VAEA State Conference 2023

Tomorrow kicks off the Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA) state conference! If you have never joined the fun, let me tell you a few reasons why it is important to me...

VAEA provides a nurturing community where artists, educators, and enthusiasts forge meaningful connections. This camaraderie fosters an environment where individuals with a shared passion for the arts can engage in enriching conversations, share experiences, and support each other in their creative journeys.

As a member of VAEA, access to a wealth of cutting-edge curriculum resources becomes readily available. Stay at the forefront of art education with innovative teaching methodologies, lesson plans, and professional development opportunities. VAEA ensures that educators have the tools they need to inspire and empower their students through a dynamic and evolving curriculum.

VAEA serves as a catalyst for unleashing and nurturing creativity. Through workshops, events, and collaborative opportunities, members are exposed to a dynamic space where creativity flourishes. Whether discovering new techniques or engaging with innovative ideas, VAEA empowers artists to expand their creative horizons and contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving world of art education.

Membership transcends the traditional boundaries of an association; it is an invitation to be part of a transformative journey. By joining, individuals not only gain access to invaluable resources but also become integral contributors to a community that values and celebrates artistic excellence.

I am proud to be presenting at two sessions this weekend. The first one is a studio workshop with my visual arts colleagues in FCPS, Art Shenanigans: Fun & Play with Art Games. A fast paced workshop that promotes exploration, experimentation, ideation and social emotional well-being.  The second one is a presentation in collaboration with other fine arts supervisors, Marketing Yourself for the Art Education Landscape. We will be sharing tips and tricks for landing the teaching gig you seek! 

See you in Harrisonburg! 

16th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition: The Collective

The Workhouse Arts Center and Fairfax County Schools are proud to present The Collective. The exhibition explores how artists collaborate with or are inspired by other artists to create artwork. Dadaists believed that the value of art lay not in only the work produced, but in the act of making, and sharing that act with others - that spirit of play, inspiration, and collaboration is central to art education. 

The Collective exhibition aims to reflect the connections within our art-teaching community of makers. The Collective is up from October 20th - December 2nd. The reception is Saturday, November 11th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. 

I hope to see you there!  I have a diptych in the show that was inspired by using my my aunt's crocheted handiwork. The artwork explores the intricate artistry of crochet in tandem with mixed media and analog darkroom processes to create a new media narrative. 

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