And this is my 100th post!
I started Chucks and Crayons in
2011, in the middle of my third year teaching at a private school. Since then, I moved to a public middle school, have tried my hand teaching high school, have run numerous art related after school clubs including the Sketchbook Project, Mural Club and Creative Minds, made costumes and playbills for our little drama department and even volunteered to be the teacher in the dunk tank on the last day of school last year. And this year, I will have earned my Master's in Education and completed my first year, full time in the public school system!
There is a lot to be thankful for, and with the spring like weather that has finally hit New England, I feel like my spirits have been lifted!
Last Friday night was the kick off to the high school's first ever Artistry Month.
I knew it was coming, but I still struggled to pull some quality pieces from my introductory art classes. I advocated for the four art teachers to have two boards each, to evenly split what was available, and then fill in where necessary with upperclassman work. I came back to the high school Thursday afternoon to hang the show with one of my co-workers. One went home (having hung work during her free periods) and the other was very involved in the play, opening Friday night as well, so I offered to hang his work. Between the two of us there, we were done in three hours!
I think that was pretty good time!
I think there was some tension
about designation of board space, but in the end it all worked out. That
evening, the culinary students walked around the lobby and displays
with appetizers before the play started. There were displays from the
graphics department and the carpentry classes and a little sneak peak of
what the fashion show will offer later in the month. There was also a
film festival this week from the Broadcasting classes.
Above are the two boards I put together. Its a nice amalgamation of three art teacher's student work.
Super talented sophomore. This was not an assignment, but fit with an Art 2's "parody" assignment.
The two paintings above are inspired by Peter Max.
These last few pieces were finished this week, which was the last week
of the term. I couldn't help but take advantage of the space outside the
classroom, that was freed up by moving pieces to the art show. Great
work from my Art 1 and Art 2 classes!
Symbolic character portrait, mixed media
Art 1 homework assignment!
Two, very different, Peter Max inspired paintings
After seeing all this work together, I have to say that I am very proud. I am definitely still learning, especially at the high school level, but through all the frustration and difficulty, I love my job! Here's to one hundred more posts about art, education and my crazy adventures!
