The Frist Museum: Eric Carle

My family ventured out to The Frist Museum to see the Eric Carle exhibit. It is coming to a close this weekend....so you do not have much time left if you want to go see it. The show was wonderfully done, and it was so wonderful to see his work in person.  The Frist created a wonderful environment that encouraged museum goers to become a part of the world Eric Carle created through his beautiful children's books.

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: More Than Talk

There is an extremely callous statement volleyed around art educators far too often... "Those who can't....teach."  Some of the most gifted artists I know are also educators.  They do not teach because they are unable to create masterful works.  They teach because their passion for the visual arts compels them to train up the next generation of artists.  They will not be happy just talking about art.  They will not be happy just creating their own work.  Their happiness comes from helping students see their potential or grasp a skill/concept that has eluded them.  They are more than talk.  They make a difference through their art in action.  

The Christian community is often viewed as hypocrites.  When did we become a people of words and not actions?  Is that even biblical? No wonder those outside of the faith are confused and at times repulsed by those who claim Christianity.  No wonder they do not have a clear picture of God when they look at those who say they know him.  Those who claim faith in God must put into action the teachings they have learned.  If our life is not impacted, guided, and motivated by the love of the Lord....we have missed the heart of the message we say we believe.  Our life should be a reflection of that love so graciously given to us.  Our life should be about the doing...because that is what was shown us.  It is more than talk. It is action. It is love.  

Happy Valentine's Day! You are loved. You are valued. Your life makes a difference. I am glad you are in the world!

ATC 2020 SNEAK PEEK

Here is a look at some of the Artist Trading Cards from my awesome artists created for Mini Matisse 's #ATCSwap!

Incised Plate Printing With Paint Sticks

I will often use marker for incised plate printing with my younger students....with mixed results.

After trying the Sargent Solid Tempera Paint Sticks, I don't think I'll ever use markers for this again!

There are different brands out there (DO NOT USE THE DOLLAR GENERAL VERSION..TERRIBLE!)  of the paint sticks, but I'm a huge fan of Sargent! 

(I did switch to blue from the original purple above!)

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Afraid to Try

How many times have I had students "freeze" in fear of making a mistake?!  Usually this happens in the older grades as students become more self aware or become more influenced by peer pressure (Kindergarten students are never afraid to try anything...because they know they are amazing!!)  They become afraid to try new things...challenging things.  They do not want to mess up or be made fun of (not that such behavior is ever tolerated in my classroom).  I've found that if I work one on one with the students, praise their attempts, and reinforce the idea that mistakes are part of the learning process....they usually are willing to try.  Not that they are completely without fear, but they are able to work through their fear knowing I'm there to guide them and cheer them on.   

Do you know that "fear not" is found in the Bible over 100 times?  Fear is a common human emotion/reaction. However, just because something is common doesn't mean it should become commonplace in our daily lives. Now...there is "good" fear that is healthy, helpful, and can provide us proper perspective!  I'm not talking about that.  I'm talking about the fear that negatively impacts our lives.  The kind of fear that has a way of limiting our effectiveness for what God has called us to do.  The fear that can keep us from reaching out to people around us that are in need.  Fear that can convince us that we won't have enough if we give to others. Fear that leaves us frozen & too afraid to try anything that God desires for us.  We can push through such fear!  In Joshua 1:9 we see "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged...."  Why?  Because God knows we can become afraid & discouraged.  When this happens...we become ineffective.  The verse goes on to say "...for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  What amazing reassurance!  I know that when I travel/explore new places...I like to have someone with me that has been there before.  It gives me confidence and comfort.  We have that in God...he is with us & goes before us.  This truth helps to alleviate my fear.  We are loved, looked after...and not alone.   

Don't Forget... #aheartaday2020

 If you haven't joined in yet...it's still not too late!!!  I've loved the ones I've seen on Instagram & Twitter.  If you've been thinking about it...but haven't done it yet......WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!  This is a fun & easy challenge to get yourself creating every day!

Here are the ones I've created so far.

Dino School Pictures: 2nd Grade

In our ongoing dinosaur unit (in preparation for our dinosaur themed all school art show), second grade created dino school pictures. I may have them go back into them to add a bit more detail, but they're pretty cute after the first class time working on them! 

Cumberland University: 3-D Design

Here are the pieces created in my 3-D Design class at Cumberland University. It was a cardboard 3-D Relief project.  The students were to focus on PEOPLE, PLACE, THING, EVENT that was meaningful in their life. The variety of subject & style makes my heart incredibly happy.  My students come from extremely different "art" backgrounds...and two of them are actually English majors.  I am really looking forward to our future projects!!

Collage Dinosaurs: 2nd Grade

After reviewing "all the things" in regard to collage & landscapes....my 2nd graders began creating their dinosaurs "on location".  We did the BIG STUFF on the first day of this project, and then made sure all the details were AMAZING on day two.  

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Healing

Art has a way of helping us process our pain, struggles, and emotional issues. You do not need a vast knowledge of art or consider yourself to be an "artist" to benefit from the therapeutic effects.  

Viewing art as a means of healing is very much like listening to music.  There is something that resonates within you.  It could be that a work brings calm and order to your chaotic world.  You might see a piece that somehow transports you to pleasant memories and happier times.  Others might connect more with work that meets them right where they are.  The art might reflect the chaos and struggles they are experiencing, and somehow.....they feel less alone because of it.  

The act of creating art also provides an opportunity to begin the healing process.  You might use a sketchbook to create a visual journal of what you're feeling and experiencing.  Painting might allow you to express your emotions more effectively through its tactile nature, gestural brush strokes, and emoting color. Sculptural/3-D art might allow you to "work out" the feelings, anxieties, and frustrations that are pent up inside of you.  

It doesn't matter if art is your profession, hobby, or something you've never really done before.  Art has the power to help anyone in the healing process

As long as we're here on this Earth, there will be pain, struggles, and emotional issues.  No one is exempt from these ever present parts of life.  If we try to lie to ourselves and others about them....we are denying a very real part of our human experience. We live in a world where "fine" is the norm response for "How are you?" 

I have to ask though...."Are you really fine?"  

It is ok not to be ok.  So often we see those in the church wearing the mask of "fine".  This answer is the denial of reality, and is the denial of God's ability and desire to meet us where we are.  In Psalm 147:3 (and all over scripture) we see that God desires to heal the brokenhearted & to bind up their wounds.  He is not surprised that you are less than perfect.  He is not surprised that you are struggling.  You do not have to figure it all out or "fix" yourself before you come to God.  He wants you to come AS. YOU. ARE.  Seeking help, finding ways to manage stress, and developing tools for being a more healthy you (mentally, physically, and spiritually) are important.  If we do these things as we seek after God ...we will find ourselves in a healthier place. Real healing is possible.  You will see it in the scars.