Harlow Art Educators

Recent Updates RSS Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

• 

  arted 4:22 pm on February 10, 2012 Permalink  

  Harlow Teacher Initiative Meeting: Feb. 9th, 2012 

  Attending:  Sarah Barnum, Nancy Barron, Robin Brooks, Helene Farrar, Suzanne Goulet, Christine Higgins, Jane Higgins, Maxine Marquis, Jason Morgan, Jen Paisley, Jonathan Price, Becca Case
  Announcements/Opportunities:

  • Jonathan Price and Becca Case shared information about the new “SpinOff” program in Hallowell.  It is located several doors down from the Harlow at 180 Water St.  This organization has developed from the coastal “Spindleworks” model and is beginning to build clientele.  Artists are invited to join them for an open studio on Thursdays, from10:00 to 3:00, to work with their clients.  An artist will also be invited to lunch very 4^th Wednesday to share their work and talk with the members.  Contact Jonathan Price, Team Leader, for more information: 629-9020, or http://www.independenceassociation.org.
  • Another art teacher opportunity: an art exhibit to support the Sexual Assault Crisis and Support center is being organized featuring art from Kennebec and Somerset County art students.    Cash prizes will be awarded.   Contact Mary MacMaster at justicebealady@yahoo.com

  • Helene Farrar invited everyone to her artist reception Sunday, Feb. 12^th at Slates, 5 to 7, and open studio across the street from the Harlow.  http://www.helenefarrar.com

  Meeting Notes:
  The meeting began with discussion about assessment and ‘what to do when students finish early in the classroom’.   Teachers discussed various models used in their classrooms and school systems.   Jane Higgins talked about ‘unpacking’ and RISK – a reinventing schools model.  She advised giving the students the model and then letting them break it down.   Jen Paisley handed out examples of assessment forms she uses.   She makes sure that all students clearly understand what is needed for the numerical evaluation of a “3”, and she then encourages each student to try for a “4”, by asking them to determine how they can do that.   Jason Morgan is familiar with using student/choice/inquiry based classroom process from his middle school experience at Maranacook.   He is also interested in using digital Portfolios/note share as a form of assessment.  Asking students to write artist statements was another idea.

  • Robin Brooks share her enthusiasm and practice of choice based classroom techniques.  She believes that Studio Habits is an important part of evaluation, and suggested the yahoo group TAB-Choice as an excellent resource.   Robin also asked, “How do you inform other teachers what you are doing in your classroom?”

  • Teachers brought many examples of handouts and books to share:J.H. – tempera resist & silk screening.   M.M. – landscape painting using tone, & value, still-life for shapes and shadows, and textile silk-screening.  J.P. – pinch pot whistles.  J.M. – stencils for multiples and color theory.

  Our next meeting will be Thursday, May 17^th, at the Harlow.  Robin Brooks will present information and her applications of choice based learning in the classroom.  She will also share information about her personal visit to observe the educational model of Reggio Emilia in Italy.  Robin is an active member of the Reggio Emilia state organization.

  • The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. It was started by Loris Malaguzzi and the parents of the villages around Reggio Emilia in Italy after World War II. The destruction from the war, parents believed, necessitated a new, quick approach to teaching their children. They felt that it is in the early years of development that children form who they are as individuals. This led to creation of a program based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment based on the interests of the children through a self-guided curriculum.  Source: Wikipedia

  Future:  Many teachers are interested in a summer clay workshop.  This will be further discussed at the next meeting.    If you are interested in hosting an event like this, please contact Nancy Barron, at the Harlow: 622-3813, Thursdays through Saturdays.

   
• 

  arted 7:05 pm on January 14, 2012 Permalink
  Tags: art exhibition, central Maine, Harlow Gallery, K-8, poetry, Young at Art   

  Dear K 8 Art Educators Our popular “Young… 

  Dear K-8 Art Educators,

  Our popular “Young at Art K-8” Exhibition is right around the corner. We invite central Maine schools to participate and submit up to 9 original pieces of k-8 children’s artwork per school (so if you work in more than one elementary and/or middle school you are to choose 9 pieces per school). The pieces you choose may be by any student in grades k-8 and in any medium (3-D work encouraged). Pieces do not need to be framed. Mounting on poster board, construction paper or mat board is fine but not necessary! Important dates, deadlines and instructions below. Please print this email and use it as reference.

