Posted Saturday May 19 2018 at 6:28 pm
in Education
It was Wednesday, April 11th 2018 and I bundled all up with my winter clothes on (yes in April!) and headed to a 2 hour Mindfulness Training. I was cold, it was dark, at night and my thoughts were racing with all the items on my to do list for prepping for my next art sessions AND everything else in life, right!?!
At first, I didn't know if I was in the right location, it was quiet and the lights were off . . . but then I realized that I was in the right place for my whole being!
As I entered the space, I saw yoga mats were laid out in a circle with blankets on them. Floor lights lit the space, battery candles were going, and the smell of essential oils from a humidifier filled the air. A sense of intentional space and calm filled the area.
At the center of the circle of yoga mats was a spring collection of items like twigs, pine cones, flowers, etc. Linda shared that by creating a warm and welcoming space, this welcomes in our whole being, and encourages us to already be present without consciously knowing this.
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Posted Wednesday May 02 2018 at 4:22 pm
in Education
Sometimes, believe it or not, as an art teacher, you can feel like a bit of a weird-o. You are usually the only art teacher at your school. You have the largest amount of supplies at schools but often times the least amount of space. Some adults even think that all you do is facilitate play time and they wonder if the kids really are participating in rigorous learning.
At the National Art Education Conference you are not a weird-o. You are in a place that validates strongly held beliefs that art is essential for growth and learning, that it is an anchor and a necessity for so many kids, that art makes learning alive and makes mistakes interesting.
One sentiment that was repeated by several of the artists who's talks I attended was, art helped them figure out who they are, and remember who they are through difficult times. Their art, especially as teenagers and young people gave them something that was all their own and grounded them. And like art does, it helps you find your friends and kindred souls.
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Posted Wednesday March 28 2018 at 3:16 pm
in Education
Hello! I am Rebecca Elowe, actor/musician/educator. As a performer and educator, I use the arts to inspire others to question, connect, and engage. I love when art asks difficult questions, and I believe that through theatrical experiences, we learn to work together to discover possible answers.
At four years old, I decided that I wanted to be a professional violinist. Too small for a real violin, I was first handed a homemade version - a tissue box with a toilet paper roll attached to it. I eventually graduated to the real thing and continued to love the violin while also discovering new interests - singing, dancing, acting, and eventually circus arts. I discovered the true extent of my passion for the arts when I realized that I could combine all of these interests into one piece of theatre. My favorite performances integrate many forms of storytelling (movement, music, puppets, and more) and inspire a sense of play and wonder.
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