Judgement call?

Recently I received a phone call from a young woman who has just moved here from another location. She was very friendly on the phone. She has a degree in art education and had been talking and asking about art opportunities here. My name came up quite often as THE person to talk to about art in Carroll. Anyway she said she had been all over my website and noticed that I do "crafty things" with kids and was wondering if I would be interested in her coming in and team teaching with me but on an art level.

 Am I being too sensitive?  Because I was kind of offended.

All she had to go by was my summer classes which I will admit are more crafts based because parents don't want to commit to 6 or more weeks of classes in the summer. Plus I really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of summer craft classes as do the kids.

During the school year it's all art. Every lesson reviews the basics- line, shape, form, color- we discuss horizon lines , foreground, middle ground and background- we make sure to draw what we see. We use watercolors, pastels, ink, acrylic paint, pencils and charcoal. We discuss famous artists and what it was like to produce work in their day and what their style of art is called and then try to imitate it.

Please don't label me as craftsy.

Or artsy-fartsy.

Or arsty-craftsy.

I paint. I draw. I create.
I am a creative person and I like to share my creativity with kids.

The Summer Class Schedule is READY!!!!

Imagine my happy dance as I announce this! Summer Art and Class Schedule is now ready!

AGES 3-4

3-4 Year Old Kinder Artists
Young artists get to explore paint, glue, paper, markers and COLOR! It’s messy and it’s fun. Join Miss Laura and Miss Carly and explore the wonderful world of art. These classes fill up fast. Only sign up for the classes you can attend. Due to the popularity of the Kinder Artists Classes these are offered on a first come/first serve pre-paid basis. No phone reservations. A waiting list will be started and a new section will be opened at the discretion of the teachers. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE AGE BREAKDOWNS! CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 10 AND WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!

Class Size: 10

Class Fee: $6.00 per date

Session 1: Mondays 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

June 6 –Absorbing Artwork

June 13 – Marble Paper

June 20 – Color Wheel garland
June 27 – Mono-printing
July 4- NO CLASS
July 11- Potions
July 18- Painted Suns

Session 2: Wednesdays 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
June 8-Absorbing Artwork
June 15 – Marble paper
June 21 – Color wheel garland
June 29- Mono-printing
July 4 – NO CLASS
July 6- Potions
July 13- Painted Suns
July 20- Water Color Wash

AGES 4-5
4-5 Year old Kinder Artists
Young artists get to explore paint, glue, paper, markers and COLOR! It’s messy and it’s fun. Join Miss Laura and Miss Carly and explore the wonderful world of art. These classes fill up fast. Only sign up for the classes you can attend. Due to the popularity of the Kinder Artists Classes these are offered on a first come/first serve pre-paid basis. No phone reservations. A waiting list will be started and a new section will be opened at the discretion of the teachers. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE AGE BREAKDOWNS! CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 10 AND WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!
Class size: 10
Class Fee: $6.00 per date
Session 1: Mondays 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
June 6 –Absorbing Artwork
June 13 – Marble Paper
June 20 – Color Wheel garland
June 27 – Mono-printing
July 4 – NO CLASS
July 11- Potions
July 18- Painted Suns
Session 2: Wednesdays 10:30 AM- 11:15 AM
June 8-Absorbing Artwork
June 15 – Marble paper
June 21 – Color wheel garland
June 29- Mono-printing
July 4 – NO CLASS
July 6- Potions
July 13- Painted Suns
July 20- Water Color Wash
GRADES K-2
Adventures in Art (mixed media/cultures)
One of my favorite activities is learning about other people and cultures. What better way than through art and craft projects. Come travel around the world with me as we visit Peru, Russia, Jamaica, Egypt and the USA
Session 1: Grades K-2 Mondays June 6 - 27 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Session 2: Grades K-2 Thursdays June 30-July 21 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Class size: 10/ Fee: $54.00 per person

Just For Fun!
These classes and projects are designed for the busy schedule where you just can’t commit to more than one class time and date.

Dragon Puppets

Students will create their own Chinese Dragon Puppet

Session 1: Grades K-2 Thursday June 9 9:30 AM – 10:45AM

Session 2 Grades K-2 Monday August 8 10:00AM – 11:15AM

Class Size: 8

Class Fee: $16.00 per session

Can-Do Robots (recycled crafts)

These friendly robots are more than just good-looking; magnets hold their features in place, making the 'bots the metallic equivalent of a Mr. Potato Head.