  

  Each piece of work needs two labels. One is for the gallery tag, it should include Student’s Name, Title of Work, Media, School and Instructors Name, in that order. It can be neatly hand written or typed or printed, it should be on a piece of paper or card stock that is no larger than 3×3 inches. The 2nd label should be on the back of the piece and should have the student’s name, school, art instructor and contact information for the instructor. ALSO; Please include a list of work with the 9 pieces. The list should have the school, instructor and contact information at the top and each student’s name and title of their work-this can be hand written. This is a very important piece, as we need to track participants and their schools.

  

  Teachers may drop off the students’ work at the Harlow Gallery March 8-10th, Noon to 6 PM.

  The Young at Art exhibition will run from Friday, March 16th to the 31st. The opening reception will be Friday, March 16th from 4-7pm. It is encouraged for teachers to write a short letter to parents informing them of their child’s accomplishment and inviting them to the opening reception or to view the show during regular gallery hours. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday noon-6pm. This event is free and open to the public, and will include some refreshments, though we are asking teachers to bring a food or beverage item to the opening. Please note, there will be no prizes or ribbons awarded this year, being chosen to be in this show is reward in itself.

  

  Pick up Dates at the end of the exhibit: Saturday, March 31st, 4-6 PM or Monday, April 2, 3-5 PM please make every effort to pick up your work in a timely manner, the Harlow Gallery can not be responsible for work left indefinitely.

  NEW THIS YEAR: Saturday, March 17th 1-4pm the Harlow will host a hands on event combining art and poetry “Fill Your Heart, Leave Your Mark”. This event will feature poetry readings from students and seasoned poets, all levels welcome. Free and open to the public.

  

  Please don’t hesitate to contact the Harlow Gallery with any questions kvaa@harlowgallery.org or 207 622-3813 and ask for Nancy or Deb. I look forward to hearing from you. Nancy Barron Program Director/Volunteer Coordinator The Kennebec Valley Art Association and Harlow Gallery http://www.harlowgallery.org 207 622-3813

  

   
• 

  arted 10:32 am on November 10, 2011 Permalink
  Tags: . cohort program, Creative Arts in Learning, Lesley University, Westbrook   

  Received via email on November 8 Good Afternoon… 

  Received via email on November 8:

  Good Afternoon Maine Artist ~

  I wanted to share with you some information about an advanced degree program that is targeted to start in January in Maine!

  
  

  Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction –

  Integrated Teaching through the Arts

   

  LESLEY UNIVERSITY

  The Creative Arts in Learning Programs have earned a far-reaching reputation for their innovative perspectives in the arts and in education. Educators and other professionals seeking to integrate the arts into different areas of learning–from classrooms to museums to community settings–value the division’s highly creative and spirited atmosphere.

  Through stimulating courses and numerous hands-on experiences, students discover the power and potential of the arts to reach children and adults in new and effective ways. Students also engage in exciting personal explorations of their own creativity, uncovering in the process their innate talents and strengths. The division’s strength rests in its underlying philosophy that the arts are central to human learning, and can serve as a foundation for education in many different settings.

  The program, offered off-campus in 23 states is delivered in an intensive weekend format, where a cohort group moves together through a sequential program of study. This format allows working professionals to continue to teach or work in a related setting, while using their classrooms as learning laboratories to test, evaluate, and implement the theory and practice of arts-integrated curriculum. 

   

  Then next cohort program is starting January 3, 2012 in Westbrook, Maine! 

   

  To learn more about this life changing program, please complete the form at the link below or contact me directly.

  
  

  http://www.lesley.edu/inquiry/tracy/ 
  

   

  Thanks for your consideration.

   

  Warm Wishes,   
  

  Tracy

   

  Tracy B. Davis, M.Ed.

  Lesley University

  866.781.3899

  tdavis@lesley.edu
  

   
• 

  arted 5:40 pm on October 23, 2011 Permalink
  Tags: meetings   

  Next Meeting Thursday Feb 9th, 2012 

  Next Meeting:

  Thursday, Feb. 9th, or storm day of Feb. 16th – Harlow Gallery, 4:00.

