There's no better way to teach art history and cultural literacy to kids than with projects inspired by famous artists. But did you know that how you introduce the artist can make or break the success of your project? This is where famous artist books for kids can save the day. Kids love stories (who doesn't?) so you can get their attention right from the start by … [Read more...]
How to Have Time for What Matters Most
Summer is officially here and if you’re a teacher, you may feel like I used to…. that your time away from the classroom is precious…. almost too precious. You want to use this time in the best possible way, and not reach the end of your summer with regret about that thing you really wanted to accomplish but never got around to doing. Teachers are not alone in having a … [Read more...]
Should We Take the “ART” Out of Art Education?
So many good podcasts compete for our time today.... how do you choose which ones to listen to? Well, occasionally a title just grabs my attention and won’t let go. This is one of those podcasts! With a headline that reads "Let’s Get Rid of Art Education”, I couldn’t help but take notice. Podcaster Danny Gregory has been a life-long advocate for the arts with his books, … [Read more...]
Hearts and Grit
Four years ago, I wrote a blog post about Hazel McNab, a woman who challenged herself to design a heart to go with an inspiring quote every day for a year. She held herself accountable by posting her journey online. It just so happened it was a Leap Year, hence the name of her blog: 366 Hearts. Well, it’s four years later, and let me tell you she is still going strong! As I … [Read more...]
Mona Lisa Meets the Oxford MBA Program
What does the Mona Lisa have to do with an MBA from Oxford University? That’s what I was wondering, too…. We recently had the chance to visit our daughter at Oxford University, where she's studying for her MBA. When we arrived, her “Entrepreneurship” elective was just getting out, and students were talking about an exercise they had done in class. When I heard “Mona Lisa”, I … [Read more...]
20 Interesting Facts about the Sistine Chapel
If you're reading this post, you're probably a person who enjoys learning about art and the artists who create it. Yet we all know people who don't share this interest, and may even find art history to be dry and boring (gasp!). Well, art history is anything but dry and boring if you know the stories behind the paintings! From DaVinci's Mona Lisa to the diverse works … [Read more...]
Confessions of an Art Ed Snob, Part One: Cookie Cutter Art
A while back, a family emergency led me to take (what I thought would be) a temporary leave of absence from my K-8 Art position. A change like this can offer you a different perspective and teach you some surprising things. I never imagined all I'd learn about teaching by not teaching! But this time away from the classroom gave me some much needed space to reflect.... not only … [Read more...]
5 Lessons I’ve Learned from My Students
As teachers, we spend most of our time focused on what we teach our students. But sometimes it’s worthwhile to step back and reflect on what our students are teaching us. While all of my students have shaped me as a teacher and as a person, a few of my former students have left an indelible mark on my heart. The lessons they taught me are not new, but there’s something about … [Read more...]
Wishing You a “Perfectionism-Free” New Year
"As a painter I shall never really count, I can feel that absolutely." ~ Vincent Van Gogh, 1889, Arles Vincent Van Gogh never knew what a great artist he was. His paintings sell for millions today, yet in his lifetime, he only ever sold one painting. What fascinates me is that he didn't let this stop him.... he kept painting. Even when he received no outside appreciation for … [Read more...]
Murphy’s Law in the Art Room
The end of the year is a good time to reflect on what we've learned over the last 12 months. For me, this reads like a "Murphy's Law* in the Art Room" list! So here's my "Top Ten Lessons Learned (and Sometimes Re-learned!) This Year" *Murphy's Law: "If something can go wrong, it will!" 1. If you plan painting projects for "Picture Day", the kids will all show up in … [Read more...]