Session 1: Grades K-2 Thursday June 23 9:30 AM- 10:45 AM
Session 2: Grades K-2 Tuesday August 2 10:00 AM –11:15PM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

Sand Castle Sculptures
Using a special mixture, students will be provided with self hardening “clay sand” so they can create a permanent sand castle complete with moat, flags, sea shells and other decorative items you would find at the beach.
Grades K-2 Thursday June 30th 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

GRADES 3-4

Adventures in Art (mixed media/cultures)
One of my favorite activities is learning about other people and cultures. What better way than through art and craft projects. Come travel around the world with me as we visit Peru, Russia, Jamaica, Egypt and the USA
Session 1: Grades 3-4 Mondays June 6 – 27 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Session 2: Grades 3-4 Thursdays June 30 – July 21 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Class size: 10/ Fee: $54.00 per person

Just For Fun!
These classes and projects are designed for the busy schedule where you just can’t commit to more than one class time and date.
Dragon Puppets
Students will create their own Chinese Dragon Puppet
Session 1: Grades 3-4 Thursday June 9 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Session 2: Grades 3-4 Monday August 8 1:00 PM- 2:15 PM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

Solar Flare T-Shirts
Using a paste mixture and user friendly fabric dyes students will get amazing results on this one of a kind colorful t-shirt. PLEASE SPEFICY YOUR CHILD’S T-SHIRT SIZE!!!
Grades 3-4

Session 1: June 16 10:00 AM – NOON
Session 2: June 29 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

Can-Do Robots (recycled crafts)
These friendly robots are more than just good-looking; magnets hold their features in place, making the 'bots the metallic equivalent of a Mr. Potato Head.
Session 1: Grades 3-4 Thursday June 23 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Session 2: Grades 3-4 Tuesday August 2 1:00 PM – 2:15PM
Sand Castle Sculptures
Using a special mixture, students will be provided with self hardening “clay sand” so they can create a permanent sand castle complete with moat, flags, sea shells and other decorative items you would find at the beach.
Session 2: Grades 3-4 Thursday June 30th 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Class Size: 8
Class Fee: $16.00 per session

GRADES 4-5
FAC (Friday Afternoon Club) (Crafts) Grades 4-5
Friday afternoon and it’s time to get crafty this summer. You can sign up for just one two or all the FAC Dates Come join the fun as we make flower vases from recycled glass bottles, some funky yard art, a fireworks t-shirt just in time for the 4th of July, friendship bracelets, sea shell picture frames and a hand painted ceramic tile. Sign up for only those classes you wish to take.
Class size: 10/ Fee: $18.00 per person per day
Fridays June 10 – July 22 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

June 10- Painted Glass Vase
June 17 –Yard Art Birdies
June 24-Fireworks Shirt
July 8- Friendship Bracelets
July 15- Sea Shell Picture Frames
July 22- Hand Painted Ceramic Tiles

Mosaic Art
Mosaic art goes as far back as 400 B.C. to ancient Greece where geometric patterns and scenes of people and animals were depicted by placing small pieces of different colour materials to create a picture. . You will learn how to create a wall mosaic using Italian glass tiles.
Grades 4-5 Wednesdays June 8-22 1:00PM- 3:00PM
Class size: 8/ Fee: $75 per person

Hula Hoop T-Shirt Rug (recycling and weaving)
You want me to make a rug using t-shirts and a hula hoop? Sure do! Come to this class and learn how you can recycle old t-shirts into a 36” decorative rug for your bedroom floor. Basic weaving with no fail results every time!

Session 1: Grades 4-5 Thursdays June 9 – 23 1:00 PM – 2:30PM
Session 2: Grades 4-5 Fridays July 8 – 22 10:00 AM - NOON
Class size: 10 / Fee: $54 per person

GRADES 5-6
Ultimate Tree House (Architecture)
This class proved to be so popular last year I brought it back for an encore! You have been dreaming of building your own tree house for a long time but don’t have the time, space or resources to build one. This class is where you think small –really small- as in dollhouse sized staircases and rope swings fit for a fairy. The only requirement for this class is a creative imagination, balsa wood, craft sticks and of course trees. Students will be using a hot glue gun and small hand saws.

