th3 - Syracuse's City Wide Arts Open - Eureka Crafts

Thursday April 17th, I also had the opportunity to go to Eureka Crafts in Armory Square. I was able to meet two artists from Valenti Studios, one of the artists named Peter Valenti and the other was his wife. Peter and his wife made the pieces of art that were shown that night. The art was different "Raku" tiles and ceramic pots. I really enjoyed speaking to him about his work and career. He is also an art teacher at a High School in the area. He showed me other works of art in his portfolio. He had a newspaper clipping in his portfolio as well from being interviewed for his work. I told him how I was taking Art in the Classroom at Syracuse University and how important I think art in the classroom is for students. I really enjoyed his pieces of art and wish I had an extra $100 to buy a piece. 

I took my boyfriend with me to these different events and I noticed that he really enjoyed it. Peter was talking to him about the mugs that he makes for the Middle Ages Brewery in Syracuse. He makes tall mugs that a brewery trades with him for beer. (He said he has enough beer to last him all year!!!) It was really fun to go to these different events and I wish I had more time to go see more. Both events had light refreshments and drinks available too. It was great to see the art community of Syracuse come together in this way. I am definitely going to keep this website bookmarked and try to attend more exhibits. It ended up being a great opportunity for my and my boyfriend to enjoy a free night of art and conversation with new people. This was a great idea for extra credit and I learned a lot more than I thought I would. I got Mr. Valenti's card and was able to go to his website. I will keep his work in mind for the future when I have enough money to actually support him. ha ha. ( www.pvalentistudios.com )

*The picture is me outside of Eureka Crafts*

th3 - Syracuse's City Wide Arts Open - Erie Canal

I am so happy I looked into the website that was provided in the syllabus. Although I was upset that I haven't been able to attend a couple of classes I am happy I was given the opportunity to attend the events in th3. On Thursday April 16th I was able to go to the Erie Canal Museum as well as Eureka Crafts. 

The Erie Canal Museum was very fun to walk through. I learned a lot about the city of Syracuse that I did not know before. Also, I was able to view a lot of different mediums of art. Museums are a great place for showing a lot of different styles of art and show the importance of them. For example, in the museum there was a watercolor painting of the museum that was painted in 1976. It was great to show what the museum looked like back then through a painting. There was also oil paintings, photography, and other forms of art included in the museum. I enjoyed the models that were included in the exhibit. There was a model of a weighlock in Syracuse made of wood and paint. There was also a large model of a boat that would travel on the canal. Inside the boat I learned that the money that the Erie Canal brought in allowed funding for Syracuse University to be built!

In the Erie Canal Museum I also read about the importance of Arts & Crafts in the city. The movement that Syracuse took was against the Industrial Revolution. Artists, Writers, and Designers made their own goods using quality material and emphasis on craftsmanship. Also I found it interesting that the New York State Fair was decided to be in Syracuse because of how easy it was to get to Syracuse with the railroads, turnpikes, toll roads, and of course the Erie Canal. 

*The pictures were taken with my phone of things I liked in the Museum*

"Developing Criteria Rubrics in the Art Classroom" & Other Rubric Articles...

OK I know I have said that I have LOVED articles before but this one I REALLY enjoyed. I saved these articles to my documents to refer to them once I start teaching full-time. I am a student that loves it when a Rubric is given with assignments. It helps me see exactly what the teachers is wanting in the assignment, whatever it may be. Also, like the article said.. it answers A LOT of questions about the assignment as well. I loved the idea of having a rough rubric idea on a wall in the classroom. I think getting the students perspectives on what is expected in an EXCEPTIONAL paper, project, or whatever assignment is beneficial to the student as well as the teacher. If the students help in deciding what is outstanding work and what is unsatisfactory then there will be less arguments and debates on grading. I also like how rubrics give students an opportunity for self assessment. I tend to do better on assignments when I have a rubric given to me before I hand it in. This way I know exactly what is expected to satisfy the teacher which in turn will satisfy myself with a good grade. I think starting students off early with the ability to self assess their work is a great thing. It gives them the opportunity to start thinking more about their work they do and review what is about to be handed in. 