  Agenda:
  Update assessment – bring samples of what you use in your classroom.
  Examples of projects you use with kids who finish early in the classroom. GK has a great system of cards that students accumulate through the year & will bring examples of these.

   
• 

  arted 2:59 pm on October 22, 2011 Permalink
  Tags: websites ( 3 )   

  Recommended websites 

  http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/

  http://mrspicassosartroom.blogspot.com/

  http://artwithmre.blogspot.com/

  http://www.mrsbrownart.com/about.htm

  http://artsmudge.com/

  http://nicholselemartk5.blogspot.com

  http://artexplorium.blogspot.com/

   

   
• 

  arted 2:54 pm on October 22, 2011 Permalink
  Tags: assessment, grading, lesson plans ( 2 ), MAEA   

  October 20, 2011 Meeting Notes 

  Oct. 20, 2011 Art Teachers Initiative Meeting

  Present: Nancy Barron, Cheryl Herr -Rains, Christine Higgins, Genevieve Keller, Max Marquis, Betsy McPhedran, Margo Ogden, Jeff Orth (All participants referred to by initials in the meeting summary)

  Current Activities:

  1. Maine Art education Association has been contacted to invite new members to this art teacher support group.
  2. Brochures were handed out for the art making trip to Italy that will provide CEU’s for teachers. A presentation will be held at the Harlow Gallery by Teena Dick of Dube Travel Agency on Oct. 25^th at 6 pm. If you want more information, contact Teena directly at: tdick@dubetravel.com
  3. Harlow teachers Blog: GK shared more internet resources that NB will soon post on the blog.

   

  Discussion: Oct. 7^th Southern Maine Art Conference – Assessment

  This was a very lively discussion as the teachers shared their different experiences.

  There was consensus that just finding the workshop locations was frustrating.

  All felt a reinforcement and validation of what they were already doing in the classroom, but would have liked more in depth content in the workshops.

  There seemed to be an emphasis on simplifying assessment, which was reassuring as teachers cope with all the paper work.

  JO mentioned that there will be repeats of some of the workshops in various state locations. He said that a schedule was given to workshop participants, but is also probably posted on Argy Nestor’s blog: argy.nestor@maine.gov

  The workshop brought up a question about following the 2007 Arts Standards, or developing your own. JO says that, “Yes – still reference the MLR, but that the National Standards will be rewritten next year. He also suggested the book: “Inevitable – Mass Customized Learning in the Age of Empowerment”, by Charles Schwahn and Beatrice McGarvey.

  The group also talked about the different grading systems that still exist in Maine schools. JO offered that there needs to be a common language and length for foundation classes and that school systems should not be replacing Fine Arts classes that meet the graduation requirement with other content areas.

  The role of students in assessment was brought up. The teachers agreed that art is a very interdisciplinary subject.

  A helpful aspect of the Conference was seeing other teachers model their assessment techniques in a class.

  Further discussion to think about:

  1. How do you justify your grades, and explain to parents?
  2. How to solve the issue of different reading levels in the classroom if given a written assessment.
  3. How much can you really determine with classes of 20 students in 40 minutes?
  4. How to come up with lessons where all can be successful with mixed age groups.
  5. Standards based grading Systems: is the District educating parents as to what this means?
     1. JO said that his district defines standards as:
        1. 1 = Needs help
        2. 2 = Content knowledge – understands, but can’t apply.
        3. 3 = Concepts – student can apply and use.
        4. 4 = Exceptional

   

  The teachers shared the following states as having curriculum online that were strong models: Kansas, Albany New York, and Montana.

   

  *****CHR is looking for a curriculum model for a 3-D course. If you have developed one that works , would you please share with her: cherrains@sad11.k12.me.us ******

   

  Lesson Plan Sharing:

  The teachers distributed lesson plans and showed wonderful examples of various projects:

  JO: stabiles/color theory

  MM: Surrealistic Collage – scale & composition, still-life painting – color & composition

  GK: Art Cards – color, tints and shades, figure drawing -perspective

  BMP: 3-d dragon -color theory, line pattern & sculpture, Bugs – cool, warm colors, weaving, Banyon tree – color theory

  CHR: Zen tangles – google on the internet

   

  Upcoming:

  JO is doing a regional presentation on assessment that is currently being scheduled. More information on the Art Initiators’ Blog, or contact him directly: jorth@richmondme.org

   

  Next Meeting:

  Thursday, Feb. 9^th, or storm day of Feb. 16^th – Harlow Gallery, 4:00.

