#turkeyaday 2020

I decided to do "turkey portraits" for this year's #turkeyaday.  Here is a review of what I created.  If you missed out & want to do a no stress art challenge....check back in February for #heartaday2020! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Not A Day

There have been days in my artistic journey that haven't been my favorite.  The day I smashed my finger off in sculpture class.  The day my professor belittled me in front of the entire class because he didn't like the subject matter of my work.  The day my first classroom...my first year of teaching was destroyed by a tornado. These are just a few of the many days that seemed incredibly dark.  How do you respond to such days...such times in your life?  Struggles will arise in every artist's journey.  Do you just wish those days away?  There is not a day I'd wish away.  Even in the darkest moments, I knew that I was on a journey worth taking.  As artists we can channel our struggles into our work.  As artists we can begin to pull ourselves from the pit through our artistic endeavors. We have a "built-in" way to process the pain.  However, I'd not purposely go stick my hand back in that machine again.  However, I learned so much from the accident.  That was an experience I walked through, and I became stronger for it.  Do you have days in your journey that you can point to as turning points/moments of great meaning?  

I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone that would say 2020 has been the greatest year ever.  There have been trials and tribulations like most of us have never experienced in our life.  I hear so many wishing the days away.  They are hoping an end to 2020 will be an end to all the struggles that they've been facing.  The trouble with that mentality is that we do not know what tomorrow holds.  We don't even know if we will have tomorrow.  We must find what is praise worthy in today.  We must look for the good that God has placed in the now.  It is ok not to want to repeat the pain and sorrow we are experiencing, but we cannot turn our back on who God is, what he is doing, and how he might want to use today.  Not a day is worth giving up when we know the Lord.  For each day is one to know him more and make him known.   

 

Snow People: Kindergarten

We started the year virtually, and continued through the end of the first nine weeks. I'm not sure how many others school years have gone this way, but it definitely changed things.  I feel like I've been starting from scratch the six weeks we've been back. I've not seen the "finishing" that I'm use to from my students.  Just now am I seeing the work I'm use to at the start of the school year.  

My kindergarten students created snowpeople last week, and I was truly excited to see the progress they've made.  Kindergarten is my favorite grade level to teach.  They grow by leaps and bounds!! 

Check out their super fun pictures!! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: WHEN WILL I LEARN?!

I've crafted most of my life.  I have a master's degree in an art related field.  I've been teaching visual arts for almost a quarter century. SO WHY IN THE WORLD DO I STILL BURN MYSELF EVERY TIME I USE A HOT GLUE GUN?!  You would think that by now I'd have figured out how to use a glue gun.  Do you have something that you use often, but do not use well? There are times that I think I'm in a hurry and become careless.  There are times that I'm just not really paying attention to what I'm doing.  I pay the price every time.  I've burned myself, ruined clothing, and truly messed up the project I was working on.  Is it that I truly don't know how to use a hot glue gun, or have I never learned from my mistakes?

  Are you acquainted with people that know a lot, but do not seem very wise? Knowledge & Wisdom are quite different. Knowledge is static. Facts are fabulous, but what are their purpose?  Wisdom is knowledge with perspective and applications.  There are many who know the Word of God, but they do little with that knowledge.  There lives do not look as if they have put into practice the words that they have read. The Bible is meant to transform the reader.  It is a love letter from God to his children. This "knowledge" is meant to lead one into a life lived for the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit.  

 That being said, there are many of us who know God, don't always live like we do.  We have read the Word, but fail to put it into practice.  Maybe we are too busy.  Maybe we aren't really paying attention.  A distracted life does not display the wisdom of one who walks with God.  Whatever the reason, we need to start living a life that not only knows the word...but puts it into practice.   

Collaborative “Happy Art” Project K-4th

Every year I have my students create a collaborative art project which will hang in the halls for the entire school year. Because we began the year virtual I had to change things up. I finally found a break in the curriculum where I could do this project with the entire school. We discussed why artist create, select themes, choose colors, and a host of other arty goodness. It really was a good discussion even with my young artists. We then looked at the work of Britto. I found some good videos on YouTube to go along with the lesson. I asked them to choose a word to describe his work. A majority of my students said happy first....then colorful. We talked about how important happy art is during a time like this. They were so excited to create art for the school that would make people smile and bring joy.