Once again I LOVED these articles and saved ALL of them. I am excited to refer to these for help with layout, language, and design. These articles can help every teacher of every subject and I might even recommend it to other friends I have when they are having a difficult time creating Rubrics of their own someday. 

It was always the Pictures...

The article I read titled, "It was always the Pictures..." explains the different ways that visual learning can be incorporated in the classroom. After reading the article I think it would be appropriate for the title to be, "It IS always the Pictures...". This title would fit in with my education as pictures are still very important in my learning. The article described several different ways pictures are used with learning. One way was graphic organizers. I can remember using graphic organizers in elementary school when I was little, but can also recall graphic organizers being used in my education here at Syracuse University within the past week! I had to create a concept map within my math class recently and just today in science my class worked together with the teacher to create a concept map about everything we have learned this semester. Graphic organizers are very useful in organizing a lot of different ideas in an easy to view and understanding way. 

Another way that pictures are involved with education is through picture books. I agree that pictures in books may help a student understand the text more but do not think that there needs to be an excess of pictures in stories. I enjoy being able to use my imagination with the words I read to create an image of my own. 

Pictures were also described to help educate through mind mapping. I had never heard of this before reading this article. After reading what it is exactly I realized that I already do this myself. Mind mapping can be used to illustrate class ideas and discussions. I use this sometimes when I take notes in classes. I will draw little sketches within my notebooks to help me understand or be able to remember an idea easier. 

Story kits have been used in my classes past and have been a lot of fun. Being able to hold and feel objects has helped me with memory. I have learned over the years that I am a very hands on learner and tend to remember things more if I can see and feel the subjects being taught. 

These are only a couple of examples that pictures and visual tools can be used within the class. I enjoy being reminded of these ways and notice the importance pictures have on my life. I use pictures in my classes for myself and benefit from it. Pictures help a wide range of learners learn and understand things more clearly. This article explained how and why pictures do this perfectly and I will remember the importance of pictures in my future classroom as well as my own education for the time being. 

Romare Bearden - Let's Walk the Block

When looking into this website I learned how many different aspects are included in this style of art. First, culture plays an important role. The art is abstract and doesn't show what the street is to look like literally. Also with the size of the art he was able to include many things. He was able to include lots of different mediums and include lots of different images. I like this style of art as I have always liked making collages. It was interesting to read how he was inspired as well. From just going to his friends apartment and looking at the street below he decided to create this work. It is also fun that the website includes activities that you can do to try this style of art yourself or with your students. I will definitely take note of some of these activities and try them. 

Graphic Novels in the Classroom

I LOVED reading this article. After reading it I couldn't agree more that graphic novels should be used in the classroom. There were so many good points made and with the visuals it was very easy to see what he was explaining. I would be very supportive of graphic novels in my school and specifically in my future classroom. It can be used to teach so many subjects. The blog was great too because it allows teachers to stay updated on graphic novels being released. I have never really read comic books or graphic novels that much before but after reading the article I don't see why I haven't. I love this idea of graphic novels and can't wait to read more and get some that I can hopefully use someday. 

Islamic Art

I learned a lot about Islamic art from reading these two articles. I didn't know that Islamic art was so closely tied to the religion. I enjoyed the first article because it told how to teach Islamic art in the classroom. It told of the importance of teaching some of the religious background when teaching about their art. I never knew the two worked hand in hand but within the second article it explained why. 

First of all I knew thought of Calligraphy as a style of art. The style of Arabic calligraphy is definitely an art form though. The different styles alone show the major differences in the writing. For example, the square style of calligraphy vs. the drawing of animals style. Both of these styles are very precise and take talent to do. I found it interesting when the article was describing the use of patterns with shapes in their art form as well. I related this to the first article when it described that teachers can use their art to teach math and other subjects. In my math class now at Syracuse University we just finished a unit learning all about shapes. I see now that my teacher could have easily incorporated Islamic art in our classroom to further teach the ideas she was presenting. 

