A World of Art: TGE's Annual Art Show

          

WELCOME TO THE ANNUAL ALL SCHOOL TGE ART SHOW!!!

A WORLD OF ART

I hope you enjoy scrolling & strolling through our art show!  I wanted to give you the big picture of what an art show looks like at TGE.  I can not begin to tell you the amount of time that goes into putting on a show like this. You have to plan, be organized, try to find volunteers(sometimes they show..sometimes they don't), and put in a lot of extra hours. That being said...IT IS ALWAYS WORTH IT!!!!!!  If you have not done a show, and want to talk through things...feel free to e-mail me.  I'd be happy to help you out. 

        

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Stones Throw At Van Gogh?

Vincent van Gogh is one of my favorite artists.  Seeing his work in person is almost a religious experience(for lack of a better descriptor).  The color, composition, and texture of his work can hold my gaze for untold amounts of time!  Most people know of van Gogh, and might actually be able to pick his work out of a line up.  It has been a favorite for umbrellas, calenders, mugs, and other printable items.  However, this is what most know about van Gogh: Beautiful Art, Cut Off His Ear, and Killed Himself.  Based off of this knowledge, most people have great pity for the life he lived...and shake their head at the foolish loss. 

What they don't know is van Gogh was a teacher, a pastor, and a missionary before embracing his call as an artist. Though he never lasted long in any of his previous "professions"...it reveals his heart for people & for God.  Yes, it is true he did have a deep internal struggle that led to his suicide. It is true he made some "bad" choices in his life.  However, he lived so much life in his 37 yrs on this earth that people do not consider.(Like he produced over 2000 works of art...many of those in the last decade.)  For him to be remembered as a sad/depressed man who cut his ear off....shows a lack of understanding & compassion.  We judge an aspect of his life without considering the man as a whole.  We look at the sad expression of his self portraits, and forget the smile of the sunflower!  

What am I getting at?  

WE ARE JUDGMENTAL HYPOCRITES!!   

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This section of scripture begins with the Pharisees trying to "trap" Jesus....bringing a woman that was caught in the act of adultery.

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.  Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.  At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.  Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?"  "No one, sir" she said.  "Then neither do I condemn you, " Jesus declared.  "Go now and leave your life of sin."  

John 8:7-11

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We only allow people to see so much of our life.  We keep the things less desirable hidden/covered up.  We then point our fingers at those who do not choose to hide their "issues" and shake our head & wag our finger. (How often have I rolled my eyes at or dehumanize the Kardashians as idiots...instead of feeling a compassion for them?) You know what though, God knows us inside and out.  There are no hidden places with The Lord.  And yet...He deeply desires a relationship with us.  So much so that He came to Earth, showed us the way we should live, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to give us new life in Him.  He doesn't throw the first stone...He is the first to reach out in LOVE!  There is no sliding scale for sing...sin is sin!!!  Yours is just as wrong as those you judge.  Yet He wants you to be His.  If the Lord can look through the eyes of love at us...why can we not extend the same to those around us.  We need to be less quick to judge & justify our own behavior based on the world....and quicker to extend the same love & grace given to us.  

Maybe I'm speaking to myself?  However, I think most of us do have areas we need to "adjust" to the Lord's heart.  What is your area(s) where you lack grace/compassion? 

 Ask the Lord to reveal it...and heal it!

PRAYER

Dear Lord, we thank you for loving us with grace we 

can not even begin to grasp.  We don't deserve it, but we 

thank you for giving it to us through Jesus Christ.

We pray that we can have your eyes & your heart
when we lookat the world around us.
May we be quick to share the Good News..

and never pick up a stone to throw!
May your example be how we 

live our life.

AMEN

A WORLD OF ART: TGE'S ANNUAL ART SHOW

I know most of my readers are not from Middle TN/Nashville area, but I thought I'd invite you all anyways!! ha ha  All you art teachers know this is a labor of love.  I'm proud of my students accomplishments this year....and am excited to show them off!!