Each student created one heart. I told the students that they could put something that makes them smile in the center heart. They then Drew seven lines coming from the heart to the outer edge like the rays of the sun. Each section had to have a different pattern and color story. I emphasize the importance of a large patterns....Because if they created really small ones it would take forever to finish! With kindergarten I used grade levels are used crayons, and all other grades used markers. 

I am currently assembling the hearts to fit within black frames we have for the hallway. Normally I would have students help, but because of Covid I’ve had to take more of a role.

I think these will make people smile and bring joy to all who see them! 

The kids are so excited to see them up in the hall!! 

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Be Safe!

Some may think the worst thing that can happen to you in art is a paper cut.  However, there are many dangers that you must be aware of in art. Products, tools, and procedures require great attention in order to be safe.  At the elementary level we are constantly reinforcing scissor safety, refraining from putting small fingers into pencil sharpeners, and not eating the glue (IT HAPPENS!).  At the middle school & high school level, teachers are introducing hot glue guns, paints & products that could cause issues if ingested or contact with the eyes/skin, linoleum block printing, and other cutting tools that may be new to students and pose a risk if handled improperly.  "Don't touch that, don't eat that, don't stick that there...etc"  ha ha  Honestly though, life is full of "things" that can be dangerous if we do not protect ourselves & consider safety first.  Knowing the danger, having a plan in place for protection, and always handling things with great care will minimize possible risk.  Safety requires a plan!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of the evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:10-13

Every day we are faced with multiple situations that have "risk".....to our personal, mental, relational, professional, and spiritual life.  These risks take many forms, but there are ways we can prepare ourselves and minimize potential risk.  God's Word speaks of our need to be prepared.  The passage in Ephesians that discusses the Armor of God lays out exactly we need to do to prepare ourselves and to be ready for battle against those things that come our way.  

Helmet of Salvation

Breastplate of Righteousness

Belt of Truth

Shield of Faith

Sward of the Spirit

Feet Fitted with Peace

Many of us learned the Armor of God in Sunday School as children.  However, do we put them into practice in our daily lives?  When we don't have a plan for safety, we place ourselves at risk of being hurt/injured.  We open ourselves up to become less effective for the Kingdom of God!  Maybe we think we are "ok"...or not at risk, but that is exactly when "things" happen.  We cannot be so confident/comfortable that we neglect what God has given us for our own safety & His glory!  Where in your life do you need to put in place a "safety plan".  What piece of armor do you seem to be lacking in your day to day?  How can "safety" make you a more effective believer?  

Mary Ward

Mary Ward taught art in North Carolina, and recently passed from Covid-19.  I didn't know her, but I feel like we art teachers are a family, and this story hit hard.  Please take care friends.  It can be hard to keep on keeping on with safety measures and such...but keep going!!!  I know you put your students first, but make sure to take care of you. 

https://www.wral.com/i-still-can-t-believe-it-family-school-mourning-after-fayetteville-art-teacher-dies-of-covid-19/19377829/

Two New Books!

[Sorry the pictures aren't the best...it is hard to photograph a book with a shiny cover when you are in a room with nothing but florescent lights?!? ha ha]

Are you looking for some new books!! Here are two new books that just came into our school library.  Our librarian rushed down to share them with me...knowing I'm always on the look out for great art related books!  THEY ARE AMAZING!!!!  I linked a read along for Pete the Cat, but couldn't find one for Love by Sophia.  Trust me...it is WONDERFUL!  

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Block

 There are times I find myself with writer's block/artist's block. What prevents my creative juices from flowing?  FEAR.  I fear that my work might not be good enough.  I fear that I will make mistakes.  I fear that it will be misunderstood. I fear that I will be misunderstood. I fear that I'll not be able to express what is truly want to share.  I fear my work will be compared to others, and found lacking. I think fear can be one of the greatest enemies of the artistic mind.  We, the creative, have to power to go anywhere, do anything, be anyone we can imagine...unless fear steals our power/strength.  We cannot let fear steal our voice, vision, and creativity.  It doesn't just impacting us, but those we have the ability to inspire, encourage, and challenge through our work.

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

There are a lot of things in this world that bring about fear.  There is the fear of what is, what shall be, what could be, or what might.  "What if" becomes the start of paralysis.  Fear can keep us from living if we are not careful. It blocks us from doing what we were created to do & being who we were created to be.  It's not that the fears are totally unfounded, but if we let them take over our thinking....they will soon take over our living.  Living in constant fear is not living how we were designed.  God has called us to a life of FAITH.  Faith in God does not eliminate the people, situations, or things that "cause" fear, but it does redirect our attention. 

