Leading Profession Development in Elizabethtown,KY

I had the joy of leading professional development up in Elizabethtown, KY this past week. Even though I had to leave my house at 4:30 am (time zone difference) ha ha.   I was there leading PD in 2020 at the start of the pandemic.  It was so nice to return, and get to see everyone's face this time around!!  We had a jam packed day of art making & conversations.  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Commitment

 When I tell people I studied watercolor in college, they usually respond with, "Watercolor!?  That is really challenging?"  I didn't actually think of it like that when I was in school. Everything had challenges that had to be learn & experience.  Honestly, I really stuck with watercolor because it was too expense to switch over to oil or acrylic (for my non-Art/Art Ed friends...they require totally different brushes & supplies). I was paying for college myself, and money was a major factor in my choices. I committed to watercolor..no matter the reason.  I was going to see it through.  However, many people feel watercolor is challenging because you can't really take back the marks you make(not easily at least).  With oil you can remove the paint & acrylic you can paint over, but when you paint with watercolor you are making a commitment.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:3

  Commitment is kind of a fading concept in our society.  People don't commit to anything.  Jobs, marriage, mortgage, friendships and a host of other things are just commitments while it's convenient. (please know I'm aware that there are many valid reasons for some of these commitments to end...but I'm speaking of commitments of convenience).  We aren't willing to pick up the brush...and make a mark.  God's desire is that we would commit our ways to Him.  He doesn't say commit the easy things...the fun things...the things you know you'll be successful.  He wants you to commit ALL your ways to Him!!  I love this because I feel my life is ministry.  My job, my hobbies, my family...my everything can bring glory to the Lord if I commit it to Him.  If you are thinking there are some things in your life you can't commit to Him....then you may want to reconsider if it is something that you need in your life!  

Pick up the brush...make a mark...commit to it!! What is the worst that can happen?  You make a mistake? God won't be shocked by that.  In art we call them happy accidents because they can add character to our work or move it in an unexpected direction that turns out being more than we could have imagined.  In our walk with God...mistakes are opportunities to grow in Him, accept grace, and learn from the situation.  It gives us a testimony to share with others.

No matter....

COMMIT TO THE LORD WHATEVER YOU DO!

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Just Love?

Robert Indiana's LOVE is iconic.  The image has been used, reused, overused, and abused. Shirts, postage stamps, wall art...it has been on everything imaginable.  What is it about this "simple" work that has captivated the world. First, we have to realize that it is not as simple as throwing letters together and calling it art.  There were thoughts, sketches, redesigns, and different iterations of the idea before the public ever observed the finished work.  LOVE started somewhere deeper than we know.  If you read up on Robert Indiana & his work...you might come upon theories behind this work.  You can rest assured, LOVE is not as simple as it might seem.

 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.    John 13:34-35

In John, Jesus gives a "new" commandment.  The command is to love.  Seems simple enough, right?  I can do that!  Well, maybe not the person at work that gets on my last ever loving nerve.  Oh... what about that relative that constantly points out that I've gained a few pounds.  I know we are "family"...but.  Then there was that person that was riding my tail on the interstate yesterday. They were kind of jerks.  I don't have to love them! 

  I was being a bit overly dramatic, but I hope you see my point.  Loving others isn't always as easy as it might seem.  We find a million reasons to justify why we don't have to show the same kind of love, compassion, and grace that was given us!  It might not be as dramatic, but love can be a challenge for us in many situations.  If we have been hurt, if we lack understanding, if we think more highly of ourselves than we should....love doesn't always come so easy.  Many times we feel if we're going to put our necks out there and love....by golly we better get some reciprocation.  That isn't really how love works. 

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is not as simple as it might look.  However, for those of us who KNOW the Lord....we have the perfect example in our lives.  Jesus modeled love with His life, death, and resurrection.  If He lives in you...you KNOW love.  It might not be easy to live it out at times, but trust the Lord to develop this in your life.  He has called us to love....the only way you can know Him & make Him known is LOVE!  

Dollar Tree Find!!!