Mayor's Art Show Selections

The Mayor's Art Show is an annual event where we select two pieces of art per grade level to represent our school at The Frist Center in downtown Nashville.  It is so fun to go and see all the different work being created across our city.  Here are my offerings for the Mayor's Art Show this year.  Sorry the picture quality is kind of poor....was snapping in a hurry when I dropped them off.  The greenish thing on the left side of a couple of them is the kickstand for my iPad case!?!? Oh my?? PHOTO 101 anyone???? ha ha

4th Grade

Collage & Sharpie

Watercolor & Colored Pencil

3rd Grade

Sharpie & Watercolor Wash

Colored Pencil

Colored Pencil

Print Making & Watercolor Wash

1st Grade

Sharpie & Marker

Oil Pastel

Kindergarten

Watercolor & Sharpie

Crayon, Marker, Glitter Glue

How Do You Prepare?

How do you prepare for an art show/all school art show?

If' you've ever done a large scale art show...you know it is a lot of work!  What are some tips/tricks you have for making such an event a bit easier on yourself?  

Above you see my signs I make for each class.  I theme my art show each year(A World Of Art).  This does not make things easier...but is one of those MUST DO's for me.  

Do you have any MUST DO's? 

How do you (or do you?) get volunteers involved in your art show?

Is Your art show tied to any other events.....PTO...Music..Fundraiser..etc?

Spring Flowers:2nd Grade

I wanted to do a fun spring flower picture in one class time...but was not wanting to go "still life" or "Georgia O'Keeffe".  I had the students work on wet on wet with the gouache.  We discussed color mixing...and possible combinations to avoid.  I allowed the students to blot their painted background with a tissue to remove excess water & to lighten up the over all feel.  I then had them paint directly on top of the colorful background(they did not draw first..scary for some...other thought it was fun/exciting).  I feel the results turned out wonderful...and it looks amazing in the hallway!!  Really brightens things up!!!

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Easter Edition

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; he has risen!  Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee; 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again'"

THEN THEY REMEMBERED HIS WORDS.

Luke 24:5-8

I got home from work & my 3 yr old hands me this drawing.
He said.."LOOK DADDY, JESUS ISN'T THERE!"

  

My 6 yr old made me this for me... 

she said "Jesus is in our heart & He loves us!"

As an elementary art educator, I'm working with over 500 students each & every week.  While I'm happy to report a majority of students enjoy art, work hard, and almost always try do their best......there are some that do not.  I attempt to reach those students that seem disinterested, insecure, and disconnected, or just don't seem to get it.  I try to come up with intros, lessons, media, and connections that will grab their attention and bring them on board.  I've literally jumped up & down, and made a total fool of myself in an attempt to engage my students in learning.  Sometimes I feel like my words & work are to no avail.  No matter what I do...they just don't seem to get it or want to get it.  That is FRUSTRATING!  Then one day when you least expect it...they are like..."OH!! THAT'S WHAT YOU MEANT?!!"  (now picture me banging my head against the wall repeatedly).  

In Luke we see the women at the tomb.  Their hearts are broken.  Their futures are uncertain.  Jesus their Lord was dead.  How could it be?  Wasn't He the Messiah? Wasn't Jesus THE ONE? AND NOW HIS BODY IS MISSING?  They are confronted by the angels in the midst of their panic/uncertainty , and they are reminded of what Jesus had said...."on the third day be raised again."  

"THEN THEY REMEMBERED HIS WORDS."

This cracks me up. THEN THEY REMEMBERED HIS WORDS(after the angels reminded them)!  How could they forget such a thing?  They walked with Jesus!  They knew His voice! How could they forget such an important part of God's plan when He spoke those very words to them(collective them..not just the women at the tomb).  

