Art activities are a terrific way for kids of all ages to express themselves creatively. Together with advanced engineering and entrepreneurship programs, art has a special place in the COAF SMART Citizenship Curriculum.

The section includes programs of Drawing, Digital Drawing, and Performing Arts. 

In addition to essentials or main courses, SMART citizens get to think outside of the box taking part in SMART Workshops. A workshop is conducted by invited international and/or local professionals. 

On February 14-28, we initiated the first SMART Workshop with graphic designer Tenny Adamian. Born in Iran, Tenny first came to Armenia to study at the State Academy of Fine Arts in 2003. Later she moved to England and lived there for four years with her husband. Eventually, life took them back to Armenia, and they currently reside in Dilijan. Tenny is an experienced graphic designer and a portrait artist who also has pedagogical skills.

During the workshop, the group of 17 Drawing and Digital Drawing students had an opportunity to get to know Tenny’s unique approach to design and craft making and the art of using little things like papers and plastic bottles to create 3D pop-up cards. Most importantly, they would transform their imagination from a 2D segment to 3D. 

“The workshop aimed to create interactive greeting cards from simple items,” explains Tenny. “What I specifically noticed in children in the two-week workshop was their will to help. Every time the workshop was over, they asked me how they could help me with cleaning up the room,” remembers Tenny with a smile. 

“Besides the process of art-making, the workshop fosters creative thinking, develops students’ skills of teamwork and cooperation, as well as introduces the culture of reusing objects like paper and plastic,” explains  Shahane Halajyan, the COAF SMART Programs Manager. 

Through a minimalist approach, the students have created letters, an umbrella-shaped pop-up card, postcards with goldfishes and “From my window” themed cards introducing children and their communities.

Now our students know how to surprise their loved ones with handmade postcards by reusing and giving meaning to useless-seeming items.