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Endurance

 As an art teacher, I often find myself reminding my students that "GOOD ART TAKES TIME".  For some reason, they want to race through their projects to be the first one complete.  In the rush to finish, their art work truly suffers.  They are messy, incomplete, lacking detail, and not fully developed in concept & composition. I will first tell them to look at their work HONESTLY and see if it is truly their best.  If they can see it is not, I will have them go back and fix it up.  If they tell me it is their best work, then I will take them through the different parts of their picture that might need their attention.  Sometimes during their attempts to complete their work ( the second time), I will hear them complain about something being too hard or that they "can't" do it (reasons why they may have rushed the first time....frustration & lack of confidence).  They need to move past the mental blocks of "TOO HARD" & "I CAN'T".  They aren't just words, but a mind set that traps young artists. This prevents them from finding joy & success in creating.  I can reteach the lesson/concept, work individually with them, and answer questions they might have, but what will benefit them the most is continuing to try their best and being able to work through their frustration.  There is an endurance in art that some do not consider.  Being an artist is like a marathon runner.  Time, practice, and pushing through the frustrations will yield reward.  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of thrown of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Herbrews 12: 1-2

Our faith walk can be derailed by our mind set.  We allow the world to speak lies into our life that just aren't true.  It may come from media, friendships, or even family. These lies start to  take root in our life, and we find ourselves struggling to move forward. These lies are the things that so easily entangle.  We be believe the lies instead of what the Lord says.  We choose lies over the the truth.  Fixing our eyes on the Lord, pushing through the lies of this world and focuses on THE TRUTH.  It takes work.  It takes time of being uncomfortable. There can be a battle in our heart and mind.  If you continue in the truth and trusting who God says you are...you WILL overcome! Lies will come, situations will rise up again, and wars will rage around you. You will have an endurance because your faith is stronger. When the next time the battles rage...yes...there will be a next time...you will be stronger...IN HIM! The lies will no longer have the same impact they once did. The traps of this world will not snare you. The wounds will not be as deep.  God will get the glory, and you will run the race with endurance....to the victory which He already has won!! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: It Shows

 If you spend much time with an artists/art teachers, you will notice something about their hands.  They always seem to have evidence of their work on them.  I personally do not reserve it for my hands only(unfortunately).  My shirts, pants, shoes, face, hair, arms...all tell the story of my work and what I'm investing myself.  A good artist or art teacher is often so involved with what they are doing, that they do not pay attention to such things.  It is just not a real priority.  Their priority is doing what they're passionate about...what they were created to do.  Just look at their hands and you will see the evidence.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily,

 as for the Lord rather than for men.

Colossians 3:23

God has called each of us into "ministry" if you have accepted the Lord as your Savior.  You know that, right?!?  Your ministry may not look like the pastor's, overseas missionary, or Sunday school teacher.  Maybe your ministry is being a mom, custodian, fast food worker, or maybe even an art teacher.  Whatever it is... it should be done as for the Lord.  When we are working as for the Lord...it should be with all of our heart, mind, and might.  People will begin noticing when you serve the Lord with all that you are in whatever your job/ministry is.  Not because you are proclaiming your awesomeness & deeds, but because living a life for the Lord shows on you like an artist's hands.  Your words, work, attitude, and priorities all start looking like they have Jesus all over them!  

How about you?  Does your life have Jesus all over it?  If you feel like people may not be seeing Jesus in you, THAT'S OK!!  We aren't perfect & no one has "arrived".  Each day we have a chance to do better than the day before.  We learn from our mistakes, and we give those areas of our life over to God.  Ask Him to help you see your WHOLE life as MINISTRY!  Try to do all things for God....work, home, friends, play..etc.  When we do this...we are like the hands of an artist, you can't help but see the evidence of their hearts passion.  

Dollar Tree Wood Carving Tools Review

I have never done wood carving. I have no idea what I'm doing. 

 Let me make that clear right off the bat! ha ha ha

It was fun to try, and I really want to try to create prints off of a carving in the future. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Together

Setting alone in your studio uncertain if your current project is a success or not.

Looking at new supplies wondering if you should try something different.

Ideas bouncing around in your head, but unsure of what direction to take.

 Though some artists do like to work in isolation, there are many reasons to have relationships with other artists that will aid in your artistic endeavors. As in all relationships, it is important to know and be comfortable with those you are trusting with your ideas, work, and processes. There must be a respect for that person's understanding of art....but your art!  You must be willing to receive not only the complements, but you also must be able to receive the questioning and comments that don't always sing your praises.  These types of relationships take time and effort. We must be willing to develop theme.  They will not only make us better artists, but better people as well. 

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. 