In the midst of my high & mighty head shaking at the thought of such a thing...God reminded me how I do the same exact thing...DAILY!  I have the HOLY SPIRIT, THE WORD OF GOD, AND PRAYER, yet I still doubt or do things my own way when they go directly against what I know is true. I live as if I've not heard these things spoken by my Lord?!?  I doubt just as they did.  What does the Lord have to do to get me to understand?  Does He need to jump up and down, try new things, get something flashy to catch my attention?  I am thankful that God repeats Himself!  I am glad God is patient...and long suffering. I'm blessed that my Lord knows that I got issues...and these issues sometimes get in my way of learning/understanding/implementing.  He is a God that wants us to REMEMBER HIS WORDS....even if it isn't the first time around.

On this Resurrection Sunday....thank the Lord for being patient/long suffering with us!! And thank Him for being a God of second chances(and third..forth..fifth...etc).  

HE IS RISEN!!(Just as He said!!!)

PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for coming, living, loving, teaching, dying, and resurrecting.
 Thank you for your example. 
Thank you for being the BEST teacher.
May we be patient, kind, and loving with all those around us who don't seem to "get it" the first time.  May we speak your truth in love over and over and over again.  May we be Your light in this world...reflecting You to all who cross our path.  \

New Kiln!

                                                                                                                                                                                         

   

ONE MORE SESSION YOU MUST ATTEND!

I have one more session for you all to attend...MINE!!! :) ha ha  

I followed Twitter & Facebook closely during the NAEA NOLA...and truly enjoyed seeing all the joy & excitement of being together...learning from one another...and experiencing a fun city like New Orleans!!!  However, I thought about the reality of MONDAY!  The day after conference is over...and you find yourself back home..back at work...back to the same ol' same ol'!!  The situation is the same....BUT YOU HAVE CHANGED!!!  You have a fire/spark & are full of ideas!!  How do you keep the momentum going?  Hope my little video will encourage you to carry on with your renewed passion...and fresh ideas!  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Impressionist

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully,
 even as I am fully known. 

1 Corinthians 13:2

I enjoy impressionist art.  I think most people do.  

It is palatable to the masses. 

 Beautiful colors, relate-able subject matter, easily turned into umbrellas & calenders...

Impressionists give us the impression of a moment.  They create in a specific time & place.  Their work focuses on the color & light created by that specific moment.  What we see is a glimpse of something.  It is not complete, but it is a perspective that invites us to know more.

In this moment...we have a perception of who we are & who God is.  That perception is not the same as it was yesterday...and hopefully will not be the same tomorrow.  It is not because God is changing(because He is unchanging), but as our knowledge & experiences grow our perception changes.  As believers our hope/goal should be that we grow closer to the Lord each & every day. We do this through time with God in His Word, time in prayer, time with His people, and time doing those things He has for us! As we grow, our perception changes.  This knowledge creates an "impression".You have probably met people that you instantly know are different from most...and seem to have something special about them.   The "impression" of Christ will hopefully be seen by those we encounter, and will invite them to know more.  And as we grow in Christ...the "impression" of Him will only become clearer.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, Thank You for knowing me completely!

Thank You Lord for allowing me a way to know You!

As I grow in my knowledge & experience of You...may those around me see the impression of You in my life!May they see in that moment...the impact You have made in EVERY area of my life.

AMEN

PreHistoric PLN

              

We started this journey together in 1997!  Two have moved to technology, one moved to another state(and still teaching art!), and three of us are still elementary art teachers in MNPS!  We were/are always there for each other.  We grew up together...personally and professionally!  Thankful for a group of people that I have been able to share with, learn from, and grow old(er) together!! 

Spring Break in Nashville

Spring break here in Nashville....and I must say it is LOVELY!!! 60's/70's...sunny...perfect weather for time with family...cleaning out the garage..and weeding(not that I enjoy weeding all that much).  I also am at school today....working on the art show!!  My former student teacher...the amazing Ms. Emily is coming to help out for a couple hours!!!  Don't be too proud to ask for help....give up control and let other people join the "fun" of putting together your art show!!!

