Stylishly illuminated while on the mend...



 

The Washington Monument was damaged during an earthquake in 2011, and now it is on the mend. The 555 foot stone obelisk is now enveloped in scaffolding and illuminated in the night. The new look presents quite new view of our beloved Monument.

 

 

The Washington Monument reflects what we are... an America that always shines bright and hopeful yet is in need of  repairs...

 

 

 

 

 



Great idea!

 

"I want to be in the studio. I want to be doing something. You just do whatever is at hand, and you don't even worry about whether it's going to be interesting or not interesting to anybody else—or even yourself. You just have to make something." —Bruce Nauman



Thank you Bruce Nauman for helping me to get moving on this rainy day! My sketchbook has been starving, but no more.... let the work outs begin.

 

 

Empty Buckets…

Summertime…

                  The school year requires a break neck speed of enthusiasm, motivation, energy and structure. Then suddenly there it is… Summer and the schedule dissolves, the students head to the beach and parts unknown. The school gets quiet, classrooms suddenly void of activity, the darkroom is cleaned and closed, laptops are powered down, the halls no longer whisper giggles of secrets and rumors…the teachers get to go home. We take home with us our empty buckets...if we have done our job well the contents of our buckets have been dispersed to our students all school year long...

 Suddenly sleeping in is no longer a wish but a reality…So, why is so tough to relax and take advantage of the absence of the routine…it is the withdrawal from the adherence to routine: School is out…

 This is the end of week one…I have caught up on laundry, cleaned out closets, ran errands, sought out a furniture repair man, cut coupons begun to repair and clean the classroom cameras, ridden bikes with my boys…and only now I am beginning to feel the let down and relaxation setting in…

This morning, I have just read the newspaper enjoyed coffee…One child is off at Hoops camp and the other is still sleeping… I am so thankful for this time…

Oh wait! What is this… oh! Yup, there it is...my creative juices beginning to flow. Time to refill that bucket of possibilities...

It is time to play with the kiddos,  a date or two with the husband, leisurely walks with the dog,  make copious amounts of art, take some photos and enjoy every minute of this time…and for goodness sakes stop thinking something is missing…school will be back in session again soon enough!

 

 

 

Paper Moon Diner: Visually Delicious!

Paper Moon Diner

 

If you find yourself in Baltimore this summer you must make your way to the Paper Moon Diner!

 

It is As visually delicious as its eclectic menu offerings! The menu is vast...You can enjoy a Kaptain Krunch milkshake, crabbi platters or even a Bananas foster French toast! Go with your friends and enjoy the stellar ambiance! I had the pleasure of going with a group of my visual art students this spring!

 

Farewell Fantastic Teachers!

            Education lost two tremendous teachers this week! It was such a pleasure to work with these guys. I applaud them for knowing  it is time to go. You can see they are planning their next fishing adventure.
           As this school year quickly slips into the history books... there are teachers that quietly step out of the classroom...to new adventures. John and Wayne, Best Wishes! Thanks for all the support and generosity. I look forward to observing your new shenanigans and hope they fulfill all your wildest dreams!

 

Back In a Flash!

So Busy! So Busy! So Busy!

I think I can... I think I can...

 

 

 

 

 

 Wrapping up the School year!

 

Be Back Soon!

 

 

 

 

Tuesdays Teacher Shout Out...

Education is such a tough business… maintaining a sense of humor and a quick wit is imperative to the sanity of yourself and those who come into contact with you…

 May I present Mr. Adams: Stealth Studio Master

 

I came to know Mr. Adams as a part time teacher in his Art Department.  The first year I was tucked down the hall in a corridor not very close to the other art teachers… there I quietly  (as quiet as I can be :0 ) taught Studio Art One and Art History….The next year I was lucky enough to move next door to Mr. Adams. And that is when the mayhem began...the department was busy and at times, it was tough to get the students going on a new art work or writing an artist statement. Many of these students generally overwhelmed with all tasks involved in high school these days.

 

 

 

There are times in teaching when you just need to break the mold a little and create some productive distractions... perhaps...installation art!  Inventing a prankster artist that would gleefully make art out of Mr. Adams treasured possessions or the necessities of the art room...It was wonderful to engage the students in creative mischief. The White Knight that soared out of the kids imaginations gave us great challenges and conundrums... especially for my good natured colleague.

 

We bantered with art mayhem to the students delight. I learned much about taking risk and pushing limits and motivating people! It would not have been nearly as much fun with out Mr. Adams. He was a willing and equally creative participant! Mr. Adams never steps away from trying something new, acknowledging accomplishments, getting completely out of the box or even building one.

 

 

He led that Art Department with patience and poise all while juggling his own fabulous studio regimen and busy exhibition schedule.  No task was too much or even too tedious.  He would always would just smile and get it done.  Mr. Adams is such a superb teacher!

 

 Thank you for choosing education to spend your time and share your energy…you taught me so much!