Session 1: Grades 5-6 Tuesdays June 7– 28 1:00 PM – 2:30PM
Session 2: Grades 5-6 Tuesdays June 7 – 28 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Session 3: Grades 5-6 Thursdays July 6 – 27 1:00 PM – 2:30PM
Class Size: 6/ Fee: $85 per person

Altered Books (collage and mixed media)
An Altered Book combines several types of artistic techniques into one unique art form. Starting with a book base, the artist tears away pages and then adds their own creative expressions through rubber stamping, scrapping, image transfer, collage, photomontage, and writing. Students are asked to bring to class song lyrics or a favorite poem to use as the theme for their book.
Session1: Grades 5-8 Tuesdays June 7-28 10:00 AM – NOON
Session 2: Grades 5-8 Thursdays July 7- 28 10:00PM – NOON
Class size: 5/ Fee: $55 per person

Mosaic Art
Mosaic art goes as far back as 400 B.C. to ancient Greece where geometric patterns and scenes of people and animals were depicted by placing small pieces of different colour materials to create a picture. . You will learn how to create a wall mosaic using Italian glass tiles.

Grades 6-9 Tuesdays July 5-19 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Class size: 8/ Fee: $75 per person

Photo Words! (Photography and computers)
Back by popular demand! Students will learn top look at everyday objects with new eyes as we walk around downtown and look for letters of the alphabet to spell out their name. Using digital photos and Photoshop –images will be transformed and put together into a unique wall piece. Students must provide their own digital camera of at least 6 megapixels and higher!
Grades 5-6 Tuesdays July 5-19 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Class size: 6/ Fee: $90 per person

GRADES 5-8
JUST FOR FUN! (NEW)
These classes and projects are designed for the busy schedule where you just can’t commit to more than one class time or date.
Leather Cuff Bracelets:
Recycle thrift store leather belts into fun and funky bracelets. Make enough to wear and give as gifts!
Session 1: Monday July 11 1:00PM – 3:00 PM
Session 2: Tuesday August 9 10:00 AM – NOON
Class Size 10 / Fee: $28

Headbands and Hair Clips:
Headbands and hairclips with flowers, feathers, sequins, beads and ribbon are THE hot fashion accessory of 2011! Make some of your own to wear AND share with your BFF!
Session 1: Monday July 18 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Session 2: Tuesday August 9 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
Class Size 10 / Fee: $28

Vinyl Record Clocks & Cupcake Lanterns:
Does your room need a new look? How about a funky clock for your wall made out of a retro vinyl record album- you know those big plastic circles people used to play on a record player- and a lantern made out of cupcake liners. So easy and so cool too!
Session 1: Wednesday July 27 10:00AM – NOON
Session 2: Monday August 1 10:00 AM – NOON
Session 3: Thursday August 4 10:00AM - NOON
Class Size: 8 / Fee: $28

Walking Works of Art
Grab a pair of white canvas sneakers or high tops and turn them into walking works of art using colored tissue papers, rhinestones and all weather clear sealing glue. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN SHOES!
Session 1: Wednesday August 3 10:00AM – NOON
Session 2: Thursday August 11 10:00AM - NOON
Class Size: 8 / Fee: $18

GRADES 7-12

Altered Doll House (Architecture) (NEW!)
Participants will transform four cardboard cigar boxes into a delightful free standing 3-D doll house with details like rugs, curtains and furniture and covered by a roof. If you are into tiny details this is the perfect class for you. Hot glue and x-acto knives will be used.
Session 1: Grades 7-12 Fridays June 10 – 24 10 AM – NOON
Class Size: 6/ Class Fee: $85 per person

Ultimate Tree House (Architecture)
This class is where you think small –really small- as in dollhouse sized staircases and rope swings fit for a fairy. The only requirement for this class is a creative imagination, balsa wood, craft sticks and of course trees. Students will be using a hot glue gun and small hand saws.
Session 1: Grades 7-12 Tuesdays June 7– 28 3:00 PM – 4:30PM
Session 2: Grades 7-12 Wednesdays July 6 – 27 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Class Size: 6/ Fee: $85 per person

Photo Words! (Photography and computers)
Back by popular demand! Students will learn top look at everyday objects with new eyes as we walk around downtown and look for letters of the alphabet to spell out their name. Images will be transformed and put together into a unique wall piece. Students must provide their own digital camera of at least 6 megapixels and higher!

