T-shirts

 One of our more successful classes at PCH.
Even though one girl spilled my entire bottle of India ink!
The kids were very engaged with their parents,
and they were proud of their work.
I felt good on this day.

Sorenson Unity Center

Another venture.  Working after school at the Unity Center to help design a public art piece for their community garden.  It is supposed to be a kids' space.  As I sat in the conference room with the other ADULTS deciding what the KIDS' space would be, it felt contrived and silly.  I don't know what I want to do otherwise, but I want their real input.  The kids'.  How do we get it?  I had them make signs, and one wrote "No Repists."  What do I do with that?  I want them to take ownership of this project, but its' like asking a kids to mop the floor, and then having to mop the whole thing once their done.  Or asking a million times to take out the trash, and then we finally do it.  I don't know how hard to push the other teachers on this one.  But I feel like they already have their minds made up, and we're just including the kids for show.  I am afraid I'm going to offend someone here.  I am OK with that.  I mean...just LOOK at this PICTURE!  Kids are so worth listening to. Who else would so proudly wear a band-aid on their nose with orange fishnet?

Beet painting

Tomorrow at the PCH I am going to paint with beet juice.  Mom Dad and Me class is always on the fly...and I am learning more than I thought.  I am learning how to plan just enough to be prepared.  But not so much that I am scrambling to stick with my lesson and forgetting to have fun.  It is hard to be responsible for someone else's creativity.  I find that I have to really put myself in the kids' shoes.  What would they be excited to do?   What are they gonna love when they walk into the room?  Treats always help.  Storybooks seems to help too.  I am teaching more than just how to lay down paint.  I am teaching them to explore.  That is why I thought of the beet painting idea.  One day I just poured a can of beets onto my canvas...it was so Dr. Suess!  I felt liberated from the last year of thinking til I couldn't be creative anymore, then BAM it was undone.  I hope the kids like it.

First Venture

I am stepping out as a teacher.  Pioneer Craft House has offered me space and free range.  So far people have attended.  We have laughed a lot. Students have expressed their doubts in a safe space.  
An average of 8 people per class.
Mostly beginners.
We put the tables in one big square so all are included.  
Every night I arrive a bit nervous, and leave exhilarated.
I never tire of watching people try to find their way with color and image.  It is so brave to even attempt, and  
it reminds me of what my professor used to say,
"It is an act of integrity to even walk through those doors."