It’s not enough to be among people who give you strokes because they want to be supportive. I think the only value of being in school is that everything you do should be a problem that needs to be solved. Everything should be a challenge.”
- Kerry James Marshall
Me: I have worked in the field of art education since 1992 and have experience with all grade levels, K - 12, and schools of varying demographics. Prior to coming to Maggie Walker in 2008 I was the K-12 Art Specialist for Henrico County Public Schools. My bachelor and master degrees in art education and my endorsement in gifted education are all from VCU.
My art: Sometimes I make art and sometimes I don't. I've always felt more inclined to help others to develop their artistic talents and to appreciate art and art history more than making it myself. I also enjoy the "art of collecting art." Although I don't have a large budget for this endeavor, I do love the idea of supporting those who create while surrounding myself with what inspires me visually and emotionally. After all, this is how art museums get started! Ultimately, all my artistic interests fuel my teaching and my continued learning. When I do make art my work tends to be abstract/mixed media, dealing with issues of place, self, and purpose. I always have ideas brewing, ready to come to fruition when I am ready...
My teaching philosophy: Confucius said, “A good teacher is one who brings understanding to the new by keeping the old warm.” Art and art education have changed dramatically over the years but some fundamental truths and foundational elements remain the same, especially for the beginning art student. I will present opportunities for students to explore media skills, design principles, and art history. These opportunities will be framed as visual problems that need a solution. That's my role - the rest is up to them. By working through these problems and receiving peer and teacher feedback, students will learn the basics of art and art appreciation and - eventually - find their own artistic vision and voice. Learning is a joint responsibility. Much of what I know has been self-taught through focused trial and error, curiosity, research, communication with like-minded people, and via those serendipitous moments that happen only when one's mind is open to new things. It's not easy work, as some would have you think. Art is a very broad and challenging topic that requires consistent and deliberate effort and practice to master. Students need to be prepared to do this type of work, if they want to learn. I work extremely hard to provide them with the resources and support that they will need - but ultimately they are responsible for their own learning, achievement, and success.
PLEASE KNOW: Art is not a class you take just to be become a working artist. Whatever your career path, art education can make you more observant, aware, empathetic, and better able to fully develop and communicate your ideas. The goal of art class is to become a better, more creative, capable, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and well-rounded person.
My art: Sometimes I make art and sometimes I don't. I've always felt more inclined to help others to develop their artistic talents and to appreciate art and art history more than making it myself. I also enjoy the "art of collecting art." Although I don't have a large budget for this endeavor, I do love the idea of supporting those who create while surrounding myself with what inspires me visually and emotionally. After all, this is how art museums get started! Ultimately, all my artistic interests fuel my teaching and my continued learning. When I do make art my work tends to be abstract/mixed media, dealing with issues of place, self, and purpose. I always have ideas brewing, ready to come to fruition when I am ready...
My teaching philosophy: Confucius said, “A good teacher is one who brings understanding to the new by keeping the old warm.” Art and art education have changed dramatically over the years but some fundamental truths and foundational elements remain the same, especially for the beginning art student. I will present opportunities for students to explore media skills, design principles, and art history. These opportunities will be framed as visual problems that need a solution. That's my role - the rest is up to them. By working through these problems and receiving peer and teacher feedback, students will learn the basics of art and art appreciation and - eventually - find their own artistic vision and voice. Learning is a joint responsibility. Much of what I know has been self-taught through focused trial and error, curiosity, research, communication with like-minded people, and via those serendipitous moments that happen only when one's mind is open to new things. It's not easy work, as some would have you think. Art is a very broad and challenging topic that requires consistent and deliberate effort and practice to master. Students need to be prepared to do this type of work, if they want to learn. I work extremely hard to provide them with the resources and support that they will need - but ultimately they are responsible for their own learning, achievement, and success.
PLEASE KNOW: Art is not a class you take just to be become a working artist. Whatever your career path, art education can make you more observant, aware, empathetic, and better able to fully develop and communicate your ideas. The goal of art class is to become a better, more creative, capable, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and well-rounded person.
Success at this level has NOTHING to do with talent. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Ditch that excuse at the door.
Do, however, be prepared for a mighty challenge.
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