Grades 7-12 Thursdays July 28-August 11 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Class size: 6/ Fee: $90 per person

JUST FOR FUN! (NEW)
These classes and projects are designed for the busy schedule where you just can’t commit to more than one class time or date.
Walking Works of Art
Grab a pair of white canvas sneakers or high tops and turn them into walking works of art using colored tissue papers, rhinestones and all weather clear sealing glue. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN SHOES!
Session 1: Monday August 1 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Session 2: Wednesday August 10 1:00Pm – 3:00PM
Class Size: 8 / Fee: $18

Leather Cuff Bracelets:
Recycle thrift store leather belts into fun and funky bracelets. Make enough to wear and give as gifts!
Grades 7-12 Wednesday August 3 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Class Size: 10 / Fee: $28

Headbands and Hair Clips:
Headbands and hairclips with flowers, feathers, sequins, beads and ribbon are THE hot fashion accessory of 2011! Make some of your own to wear AND share with your BFF!

Grades 7-12Wednesday August 10 10:00AM - NOON
Class Size 10 / Fee: $28

hit the wall....it's time to quit

I am passionate about children. Period. I believe that every child born has a gift to give the world. I am also passionate about art, theatre and libraries. There is one more thing I am passionate about and that is giving back to your community.
There are too many people who have forgotten about this and yet they still expect this same community to support them. I am just as busy as the next person. I am raising a family and running a business- both are 24/7 occupations. But because I am passionate about children and art and theatre and libraries I volunteer  time in those directions. My life would be a lot easier if I did not volunteer and there are times when I regret saying yes and get a little cranky about it.

Why volunteer? Why get involved?  ???

Because I care about children. Children live in my community. Therefore I get involved. I have one child left at home and in a little under two years he'll be gone and off to college. Does this mean I get to stop being involved? NO!

But there are times when I feel like I am banging my head against a wall. I am president of the Carroll Arts Council/Community Theatre (CAC/CCT). I have been president for 7 maybe 8 years? I don't know I've lost track. In that time I have seen the organization through some very rough times. I had some goals when I became president and I reached them. My biggest goal was to create a 50 seat theatre in our building for small shows. We've been using the Black Box Studio now for over a year. Another goal I had was to create a summer program for high school and college age kids who are interested in theatre to experience theatre outside of a school setting. We had our first  program this past summer and I think it was successful.

Yesterday I told my board that I am resigning. It is not a decision that I made lightly. The biggest question back at me is WHY?!?
It's not the lack of funding or resources. Unfortunately the arts seem to thrive on shoe string budgets. It's not the work- I love costuming a show, making a set come to life and creating a mood with lights. It's not working with kids because I LOVE working with kids! So why am I leaving something I feel so passionately about?
There is no COMMUNITY in the Community Theatre anymore. Recently the CAC/CCT was asked to collaborate with the Public Library for a fundraising event for our new library. ( YES! A NEW library!!!!)The Library wanted us to produce an audience interactive murder mystery. I spent hours online searching for the right play, talking with the head librarian and the Friends of the Library Board. I spent more time promoting auditions and beating the bushes looking for people to fill all the parts. I still have 3 parts left to fill and will more than likely step into one of the roles myself because the show must go on. So I will be spending another 20 hours next week rehearsing the play and getting it costumed. When I asked one person who has an interest in BOTH the library (serves on the board) and the theatre to be in the show the response was:

" No, my schedule is insanely busy and I can't do it"

That stopped me so short I actually hit that wall I have been banging my head against.
This is for a good cause. This is for our COMMUNITY. This is for our CHILDREN!

I just can't do this anymore.

it all starts with an idea

Last week I started a project with my K-2 class that I am calling "The Monster Project"  I gave each student a large sheet of black paper and a set of construction paper crayons. Then I told them we were going to draw monsters. I had a whole list of questions about their monsters. Questions like- what color is it? How big is it? How many eyes and arms and legs? You get the idea. Before I even got halfway through the list of questions they were off and drawing. I love to listen to kids this age draw. Before I knew it each student was caught up in a world they had created on paper and each monster developed a  unique personality.

I decided that I was going to make their monsters real. I got the first one finished last night.

This is Megan and Maria. Megan and Maria live in the jungle and they like to play. What makes them so special is they have two heads.  Megan and Maria was designed by Olivia who is a first grader.

After studying Olivia's monster for a bit I drew a simplified version of it.  Then I went to my sewing machine and created this~ my version of Megan and Maria. I am planning on doing this for each of my students. I want them to see how an idea can come out of your head and onto paper and sometimes that idea can then be turned into something real. 

 Everything starts with an idea.