Creativity is “a principled engagement with the unfamiliar and a willingness to approach the familiar in unfamiliar ways.” (Glăveanu, V., & Beghetto, R. 2021).

When we are forced to make connections between unrelated things, we break established familiar thought patterns, and creativity unfurls. This can be as straightforward as selecting an image unrelated to the problem or task at hand and using it to inspire new associations and ideas. Associating unrelated things and connecting them in new ways equips us to delve deeper and generate solutions we might not otherwise have considered. (Dr. Roger Firestien, 2020). 

From This to That (Smithsonian Learning Lab) shares examples of how unexpected connections have changed our world. For example, the study of bird skeletons changed the architectural design of cathedrals, which in turn changed the types and quantities of construction materials needed, and impacted the experience of being inside the completed buildings.  

As humans, we all have an innate ability for creativity, which we can practice and augment. Small changes in the ways we think can have a significant impact on our creativity. Try making unexpected connections:  

1. Select one of the images that speaks to you. 

Photography by Bernard Spragg (clockwise from left): “Tram 11: ‘The Boxcar’,” “Copper coated. Knox Church. Christchurch,” “Byodo-In Temple. Hawaii,” and “Lemon Wax Cap Hygrocybe.” Photos provided by Bernard Spragg.

2. Think of a colleague. 

3. Inspired by the image you chose, identify three things that you appreciate about your colleague. In what ways are they akin to the image? Think metaphorically.  

4. Continue looking at the image—can you find three more things?  

5. See if the image can help you find one final thing.  

6. How can you share this with your colleague? 

Keep making connections: How could you use this exercise in your next course? Department meeting? Team retreat? Family reunion? In what personal or professional endeavor could unexpected connections help you unlock new inspiration and ideas?   

The C&I workshop series introduces a wide range of creativity exercises. At each workshop, participants will practice the exercise, place it in a creativity framework, and discuss how it might be adapted for specific learning outcomes for a course or used in professional contexts.  

Thursday, Mar. 5: Block 6 Workshop: Polarity Thinking 

Thursday, Mar. 26: Block 7 Workshop: Creative Problem Solving as a Strategy  

Come play with ideas through creativity sprints: short, messy, and fun activities to build creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Held the second Friday of each block. Come to one or all of them. Food is provided. Sign up to reserve your spot. 

Friday, Feb. 27: Block 6 sign-up 

Friday, April. 3: Block 7 sign-up

Drop-in sessions take place on the second Monday of each block from 3-4 p.m. Come by C-Space in the C&I building at 232 E. Cache La Poudre St. at any point during this time to explore a creative exercise. Open to anyone with a Gold Card. 

“Memory maps” made by participants in a drop-in session. 

Contact efisher2024@coloradocollege.edu“> Evelina Fisher, Program Coordinator or kstanec@coloradocollege.edu“> Kris Stanec, Director

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903