I found these articles very interesting and informational about Islamic art and the religion of Islam as well. I could see myself using this lesson plan in my future classroom when teaching about culture and art but also when teaching math. I like how Islamic art is appreciated on so many different levels.

Rube Goldberg

I found the article, "Rube Goldberg- Inspired Drawings of How Art is Made" by Thomas A. Oakley and the website www.rubegoldberg.com very fun and entertaining. It reminded me of a computer game I used to play when I was little. I would have to place a variety of objects on the screen to make one thing happen. Now that I have read this article and viewed the website I now know it was very similar to Rube Goldberg's work. 

In the article the art teacher assigned his students to draw a picture how art is made. I think this would be fun to see how other people think art is made. Also it was fun to flip through the website and see some of Rube Goldbergs work. It is very creative how he makes things come about. It would be fun to try and reenact one of his drawings. 

Chairs, Cars, and Bridges

I found this article to be interesting but not very useful in the terms of art. This article described many components of the uses and apperance of art in chairs, cars, and bridges. For example, this article asked the reader to observe a chair and look at it for the functions it is providing and how it does that. In my room alone I have a chair at my desk that is perfect for studying. It is made out of wood but has a padding on the seat. It also rocks back if the person seated wanted to stretch out. I think this chair was chosen specifically for a studying chair because the wooden backing is very supportive, yet the padded seat allows someone to be comfortable sitting for hours doing homework. 

The other chair in my room is specifically designed for lounging. It has yellow and green florals printed over the entire chair. The back of the chair is tilted back to place the person sitting in a more comfortable relaxed position. I guess this way of thinking about everyday objects is a way I never have before. After reading and reflecting I understand now that everything can be art it just has its purposes for specific reasons. 

The Sweet Role of Art in Literacy

In this reading I learned that it is difficult for some people to express their ideas in words. It was explained that it is good to give chances to students to draw their ideas or use art in communicating their thoughts. I think this is a great idea and unfortunately I don't think I had enough opportunities in my K-12 education to do so. I am so comfortable with writing now I would prefer writing a paper to describe an idea I have rather than draw. This pressure on being able to write lowers the expectations of being able to draw. It is rather seen as very talented if you are an artist and 'normal' or average if you can write a paper well. I wonder, why art hasn't been more apparent in classrooms? 

Tattoos and Teenagers

I found the article "Tattoos and Teenagers very entertaining. The beginning of the article seemed pretty repetitive to me, and told me things I already know. When I started to think about it though I guess it would make sense for me to know a lot about tattoos already being a 20 year old in this day and age. I don't have a tattoo myself but my boyfriend is covered in them, my brother has two, and I have seriously considered getting one. 

I understand that there are many different reasons people get tattoos. For example, my boyfriend Dave has Japanese art on his arms solely for the reason that he likes and appreciates the style of art. In contrast, my brother Levi has a tribal tattoo on his chest from the Maui culture because he spent 2 years of his life in New Zealand. Levi wanted to remember his time there where and what he learned where Dave is tattooed for the art and appearance of his tattoos.

I read the end of the article to Dave and he as well as I agreed with the last sentence, "We may not be able to prevent our students from getting tattoos they may later regret, but we can help them recognize that tattoos carry multiple messages and that wearing one involves social responsibility." I see first hand how his tattoos are seen in society. Also, I have a shirt with tattoo sleeves on the arms. When I wear it I get some looks of surprise and disgust when people look at my arms. I am able to see and feel how some types of people react to tattoos. I think it is everyone's personal decision and people shouldn't be judged by that. Tattoos are like clothing, it is a form of expression. 

ATTATCHED: The first picture is Dave showing the camera all of his tattoos. (His tattoos on his chest are unfinished... he's in the process of getting it colored.) The second picture is of me wearing my tattoo shirt with fake sleeves. 

