Recent Works at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum this weekend!

 

Go on an art outing this weekend! 

Stop in and say hello, peruse the art and enjoy a cocktail.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping with a one of kind gift.

                                  Camera Study 1               Silva

                                                                               The Haunting                                 Silva

Big & Little Ink opens October 13th

 

It is officially October and that means there are art exhibitions and festivals everywhere! Join me for the opening night of Big & Little Inks at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center in Hyattsville, MD. 

Opening Reception Friday, October 13, 6–8 pm | RSVP Requested 

Big Ink Print Event Saturday, October 14–Sunday, October 15, 11–4 pm | RSVP Requested

There will be two other opportunities to see my artwork this month as well, so check back soon for those details...

Thoughts on Open Studios with Art Educators

 

Art education plays a crucial role in nurturing creativity and fostering artistic skills in students. However, it is equally essential to support the creative growth of art educators themselves. Offering Open Studio time for art educators can be a game-changer in personal and professional development. 

Teachers who are also artists often find themselves caught in the demands of lesson planning, grading, and administrative tasks, leaving limited time for their own artistic pursuits. By providing dedicated studio time, it is an opportunity to rekindle the creative spark and pursue their artistic passions. This not only benefits their well-being but also revitalizes their teaching. This time has also allowed art educators to explore new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and develop their skills. 

The Open Studio serves as a catalyst for collaboration by fostering the exchange of ideas, the creation of joint projects, resource sharing, skill development, and community building. This collaborative environment not only enriches the artistic experiences of educators but also enhances the quality of art education for students and contributes to the overall vitality of the local art community.

Barbie!

Material Girl

Barbie is the epitome of self-assuredness, an embodiment of unapologetic confidence in her pursuit of the good life.  Beyond the glamour and gloss, Barbie represents more than just a plaything. She mirrors our collective desires and dreams. In her ever-changing personas, careers, and styles, Barbie reflects the fluidity of identity and the limitless possibilities of self-reinvention. She challenges societal norms and pushes boundaries, reminding us that we can be whoever we want to be, that our dreams are attainable.  

Soap Box

It was a joy to delve into the world of Barbie to explore the duality of her character: the materialistic allure and the empowering message she carries. Through these artworks I play with unraveling the paradoxes and juxtapositions that make her a symbol of both frivolity and feminism. Barbie's journey is a reflection of our own, and by embracing her, we can find the strength to redefine and shape our narratives in this crazy materialistic world.

I am so excited to have an artwork in the Barbie show at the Girls Who Paint Gallery in beautiful historic Kensington, MD. Get yourself dolled up and join me at the reception September 28th, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. 

Bubble Gum & Bling

Big & Little Ink!

 

Received some cool news this weekend! My prints were accepted in the Little Ink exhibition that is happening in tandem with the Big Ink event at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center! Big Ink was founded in 2012 with the goal to increase appreciation for woodblock printmaking, "one impression at a time". 

Artists from the local community will gather at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center to use The Big Tuna, a giant mobile printmaking press, to create large-scale relief prints. The event is open for the public to attend and observe the printing process. BIG INK LLC, an art education company based in New England, is collaborating with Pyramid for the fourth time to organize this demonstration of fine-art printing. The event is free and open to all ages on October 14 and 15, 11 AM - 4 PM. 

Little Ink is a small works exhibition of relief prints 6"x6" or smaller. There were over 250 pieces submitted and three of mine were chosen to be included the show. The Little Ink reception is October 13th, so if you happen to be in the Hyattsville, MD area that evening it would be great to see you. 

Surveillance    2023  

School is in session!

Tomorrow is the first of many school visits that I will do this year. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to visit art teachers and their classrooms! It is such a joy to spend time in classrooms that are abuzz with wonder, chatter and art making. Art education is an important component in the education ecosystem. It is crucial to the overall health and effectiveness of the education ecosystem. 

Here are some key points to ponder:

1. Art education provides a well-rounded education by engaging students in creative and expressive activities beyond traditional academic subjects. It helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence, fostering a more holistic educational experience.

2.  Not all students excel in traditional subjects like math and science. Art classes cater to different learning styles, allowing students who may struggle in other areas to shine and thrive. Artistic expression can help students find their unique strengths and talents.

3.Art education has been linked to improved cognitive development. Creating art requires observation, analysis, interpretation, and decision-making – all of which enhance cognitive abilities. This can lead to better performance in other academic areas as well.

4.  The world is rapidly evolving, and creative thinking and problem-solving skills are increasingly important. Art teachers encourage students to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and approach challenges from multiple perspectives. This fosters a culture of innovation.

5. Art provides a medium for students to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a safe and constructive way. This can be especially important for students who may struggle to communicate through traditional means.

6.  Art education exposes students to different cultures, historical periods, and artistic movements. This broadens their understanding of the world, encourages cultural appreciation, and promotes tolerance and open-mindedness.

7. Art classes offer opportunities for success and accomplishment that can boost students' self-confidence and self-esteem. Positive feedback from teachers and peers can have a significant impact on a student's overall well-being.

8. Art projects often involve collaboration and teamwork, fostering a sense of community and belonging among students. This social aspect of art education helps create a positive and inclusive school environment.

9. Art education can help bridge achievement gaps by engaging students who might otherwise struggle in traditional subjects. This can lead to improved overall academic performance and a higher likelihood of graduation.

10.  Art classes challenge students to set goals, experiment with different techniques, and persevere through challenges. These experiences contribute to their personal growth and development, preparing them for future life endeavors.

11.  Many creative fields, such as design, architecture, media, and entertainment, rely on skills nurtured in art classes. By supporting art education, schools contribute to the preparation of future professionals in these industries.

12.  Engaging in artistic activities can be therapeutic and help reduce stress and anxiety. Providing students with an outlet for creative expression can contribute to their overall mental well-being.

Supporting public school art teachers enriches the education ecosystem by fostering creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness. It helps create more well-rounded, resilient, and adaptable individuals who are better prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Street Wisdom...