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

The Lord even tells us...."IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE".  Does He tell us to run away, hide, shut down, cry about it?  NO!  "TAKE HEART!"  No matter what the fear is in our world globally or personally..."HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD"!  That is where our strength comes from when we feel weak....our courage in tumultuous times...and how we are able to not be discouraged by the events around us or in our world.  GOD!  Where are our eyes....GOD! We must be wise, but part of that wisdom is knowing who is truly in control!  Fear does not have a foot hold in our life if we keep Christ at the center.  We can live life as we designed to even in troubling times.  We can be the light & hope this world needs through Christ!! 

TGE Teacher of the Year

 This year I have been named Tulip Grove Elementary's Teacher of the Year, which I'm so humbled & honored to have been recognized as such. I'm so thankful for the great educators I work with & the amazing Special Area Team that are truly the best of the best. For teachers out there that don't feel appreciated... recognized... encouraged....please know how very important you are & that you are valued(even if you don't "feel" it). You are awesome.

I'm thankful for your love & dedication to children.

Anyone Else....

 I'm currently teaching in person, online, and providing lessons for students who are quarantined.   Over the pandemic students have lost some skills that we are having to "recoup" now!!  Some of which is basic direction following.  They aren't bad kids.  They actually are pretty awesome...but they've forgot how to listen!  Case in point..."Students, when you take your supplies to the TO BE CLEANED shelves...please place your pencil in the cup with the eraser pointing up."  Then I did an annoying song & dance of "Eraser up..point down...eraser up ...point down!" 

THIS IS WHAT I GOT!

What basics are you having to reteach??

Join in the fun.... #turkeyaday

Maybe you missed out on #pumpkinaday or where so sure about it.  Well here is another chance to join in on a low key/no pressure art challenge.  You can join in as much (or as little) as you are able.  I've used different themes each year to amuse myself...but you do not have to use a theme.  Just post to social media, and add the hashtags #turkeyaday & #turkeyaday2020.  

Here are some examples from the past four years of #turkeyaday!  

Here are my first two from this year!! 

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Keep Going

Rejection letters.  Criticism.  Denied opportunities.

The art world is not for the faint of heart.  It can be pretty soul crushing at times.  Many become discouraged enough to walk away from their gifts/skills/passions.  Their hurt/pain is enough to cause them to want to retreat.  Though mundane...maybe it is safer?  If I don't put myself out there...I won't have to worry about rejection.  

However, there is that spark inside of you that just won't stop.  You have to keep going.  Art is extension of who you are.  It is the words you cannot speak.  It is the story you must share.  It is the wisdom you desire to pass on.  It is the joke you know is worth telling.  It is the cause you want to others to consider.  Your art cannot be stopped.

So often we become dismayed by the circumstances in our life, community, and world. We want to retreat from the pain, confusion, uncomfortable situations, and our own perceived weakness.  This keeps us from fulfilling what God desires for our life.  We focus on ourselves, our situation, and what is going on around us to the point that we forget that God is in control.  It is he who will work in & through you.  It is not for your might, power, intellect, or abilities that God desires to use you for his purpose & plan.  It is for your availability.  Are you unavailable because your too busy focused on the things of this world?  Have you allowed the fire that God placed in your heart to be dimmed by everything that is out of your control or the fact that you are trying to control everything?  When you realize that God is the strength of your heart & your portion....you can begin to rest in him.  This truth takes the control from your weak and tired hands (from holding on to something you were never meant to hold on to), and places it back where it belongs.  This brings rest to your weary heart & revives the flame God has placed within you to know him & make him known.  This....will allow you to keep going.

End of #pumpkinaday & Beginning of #turkeyaday

 Here are the final four pumpkins from this year's #pumpkinaday art challenge.

Starting November 1st we will have the 5th annual #turkeyaday challenge!

Here are examples of the themes I've done the past 4 years! I've recreated famous works of art w/ turkeys, tried different supplies every day for a month as I created my turkeys, made outfits for my paper doll turkey, & created watercolor & ink turkeys. So many possibilities! Join in as much as you can(and don't feel bad for missed days!!!). Post on your social media with the hashtags #turkeyaday & #turkeyaday2020.