 A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

We are designed for relationships.  We are created to be connected.  In the Bible, we see again and again how relationship is at the core of God's story for His creation.  Many will consider "punching" in & out at a church service to be enough.  However, God has called us to more than what "punching" in & out can provide.  If we are to spur & encourage one another one, wouldn't we have to have more of a relationship than an hour or two could yield?  We must develop relationships that will allow for us to speak into one another's lives.  We must create an environment where we can help one another to grow.  We must spend time together.  Relationships need time.  I'm not suggesting a "commune".  I'm just saying that we need to be intentional in making time in our life to develop connections/relationships.  So often we feel our lives are too busy for such things.  Time can be as simple as eating a meal together, going shopping together, or lending a hand helping.  Living life together allows for depth to happen.  In that depth you can begin to encourage & spur each other on in a way that will grow you closer together & in your relationship with the Lord. The strength that relationships bring to your faith can not be expressed enough. Together we are better. 

Dollar Tree Oil Pastel Review

WAS excited to see these at my local Dollar Tree....emphasis on WAS! 

What my review & you'll see why!

New Classroom Decorations for Next School Year!!

 

A friend and former parent contacted me to see if I wanted some of the decorations from their VBS. They had done SPARK.  It is a VBS that is themed like an Art Camp! HOW FUN IS THAT!!  So, if you see churches doing SPARK this summer near you....you may want to contact them and ask what they will be doing with the decorations after VBS is over. Never hurts to ask!  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Paint By Number Life

There is a wonderful appeal to the paint by number kits that you can by at the store or order online.  Everything is provided for you.  The colors are even numbered on the work & the containers holding the paint so you have not question about what goes where.  How could anything go wrong? Right?  The only thing is...the struggle to create, compose, and carry out an artistic idea is what brings a "soul" to the art work.  The well planned, laid out, "perfection" of a paint by numbers leaves the work feeling more like wallpaper than art. It limits the creator to doing only the basic & prevents them from true personal expression. It may look nice, but it is missing something. The artistic struggle & imperfections are what gives character, heart, voice, power, and connection to those that view the work. 

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, 

My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

I was crying to the Lord with my voice, 

And He answered me from His holy mountain.

I lay down and slept; 

I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people

Who have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 3:3-6

So many wish their was a formula to life. 

"If I follow abc...than xyz will occur."

"I just need to live my life this way, and good things will happen."

"JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO...I'LL DO IT"

Life isn't a paint by number.  I understand the deep desire to avoid the pain that life can bring.  I understand wishing that the evils of this world would stay far away from us & the ones we love.  I have seen the impact of the injustice of this world on a life/family.  The young die.  The healthy become sick.  A life forever changed by no fault of their own.  Pain & heartache happens.  Tears flow as if they will never end.   We do not wish or want for these things in our life....but what do we do when they happen?  

"IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE..."

Our world...our life is not paint by number.  Sin came into this world...and has forever changed what God had intended for His children to experience. However, it has not changed God.  He is God.  He is still on His throne!  He is the one that sustains us in the midst of our trials.  He lifts our head in the midst of our sorrows so we can see His face!  He gives us strength we did not know we had in our greatest hour(s) of need.  

We find that in & after our struggles...we come to a new understanding of God's grace.  We see His love for us in new ways. There is a new & deeper appreciation for the Lord's presence in our life.  Prayer is more real.  Praise is more passionate. The Word is more powerful.  Not because of the pain & problems, but because of the One who saw us through it.   

The paint by number life might seem appealing, but Lord...I choose you in the good times & in the bad times.  I choose you...because you first chose me!  You gave Your life...that I might have Life!

Sunday Devotionals With Mr.E: Enough?

Do you really think your good enough to be an artist? Is your art good enough? How does it compare to other artists? Are your themes relevant? Are you you technically superior? Where do you fit in the current art movements?  Are you evolving? Are you being sought after? Can you actually make money as an artist? 

Do these questions make you sweat a bit or give you heart palpitations? Does your stress/anxiety levels raise when you think through these things? As artists we are faced with these question both externally & internally.  They are a reality in a field that has "ART CRITICISM" as a foundation. Though these questions can be beneficial if reflected upon in a constructive manner, they can also squelch the insecure (and don't we all have a bit of insecurity).  A statement such as, "Am I good enough?" can cause one to question not only the artistic worth of their creations, but their own personal worth and value as an artist. There is something about those words that can derail even the most confident and seasoned artist. How do we continue when we are told we are not good enough? Rejection is a reality. How do we handle rejection?

1. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Artists are often extremely critical and self deprecating, and we are bombarded by the negativity in our world today through social media. If we allow this negativity into our hearts and minds....we can become "defeated" before we have the opportunity to succeed or not.  We can also unwittingly perpetuate the negativity that has been given us. This cycle prevents us from fulfilling what we were designed/called to do. God does not look for "good enough". He desires men and women who have an open heart to love him and serve him with abandon.  We cannot hold on to the negative self talk or the deplorable comments (and/or actions) of others.  We must embrace the truth of God's Word.  2 Corinthians 12:9-10 is a great reminder that our Lord's grace is sufficient for us.  Our weakness is opportunity for his strength to be on display.  When we wrestle with insecurity and doubt...we can hold onto the truth that our God loves us and desires to meet us in our struggles, and show us a better way. It isn't that we give up, but because of his grace & love...we continue on for God's glory. 

Mayor's Art Show 2022

 We did not have the large gathering/opening night for the Mayor's Art Show at the Frist Museum (Covid Precautions). However, it was up...and students were given passes for their family to go view their work & see the other shows going on at the museum.  Super proud of my students and excited to get their work up at the Frist after two years hiatus because of the pandemic. Most of these projects were done after returning from Christmas Break.  I did a huge unit on Abstract Art with all the grade levels. (I'll post pictures from my all school art show soon & you'll see the others done in this unit!)

KINDERGARTEN

1st GRADE

 

2nd GRADE 

3rd GRADE

 

4th GRADE

Crayola at Wendy's!

So yesterday I took my 3 kids to Wendy's to spend some quality time enjoying a Frosty.  THAT WAS MY ONLY REASON FOR GOING TO WENDY'S.....REALLY!!! (wink wink)  

I was so impressed!  NOW THIS IS A KID'S MEAL TOY!!!  It comes with 3 colors related to the container (here you see red violet, blue violet, and purple), and it comes with an activity sheet that goes along with that theme!  HOW FUN!  I was really hoping yellow would contain dandelion, but it did not (yellow, yellow green, yellow orange).  I feel like they missed an opportunity there! ha ha 

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Direction

Art is all about rebellion.  There are no rules.  Anything & everything goes. 

Many believe these statements to be true.  I'll concede to the fact that art often pushes established ideas, concepts, and boundaries. However, art is also full of rules, processes, and procedures that are paramount to creating.  Without the establishment of these norms, some art forms would not be possible.  Knowing & practicing the rules & directions for a given medium do not impede the artist, but allow them to find success as they imbue their work with their adaptations, stylistic choices, and unique voice.  Following the directions are important!  Not warping a loom correctly, firing at improper temperatures in ceramics, removing enamel from the kiln too soon, using spray adhesive in an enclosed non-ventilated space (umm, this might have happened to me the first time I used the product and did not read the directions)......when you don't follow the directions you often deny the integrity of the art form.

It is God's will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power.  You are free from the law, but that doesn't mean you are free to do wrong.  Live as those who are free to do only God's will at all times.  Show respect for everyone.  Love Christians everywhere.  Fear God and honor the government.  1 Peter 2: 15-17

Many view Christianity as a list of do's & don'ts.  It is made up of rules that must be followed, but that no one seems to follow well.  The "Commandments" can come across big, scary, and unobtainable.  Those that view it this way are missing an important thing...GRACE.  The idea of grace is a major component within the Christian faith, but is often misunderstood.  Grace is unmerited favor.  It is a gift we are given freely that we do not deserve and are without the ability to "earn".   In Ephesians 2: 8-9 it says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works so that no one can boast."  However, God's grace transforms us.  Some may think grace is a "get out of jail free card" or a license to sin, but I wonder if they have truly experienced God's grace in their lives.  When a person truly is impacted by the grace & love of the Lord, they want to live a life that is honoring and pleasing to God.  They want to apply what the Bible says in all areas of their lives. The list of do's & don'ts become the heart's desire to honor God, know Him, and a way to make Him known.  The "directions" make sense when you understand grace.

4th Grade Weaving

 We spent five class times on our weaving before moving onto new projects.  However, I've opened my room up when the first bell rings at 7:45am.  Students can stop in and weave for ten or so minutes in the morning before the second bell rings (I'm on the same hall as the 4th grade!).  I'm averaging about 10 to 15 students each morning.  I love seeing their excitement for weaving!