Class

Monday morning was class. I teach every Monday after Third Friday (makes for a long weekend). They bus in a fourth or fifth grade art class from the local elementary school; this was a fourth grade class of about 15 students. Well behaved and eager. I never made it to poetry on Sunday as I set up class the day before.

The idea is to take the students through the current exhibition(s) and teach a related project, be it subject, idea, materials. We discussed Liz Nicklus and Michele Post, painting in layers and making assemblages out of various materials. I had a table set up with every possible item I could find, buttons, straws, clothes pins, glitter, paint, oil pastel, magazines for clipping, foam animals...

It is truly a rewarding experience teaching these young folk. They are expressive, they explore, they listen (to whatever tiny lecture I may give), they concentrate on the task. This class a student said he was having "the best day ever" and another shyly came up to thank me and give me a hug and said she would look for me on Third Friday. IF there is one moment in their lives that I have made art a positive and joyful experience, then I am satisfied I am doing OK with teaching. This is my second year with this school. I'm very into it.

The photo is not of this class, but of a prior class where the students worked on self-portraits. That class was a little more serious, I gave some basic instruction on the placement of features, shading, tone, charcoal and paint. Maybe they will remember one day on another project.

Early Morning

Early morning after a very busy Third Friday evening. We- the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts- were packed all evening. There were three worthwhile exhibitions- the Pat Witt Alumni exhibition, the 2007 Associate Artist Winners, and the ACE work of the local children. ACE= Arts Creates Excellence.- I gallery sit, and bartended last night too. I get to wear a dress, which is unusual as I'm either in old painting duds or a sports bra.- The work of the local children is very inspiring, they are so free in their color and expression. Many parents came out last night then of course.

I'm just a volunteer (as well as an ACE teacher)- a politician mistook me for a board member. My involvement with the RRCA began with cleaning their basement, where the art supplies are stored. I organized and structured a quite sizable mess one summer, it took about three months. I like organization. It was an opportunity to give back- it was an opportunity to get out of myself and work in quiet stillness completely undisturbed for a couple hours a week. I still keep the stuff organized. Sunday I will set up my class for Monday, I will check up on the supplies at the same time. It gives me peace. A sense of purpose. The RRCA is great for the community.

Many people. Braving the weather finally. I think we've all had enough of winter.

Third Friday Weekends

This morning is rainy, but it is supposed to clear. A little chilly for the first day of spring. I am relaxed, but eager- as it is Third Friday weekend- and I had hurt my back this week and was laid up for a few days. I have something to look forward to! There is a wonderful exhibition at the RRCA (where I teach and volunteer) this month, varied, colorful, textured, assemblages, traditional pieces. Tonight I will gallery sit, my usual activity on Third Friday. It is fun- people watching. My joy comes though from the wonderful exhibition as Monday morning I get to teach a grade school class about the exhibition and a related art activity.

I may write more over the weekend as it progresses. Sunday we also have Poetry On High, a three hour venue for local poets to perform.

In the meantime, yesterday I was given this photo of myself painting at East Point Lighthouse last summer. It was my first experience painting plein air, and I fell in love. I am preparing to do studies by our beautiful Maurice River as soon as the weather is stable.....:)