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: "Cut-Out" The Excuses

This is week two for Sunday Devotional With Mr. E! It is a new weekly feature(at least my plan is weekly) combining my faith as a Christian...and my passion for art!!  If this is not something you are interested in....just move on to the posts about art/arted.  If you ever have questions about faith...feel free to e-mail me.  I may not know all the answers...but I can try to answer your questions...or find someone that can!!! As always...thanks for reading!!!

"His master replied,'Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master's happiness!'  
Matthew 25:21

2nd Grade Matisse Inspired Collage

Henri Matisse is my favorite artist.  I probably shouldn't have a favorite, but his color palette & patterns speak deeply to my artistic soul.  He was a person who was born to create!  It was at the very fiber of his being.  Life could not keep him from it. During his last ten years or so, he suffered from many physical issues.  These issues kept him from continuing his art as a painter. I'm sure many would have given up/quit.  He had numerous "excuses" available to him, but he did not choose to use them.  He found a different way to continue what he knew he was meant to do using paper cut-outs and the help of assistants. Some would say that this work created out of his adversity was his best! 

In Matthew 25:14-30 we read about the parable of the talents. It is a little long for me to repost here, but please take a moment & go read it ( LINK TO SCRIPTURE ).  A master is leaving town for a time, and he places three servants in charge of his talents(money).  One servant is given five talents, another two, and to the last only one talent. It doesn't give a reason why the money was given as it was, but you don't really argue with the master when he's handing out such things.  The first two were wise with what was given them, and doubled the money for their master.  

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things;  I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master's happiness!'
Matthew 25:21(NIV)

 The servant that was given only one talent had hid his talent while the master was gone.  When he returned the talent, the master was not pleased.  He had done nothing to profit the master with what was given him.  His excuses got him no where with the master.

The Lord gives gifts to His children and desires for us to use them for His glory & honor. We need to ask God to reveal to us what these gifts are & how they are to be used.  We can not fall into the trap of comparing our gifts to others, or wishing we had gifts that God just hasn't given us.  Each gift is given for a reason, and God has a plan for it (and YOU!).  We need to find that "THING" that is at the very fiber of our being...our heart beat.  What is it that brings you true JOY & God glory & honor?  Do you love to clean, organize, work with children, sing, speak to others, teach, fix things......WHATEVER!?!?!?  God uses all things!!!  Your gift may not look like mine, but it is important to the body of Christ.  It is needed. YOU ARE NEEDED!  Not because God can't do it without you & your "talent".....but because he chooses to use you and desires your relationship with Him to grow.  

Matisse had no time for excuses in his life.  He had to be about the business he knew he was meant to do.  What about you? Are you making excuses?  Are you about the business God has given you to do?  Are you living a life free of excuses in regards to using the "talents" God has given you?

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, please help us be a people of purpose....Your purpose. 

May we leave behind the excuses that are born out of fear/doubt.  

Allow us to use the "talents" you have given us to bring glory & honor to You & You alone!!

In Your Name Lord Jesus

AMEN  

BEFORE/AFTER AFTER/BEFORE

BEFORE                AFTER

Some days you wonder...."ARE THEY EVEN PAYING ATTENTION?!?!?"  

Then  you have days where you know...."THEY WERE PAYING ATTENTION!!!!!!!"  

Love to see growth in my kiddos!!!

AFTER                 BEFORE

Crazy Times At TGE!

Any other teachers out there find themselves in this same situation!?!?!?  I usually plan my art show in March, but was asked by the PTO this year to do it during the first part of April.  They wanted to try a silent auction in conjunction with the art show.....which is usually with our Fall Festival.  We shall see how it goes?!!?  I have the right to say NEVER AGAIN if I feel it doesn't go well. :) ha ha  

In moving the art show...it puts it at the end of the nine weeks(so I'm grading)...and at the same time as the submissions for the Mayor's Art Show....AND....a week before I have to have my portfolio turned in for my evaluation.  Yep...good times at The Grove!!!!!

