For this second portion of the series in Contemporary Artmaking, I wanted to continue with the big idea of Community. I think it is important to keep the idea of community and relationship building in the forefront of our minds as educators. As I wanted to focus on community and relationship building, I really wanted to do the interview option of this assignment. I sent messages to a few different artists in my area requesting an interview and giving them the questions so they could decide if they had the time for an interview.
Thankfully, one artist did respond and was happy to answer my questions! The artist who responded was actually my daughter's art teacher this last year. It has been fun getting to know her and learning more about her path, especially after seeing first-hand how great she is with my daughter and her students in general. I attempted to make thee interview questions applicable to Part 1 of this series.
Question 1 - What inspired you to become a teacher as well as an artist?
Answer - I decided to become a teacher after I received my first BA degree in film making. I enjoyed my time getting this degree, but decided pretty quickly that I didn't want to be in the film world. I went back to school and got a BA in Theatre and English education, because I love the Arts and probably always knew in my heart that teaching was the right path for me. I also love interacting with kids, of all ages.
Question 2 - What is your philosophy when teaching art to students and how do you adapt that teaching style from beginner to advanced level of learning?
Answer - My philosophy when teaching Art to students is that I tell them that I grade them based on themselves, not someone else. If they have fulfilled the requirements of the assignment to the best of their abilities and have tried their best, I am happy with that. More than anything, I want them to find a love for Art, Art History, and creativity. I feel like every student can be pushed to another level.
Question 3 - In what ways do you think art connects people or builds community?
Answer - Art definitely connects people and builds community. I've been to visit several major art museums in the US and Europe and it's always interesting and joyful to me to see how viewing works of art seems to affect people deeply. All types of art allow us to communicate the thoughts and feelings of the soul, in ways that words cannot express. Art translates across languages and people.
Question 4 - Has teaching influenced your own artwork? In what ways?
Answer - Teaching has definitely influenced and changed my own artwork. I've gained deeper skills and understanding that I didn't have before. It hasn't changed it though, in the sense that I still create what inspires and moves me personally.
I am very grateful that this teacher and artist took time out of her busy schedule right as the school year was ending to give me her perspective on art, art making, teaching, and community.
Following that thought on community, I drafted a proposal to the school I will be teaching at next year for a 2 week summer art camp. I thought that this would tie in well with building community and not only that, but it could be a great fundraiser for the school as well!
Summer Art Camp Proposal
Program title option - Creative Community Summer Art Camp
Who is it for - all enrolled students
How long: Two Weeks (Monday–Thursday)
Program Options -
Creative Community Summer Art Camp is a hands on art experience designed to foster creativity, independence, and self-and community fun.
The camp is designed to complement Montessori principles by encouraging student choice, experiential learning, observation, and individual expression.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Explore a variety of artistic materials and techniques.
- Develop creative thinking and problem solving skills.
- Build confidence through independent and collaborative projects.
- Create completed works to take home at the end of camp.
Camp Schedule
Week One: Discovery
Day 1: Introduction to Creative Exploration
- Sketchbook creation
- Art games
- Self-portrait project
Day 2: Nature & Art
- Outdoor observations
- Natural material collage
- Botanical watercolor rotation
Day 3: Painting Techniques
- Color theory exploration
- Acrylic painting project
Day 4: Clay Day
- Hand-building techniques
- Functional or sculptural air dry clay project
Week Two: Imagination
Day 5: Contemporary Artists
- Artist lesson
- Individual creative project
Day 6: Mixed Media Exploration
- Collage, paint, and found materials
Day 7: Sculpture & Installation
- Construction project - paper mache, legos, or carboard options
Day 8: Gallery Exhibition
- Artwork display and family celebration.
Materials may include:
- Drawing paper and sketchbooks
- Acrylic and watercolor paints
- Clay and sculpting tools
- Mixed media materials
- Protective coverings and cleaning supplies
- Pricing options:
- Flat program fee
- Per student fee
Benefits to the School
- Enriches summer programming offerings
- Supports Montessori inspired experiential learning
- Provides meaningful creative engagement
- Offers a final family art exhibition
I am very excited to submit this to my school for next summer. I think it would be really fun and that the kids would enjoy it!
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