PROCESS THIS!

Process has finally become a concrete and tangible experience. I can't believe this plan has all come together so perfectly. Tomorrow will mark the end of the show, and also the reception. The children who created the pieces in our workshop will receive the chance to experience their work in a gallery space and formal exhibition. I am very excited to see their faces and reactions. I hope that this show allowed everyone to discover their way of expression, and see how effective the visual arts are in the lives of many people. Thank you to all who have been a part of this project in any way. I send my gratitude your way! More pictures to come!

Here I am curating for the show. It was quite difficult to choose which six prints I wanted to display for my personal work. All together in a line, they looked so moving, creating a satisfaction that I had never imagined or anticipated.

Directions to the show! Located in the Padnos Gallery in the Calder Art Center Building.

WE MADE IT!

Well, its the end of the semester, projects turned in, papers written, and finals finished....but I'm still working. I have to prepare for next semester, and start thinking of project ideas. Christmas break is a good time to forget about art, but this year I have to keep my mind thinking, preparing, and creating. I hope to make more paper for my prints in advanced II, and prepare all of my layouts and designs. I will also use the time to document my work and compile research and information.

This blog may get a makeover as well, or additions anyways.

ILL GIVE YOU ONE IF YOU GIVE ME ONE

For printmaking every semester, we do a trade print with the class. Each student creates a series of prints and we do an exchange. Just finished mine for this semester, take a look!

"Realm" Series of 12, MRH 2012

THANK YOU CLAY CLUB!



(and Logan) I love my new GREEN mug.

CONSTANT EVOLUTION

As artists, we are constantly forced to evolve and acquire new curiosities, interests, and passions. I have recently decided to take on another major because I have developed a second passion this semester. I am receiving both my BA in art education and BFA in printmaking. I have been creating work in printmaking that I can fully relate to which is why I am so passionate about both areas of my studies. Creating and teaching are both ways that I express myself, and connect with other. Teaching the arts is so significant in the lives of students, and in our communities. I am very excited to keep exploring my own creative potential and eventually take that and help spread my knowledge and passion to others!

Panel Discussion


The big panel discussion was today, and it was quite a treat! It moved along very smoothly, and the preparation for the event paid off! NAEA came prepared with questions, food and drinks, and open minds. Everyone shared large amounts of great advice and wonderful stories. The whole event made me think about my career, and got me excited for my future. Here were some points that I thought were most significant and useful.

-Don't be afraid to be yourself in an interview, cover letter, and resume. You have to show people that you are passionate about what you do!

-Do not lose sight of who you are in the rush of school and teaching. Take time for yourself each week to rejuvenate and revamp.

-Remember that you are a practicing artist too, and do not lose sight of this while teaching. Keep working on mini projects and creating, event if that means cooking a fabulous dinner.

-Make sure to CONSTANTLY EVOLVE. Be ready to be flexible in strategies, skills, and lesson plans. Always be ready to change for the interest of the students.

-Make sure to have many assignments in mind in case students finish early.

-I liked the idea of "Art Challenges." These are mini sketches that focus on one thing or idea, which allows children to explore a certain topic to its extreme. This activity allows focus, and gives motivation to explore a certain topic. It can also bring up new ideas for the student to work with.

-Start acting like you are a teacher now! Save things and plan ahead for your future as a teacher. You will be much more prepared and you will benefit in the long run.

-Build a wardrobe and supply/materials closet now, when were young, and have money to do so:)

I really enjoyed bringing in this new perspective on art education. I think this panel went very well, and would be quite happy to do this again!

MAEA annual Conference 2012


The Group before our Presentation

If you did not know already, I am part of the NAEA student chapter at my university. This past weekend we attended the Michigan Art Education Association annual conference at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan. our student chapter presented a workshop we instructed last year with children in at risk situations. This was an awesome experience that provided many lesson plan ideas, new concepts, new materials etc. I met quite a few teachers in the field, as well as board members, retired presidents of MAEA and NAEA, and students like myself. It was very rewarding to see such a large group of people chasing after the same passion and advocating for art in schools and communities. I am definitely considering going back, and presenting again. I would highly recommend taking the chance to participate in an event of this nature. It is a powerful thing to be an individual in a large group and realize how this united bond can REACT, AFFECT, EDUCATE and CHANGE.

Here is the group at our GVSU Vendors Table that gave information about our program.

This is a photo of Mitch Moore and I practicing the Presentation before the audience arrived.

Reflection:

Going into this conference with no knowledge of how it worked or what would happen, I was at first nervous. It didn’t take long to figure out how silly I was to feel this way. The overall experience turned out to be quite informative, enjoyable, and memorable. Being a first time attendee AND presenter was a little intimidating, but I soon realized everyone was there with the same passion for education through the arts. I too have this yearning to educate and enlighten all generations with the knowledge and skills that the arts can bring.  The annual MAEA Conference was a very rewarding experience in that I saw many people in the actual field as art educators. Not only did I meet many new individuals, but I also asked questions and was reassured about my future as a current student in the art education program at Grand Valley. The conference offered and introduced many new ideas, lesson plans and concepts. This was helpful to apply to my education in terms of my present classes and my future student teaching semesters.

Presenting at the conference was a challenging but helpful experience I hope to build off of in the classroom next year. I really enjoyed sharing our story as a Grand Valley student chapter, as well as presenting our unique lesson plan involving children in at risk situations. Communication and sharing ideas is what education is all about, and this conference was a prime example of advocacy and connecting as a whole.

This conference opened my eyes to see the opportunities to get involved and speak out within a group. Sharing ideas through a united event positively affects each individual. Learning from others can greatly affect the whole as a united group as well. I hope to maximize my experience by continuing to attend these conferences and presenting ideas and workshops to others. I am also working to advocate for the arts through NAEA student chapter at Grand Valley. I also hope to recruit more members to build a stronger bond not only within our group, but to connect to other student chapters, colleges, and programs statewide and nationwide. This will help create a strong and widespread force that can communicate with each other, and stand up for the arts in schools and communities.