, which makes it totally valid, at any age.

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