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