Today was my first day actually meeting some of my students. Sadly, I was only able to meet the studio art classes because they let the kids out early due to inclement weather. It's hard meeting the students because many of them are not interested in art, or me. One student did walk right up and introduce himself to me and said he liked art, so that was nice.

 I stayed a little after to make example of the monotype lesson I'm planning. They look really cool.




 Mrs G (one of the main studio teachers, and printmaking teacher extraordinaire) came in and gave me a handful of plexiglass for the glass so we don't have to cut out own! She also gave me access to her printmaking/book-making library. She's really something.

I'm very excited to meet the darkroom 2 students. I still need a good idea for them. They are doing a semester based on journalism, so I think some sort of photo book is in order. Just not sure what yet...

Okay, long lost blog. I began this as an exploration for my Art Education classes to record responses to readings and post assignments. But a new page has turned! After completing my BFA Printmaking degree last semester, (pictures soon to follow), I have plunged into this semester with Student Teaching the visual arts. I'm both excited and nervous to begin teaching.

My first placement is at Kingston High School with Mrs Debbie Tampone. She's mostly the photo teacher but she also teaches studio art. My first week there was coincidentally Regents week, so all the kids were doing their state-mandated testing. But when they finished their tests, the Visual Arts seniors had critiques to propose their ideas for the Senior Seminar Show. It was awesome seeing what the Art Department at Kingston High School has nurtured in order to get those kids to where they are. I could see how taking the variety of classes that are offered at Kingston really gave the students a well-rounded view of the art world. I think my favorite idea was the student who is making a sculpture of a heart out of different materials and then taking photos of them in places he feels connected to. I recently discovered he has a medical condition so he's using the heart as a symbol of life and placing them in these places to represent his desire to explore and see the world. He's taking advanced photo, but he can work on this project throughout the entire semester, so I can't wait to watch the project as it develops.

A handful of the students really had insane painting abilities. Painting is one of those things I have my own technical troubles with and I fear having to teach it to students who are better than I am. haha. But I gave one of the girls who does these mythical portraits my friend Kat Patterson's website because it think she might really appreciate her Zodiac ladies. She was also into clothing design which really reminds me of Kat's desire to be a special effects make-up artist.

Anyway, I'm going to make a point to go to the show and see how their projects end up. It's gonna be good.