  Agenda:

  1. Update assessment – bring samples of what you use in your classroom.
  2. Examples of projects you use with kids who finish early in the classroom. GK has a great system of cards that students accumulate through the year & will bring examples of these.

   

   
• 

  arted 8:31 am on September 22, 2011 Permalink
  Tags: lesson plans ( 2 ), monotypes, printing   

  Monotype washes – fun for all ages. 

  Monotype Printing: Watercolor washes
  Supplies needed:
  1. Plastic plates, edges sanded if Plexiglas.
  2. Sandpaper
  3. Clear Liquid dishwashing soap: Palmolive works well.
  4. Watercolor paints, brushes. Can use watercolor sticks if your budget allows. Water based Caran D’Ache are fantastic for linear effects.
  5. Hairdryer
  6. Wooden spoons
  7. Stencil materials: newsprint, or any thin paper, acetate, etc.
  8. Any flat dried texture objects: lace, plants, string, cheese cloth, mesh, etc.
  Painting Procedure:
  1. Lightly sand the printing surface. Make sure the edges are smooth, so they do not cut the paper.
  2. Apply a very thin, watered down coat of dish soap to the sanded side, plastic surface and let this dry completely.
  3. Paint a layer of color onto the plate & let dry, add other colors and ‘drop in colors’. Tilt plate to let paint run into patterns. Obviously, the wetter the paint, the more it runs & the dryer, the more you can control image. Use the hairdryer between coats to dry the image.

  Printing procedure:
  1. Most important: The plate must be bone dry.
  2. Soak paper for a few minutes, or up to ½ hour, & then flatten between newsprint, or old, clean towels, until paper is just damp. Paper should not be shiny.
  3. Carefully align image on plate so that clean edges are on all sides, & place (can gently roll down) paper onto plate.
  4. Put a dry piece of paper, or perhaps a piece of waxed paper on the back – to protect the soft paper and rub carefully with the back of the wooden spoon. The print will be REVERSED onto the paper.
  Signing:
  Artist should sign their work at the bottom of the print, under image: 1/1 (a monotype, or one of a kind print) on the left, Title in center, and Name on right.

  Extensions could be to use this project to as a Science link if you also use plants, shapes of animals as stencils, etc. This is a great project for color mixing discussion for younger kids. You could introduce history of paper and how it is made & even make some of your own paper for this project. The more abstract images lend themselves for some fun in coming up with titles, and could be a poetry or language link. This is also a fun way to extend understanding of other abstract artists.

  I took this project into jail when I worked with incarcerated women and they really enjoyed it. We put their work on the wall and had some very thoughtful discussion about the images and what they could mean. Enjoy! Christine J. Higgins

   
• 

  arted 4:18 pm on September 8, 2011 Permalink
  Tags: quotes   

  Babailov on art education 

  “One can compare art education to the solid foundation for a house – once it’s built properly, it will hold any shape or form you will place on it.” — Igor Babailov

   
• 

  arted 11:58 am on August 29, 2011 Permalink
  Tags: how to join   

  Welcome! 

  Welcome to Harlow Art Educators!

  This blog was launched recently by Harlow Gallery’s Art Education Committee. It is meant to be a tool for art educators throughout central Maine – a place to share ideas and resources, and to offer each other professional support.

  If you are a Maine art eductor, we invite you to join the conversation! To become a member please send an email to the Harlow Gallery: kvaa@harlowgallery.org and we’ll set up your account. We’ll need an email address, name as you want it listed as a user of the site, and your website address if you want us to link to that under Harlow Art Educators (see links on the left –>)

   
• 

  arted 4:42 pm on August 25, 2011 Permalink
  Tags: g-sites, websites ( 3 ), workshops   

  G-Site workshop by Shalimar Poulin 

  

  We were delighted to have Argy Nestor, Visual and Performing Arts Specialist for Maine Department of Education, join us for our Shalimar Poulin’s G-site workshop in Augusta on Wednesday, August 24th. Thanks to Shalimar, Jeffrey Orth and Nancy Barron for organizing! Also thanks to Christine Higgins for the photographs.