March 28, 2023

Norman Binkley Elementary Art Show

I did not get to attend Norman Binkley's art show, but my friend, Janet Malone, sent me some pictures of their show.  They did a opposites show....which I thought was a very interesting idea!  Janet and I have been friends for a very long time.  We actually went to college together in Ohio (Bowling Green State University).  She moved down to Nashville after I went back to BGSU and "recruited" for our district. Anyways, I hope you seeing another art educator's show.  Hopefully you are getting some ideas for your own art show! 

I hope you enjoy seeing a glimpse of the Norman Binkley Elementary Art Show!








March 24, 2023

Hermitage Elementary's Art Show

I teach in a large district that has over seventy elementary schools.   In my cluster(area), we have several elementary schools that are within 2 miles of one another (some less!).   One of my long time (26 yrs) friends teaches at one of these schools.  I went over to her art show, and thought I'd share a few photos from her school!  It is always fun to see how different people handle their art shows. Also, it is fun to get some new project ideas!!!  LOVE HER CLAY WORK WITH HER STUDENTS!!

I also tried her shape alien lesson with my students this past week! 

Check out some of the work from Hermitage Elementary! 






















March 11, 2023

Sunday Devo With Mr. E: Dried Up Markers

Markers are the deceivers of the art room!  You know what you are getting with a broken crayon or colored pencil that needs sharpened. Though not perfect, they are still very much usable(with a little sharpening).  With markers you can't really tell till you try to color with them. They can look great on the outside, but looks can be deceiving.  I've had brand new markers color like they were old and dried out & markers that were a couple years old work like new.  I usually test my markers a couple times a year to weed out the bad ones. You actually need to see the marks they make on paper.  Dried up markers take up space in the  box, slow down the art making process, and at times can damage the work by how they mark. No one has time in their life for dried up markers!

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. In this way, you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Matthew 23:27-28

Continue to read this section of scripture, and you will see that the Lord has little patience for hypocrites.  With good reason!  If you ask those that don't go to church or who have stopped going to church why...they will often say that churches are full of hypocrites.  You know what....THEY ARE RIGHT!  We are all hypocrites...some of us more/less often than others.  I'm not saying it is a real excuse....because the whole world is full of hypocrites...not just those who claim Christ.  However, shouldn't the church be different?  Of all places...shouldn't we be "WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET!"  In being real, we show Christ & His work in us. Playing church, wearing a "mask", saying we're just "FINE".... all of these things play into hypocrisy that the Lord & the world deplore.  By trying to be what we are not....TAKING UP SPACE - Those who are "rough" around the edges & seeking God will not see a place for themselves among all those mask wearing-church speaking-fine people.  We need to be real with our own lives & struggles...so those seeking Him will see a place in our midst.  SLOW DOWN THE PROCESS - Too often Christians get in the way of God's work by playing church instead of BEING the church.  Non-Christians or new Christians are made to feel they have to speak, look or act a certain way to be a part of the "Christian Culture".  Change is the work of the Holy Spirit...not the church.  We need to embrace people where they are...and allow God to grow them in His perfect time!  AT TIMES CAN DAMAGE THE WORK -  I've seen non-Christians & new Christians develop major "issues" with church because of those in the church.  The body of Christ should be a place where people feel safe...can trust...and do not fear being hurt by others.  I admit, we are not perfect...and we make mistakes...sometimes BIG mistakes.  However, we need to stop ACTING like Christians...and start BEING THE BODY OF CHRIST!  People are attracted to those living authentic lives.  Call it a white washed tomb...wearing a mask...or a dried up marker....there is no room for that in the church!  

(This is updated from a devotional I wrote in 2016)

March 10, 2023

3rd & 5th Grade Weaving Projects

We are wrapping up weaving in 3rd & 5th grade.  3rd grade is doing circle weaving (one of my favorite projects of the year!).  5th grade is doing a tree weaving (which is a basic back & forth AB pattern, but done on a warp in a wedge shape).   

When finishing circle weavings, I have my students create a pattern/design on the white surface of their loom, and color it using markers that match their yarn colors.  

For the tree weavings, I had my 5th graders add beads for fruit(added as they were weaving..limit 10 beads), and then use tempera paint sticks to do a simple landscape background.  

There are many ways to do these projects.  These are the ways I do them, but there are wonderful variations you might want to investigate to see what is the best fit for your school/students. 


March 06, 2023

LAST SUMMER'S ART WITH MR.E SUMMER WORKSHOP

 How did I forget to post the 7th Annual Art With Mr. E Summer Workshop Pictures?!?  

I'm beginning to plan for this summer (once again being held at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN), and realized I never posted the pictures from last summer on my blog.  I will say, I've not been blogging as much (though I do post on other social media).  I've been dealing with some health issues, and had to prioritize that over other things.  I hope you understand. 

This was a small but mighty group! We usually have 10-15 teachers come, but since the pandemic..things have been a bit off.  No matter, we had a ton of fun & learned so much from one another over the three days! 

ANYWAYS...HERE IS SOME OF THE FUN FROM LAST SUMMER! 








I accidentally locked someone in the art building! OOPS!  You can come to the Art With Mr. E Summer Workshop...but you can not leave! ha ha  

Our field trip was to the TN State Museum near downtown Nashville!
 (We went to the farmer's market for lunch...so good!)