Youth and Performing Arts School Observation

AUGUST 26, 2019 I traveled to Louisville very early to arrive at YPAS for an observation of teaching artist Talleri. Talleri met me in the parking lot and we walked in together. She explained that she had been working with this class. Little did I know that I was in for a real treat. The class was a very diverse group of students. The teacher led the class in discussion after watching a video clip of acting and then Talleri took over. Talleri caused the students to look deeply at the characters and how they interacted. She led them through several acting out using movements then adjusting to more movements. The students were working in groups of 2. One group was 3 incorporating a girl in a wheelchair. The students were engaged and loving the activities. Then she regrouped to have students sit and she showed them different signs used to indicate accessibilty. There was one that was for wheelchairs and the girl in the wheelchair identified it and a discussion followed about where wheelchairs are usually placed, in the back. Talleri explained that sometimes there are signs that indicate flexible seating for wheelchairs so that people in wheelchairs can sit with their friends and the girl cheered. A deaf student in the class identified the sign used for hearing impaired and interpretation. The hour went by very fast. Afterwards Talleri and the teacher conferenced about ways to involve a student who is very verbal but non-participating. Talleri had several suggestions and listened to the teacher and how he had tried and his frustrations. They formed a tenative plan to involve the student in the next class. Loved this observation!

Cumberland Trace Elementary "BARN QUILTS!" April 11-18, 2019

Working at Cumberland Trace Elementary is like coming home! I worked here as an Intinerant art teacher from 1998-2007. Working with Morgan Conwell is great! She is an enthusiastic teacher and her students love her!

Warren East Middle School - Cold Wax Painting

This art inclusion project with Warren East Middle School and my good friend, art teacher Missi Carini has been a wonderful experience! Sharing the arts with students is a passion that we share! Working with texture and painting and a new medium has been a great new adventure for the students! So much fun introducing a new artist, Wolf Kahn, abstract expressionist and his beautiful colors and landscapes. DAY 1 began with painting an undercolor in acrylic DAY 2 - Applying the cold wax mixed with oil paint and then scratch trees landscape into design using palette knife and toothpick. The Banner that welcomed me to WEMS! SPIRIT MURAL PROJECT WITH MRS. CARINI'S 3RD PERIOD! We created a puzzle of the spirit design that Dalton drew. Each table group was given a piece of the puzzle. The students collaborated as they drew their designs and worked with other groups to make sure the design made sense. The design was then painted with bright acrylic paint! Dalton is our mural designer! Final day and it's time to put together the collaborative puzzle!