One of those days..

Yesterday was one of those days!?!?!!?  ha ha  Spring gets like that....I do understand.  Everyone has a million things to do before the end of the year...testing...STUFF?!?!  How are you all doing out there??  Stressed?  It will be ok!  RELAX!(talking to myself here)

Self Portraits: 3rd Grade

        

I have a theory about self portraits...you can appreciate them if you do not know the person represented, but you are not impacted by them unless you do!  I hope you appreciate my 3rd graders self portraits. I can't begin to tell you how these truly reflect the artist...and how some of the quirky ways they drew actually are dead on representations/characteristics!!!!  Oh these make me smile!!!!  I love my job...and I love kid artists!!!!!

        

        

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Frida's Focus

(This is a new feature on Art With Mr. E!  I am a Christian, and have often seen illustrations of my faith through art.  So I thought I'd share some of these thoughts with you.  If you are not a Christian & don't care to read about such things...then just skip my posts that are titled "Sunday Devotional".  If you are not a Christian & curious about faith...feel free to e-mail me.  I'm not here to convert or preach at ya...just sharing this aspect of my life with you!  No need to be offended.)  

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

Frida Kahlo had a difficult life.  The pain & suffering from a horrible accident, the resulting inability to have children, a tumultuous marriage....all reflected in her art for the world to see.  As artists, we have the opportunity to channel our life experiences, emotions, joys, sorrows, beliefs, and questions into our work.  This connection to the human condition often draws people to art.  Frida truly focused much of her work on the pain she experienced physically & emotionally.  I applaud the beauty & skill of her work.  However, my heart hurts for the life she lived.

What could Frida's work have looked like if she had been able to ascertain the truth of John 16:33.  

In this section of scripture, Jesus is speaking to the disciples.  I love the disciples.  They truly represent all of us...our lack of skill, knowledge, and understanding.  Yet God still chose to use them!!  They don't get what Jesus is about to go through...or what they themselves will soon experience/endure.  The Lord is giving them a "pep talk" of sorts. He knows the trials they will face, the suffering in His name they will go through, and for most of them....the death they will share in because of their faith.  He knows this life they have chosen will not be an easy one.  He reminds them..."In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!  I have overcome the world"

None of us has been promised an easy life.  Pain is a part of living.  Hardships are a fact of life.  But the Lord has reminded us to TAKE HEART!  Why?  Does it make it all go away?  No.  Because HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD!  The One who we put our faith in knows our pain.  He knows our suffering.  He wants us to look to Him to find our peace in the midst of trials. In our pain, He wants us to call out to Him for our hope.  When this world doesn't make sense & we are struggling to find our way...HE IS THERE!!!

Frida's focus on the pain & struggles of her life yielded amazing and moving work, but the absence of hope within many of her pieces painted a bleak existence.  I want my life & my art to reflect truth!  In the joy & rejoicing and in the sorrow & pain....there is a peace that passes all understanding.  It is what grounds me.  It is what allows me to carry on when I feel I can not.  When this world tries to steal that peace...I must remember, "HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD!"



PRAYER
Dear Lord, You are worthy of all praise.  No matter what I am going through, may my life reflect the peace & hope You have given.  May my life paint a picture of Your love that is real/true. Amen

Chirpin': 1st Grade

         

As you may have read...I'M SO READY FOR SPRING!  Nashville is warming up...so my projects are taking on a much springier feel!!!! ha ha  I LOVE THESE 1st GRADE BIRDS!!!  I told the students we were going to create fun, colorful, springy birds.......and man did they deliver!! After drawing their picture with pencils...I had the students trace their pictures with black crayon to form a bit of a resist. We used markers to outline/color their picture next.  Lastly, I sprayed their work with water.  I love the look...and the kids were so excited when the colors started moving.  The resist does create a small wall between colors so they don't get totally mixed up.  

CHIRP ON FRIENDS...CHIRP ON!!!