Autism The Way I See It & Not Thinking In Pictures

When reading the two readings "Autism the way I see it" and "Not Looking in Pictures" I agreed more with the second article by Donna Williams titled "Not Looking in Pictures". The first article discussed three types of learning styles. When reading the descriptions of each I felt like they were too specific. I have seen and experienced many learning styles in myself and children I have worked with over the years. I don't agree that everyone thinks as one of the following:

1. Visual Thinking

2. Music and Math Thinking

3. Verban logic thinking. 

The way that Dr. Temple Grandin explained these styles of thinking made it seem like you were either one or the other. It is important to understand these styles of thought but I think it is wrong to categorize children in such different categories. 

To go along with the categorizing and labeling the second article further supports my thoughts. Donna Williams has autism but she has learned to use signing to be able to communicate. She has a very different process of thoughts than I have ever heard about. Rather than seeing a cat when she was little she saw a tail, ears, and fur. It was hard for her to put the picture together and see it was an animal. She is lucky she has been able to find what works for her to communicate and although signing isn't "very autistic", as someone in the article mentioned, it works for her. 

This reading opened my mind to different styles of thought and the drastic differences they can have. I need to remember these articles and bring them into my classroom. I can do this by incorporating music, pictures, words, and activities to help every student in my classroom be successful. 

Response to "Why Art?"

I was privileged enough to be able to have art throughout my schooling growing up. When I really started to appreciate art though was when I found my own art form. For me, that form was dance. Although I enjoyed studio art like painting and printing I never thought I was very good at it. Just like Robert in this story I too gained a lot of confidence when I started to succeed in my favorite form of art, dance. When I was in high school I had the opportunity to take dance as a period throughout my school day. I loved being able to have this type of art form available to me.

When I was a senior I was able to bring this opportunity to children in elementary school. I went to my local elementary school in my town after school once a week and taught a mix of five 4th and 5th grade girls dance. I had the opportunity to teach them a routine, cut the music, get them costumes, and see them perform. Within this year of working with the girls I saw first hand their confidence boost. They had a final performance at the end of the year school talent show. They were the finale of the show and couldn't wait to show their peers what they had been practicing all year. 

My question for educators is... If art is a way to boost confidence and attendance in students then why don't we give them more opportunities in different styles of art in schools?

Attached is a photo of me and the girls I was able to teach at Trailside Elementary School in Park City, UT. 

Response to "What are the functions of art?"

When I read, "What are the functions of art" I was surprised to see that this author decided that there are usually three categories for the functions of art. I would have guessed there would have been more but when I tried to think of another function everything I thought of could have been placed into one of these categories. I was happy to read that the viewer is half of the art. I agree with this completely from personal experiences. Every time I have viewed a work of art I have noticed the pieces that mean something to me, or the pieces that I enjoy are because of how I can relate to them. Every piece of art can be viewed differently depending on the viewer and their personal experiences. 

I grew up dancing since I was in the 4th grade. This form of art has been very important in my life. The form of dance I enjoy doing and watching the most is modern. This form is very easy for me to look into and understand in different ways. Every time I attend a dance performance the different pieces react to me very different than to other people I go with. I usually try to make a story out of the movements, or try and see what they are trying to tell us. I think this style of art could fall into all three functions of art. It is physical because dance is obviously a physical form of movement. Dance is also social and personal as well. It is social because it brings people together to view the performance. Dance is also very personal especially since I have been a dancer I understand that to perform well you have to feel the dance and make it your own in a way. The choreographer can only do so much, it is up to the dancer to tell the story and make the art come alive.

 I attached two pictures. One is a picture of me dancing and the second is a photo of a work of art my friend did from the picture taken. 

My question here is... Is it wrong for an artist to attach an explanation to their artwork so that the viewer gets the point that the artist is trying to make? Would that ruin the idea of art?