|
| Arts In Education Artists Roster |
|
CRAFTS |
|
Barbara Cade Crafts: Fiber, Paper Hot Springs, AR 501- 262-4065 cade@ipa.net www.barbaracade.com |
|
Background Barbara Cade is a nationally known artist who creates one-of-a-kind tapestries and hand-felted sculptures especially for architectural interiors. Her work is nature-inspired. Over the years, she has taught herself weaving, felting, stitchery, other fabric constructions and hand-made paper techniques. She has taken classes in glassblowing and pottery. With her love of other cultures, she has studied Spanish, African-American history and Native American history. She has a B.A. in German from the University of Illinois and M.A. in German from the University of Washington, and has been listed on the Arkansas AIE artist roster since 1986. AIE Program In the classroom, Barbara designs projects that allow the student to make decisions, improvise, take risks and use his or her imagination. Barbara emphasizes the importance of education as she shows by example the many skills needed to make art. Each project is geared to the grade level involved and to a school subject. Examples of projects are: woven pillows, woven figures, hand-made felt designs, and prints. If it is appropriate, Barbara likes to help students work on a group project that will be permanently displayed at the school or site. Examples of group projects include the creation of a rain forest tapestry in which different classes make felted leaves, animal faces, tree trunks, vines, snakes, butterflies, and flowers. Another group project for math classes results in a colorful, large-scale quilt for the school. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
Peter Lippincott Crafts: Clay Fort Smith, AR 479- 651-6104 | 479-785-2169 peter@mudpuppy-studios.com |
|
Background I hold a B.S. degree in zoology from the University of Illinois and a lifetime certification in secondary science. My initial ceramic education was from St. Louis Community College. Through further ceramic training, I am skilled in the following disciplines: throwing for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students; glaze development; firing techniques including electric, gas, raku, and pit; hand-building for all levels; kiln troubleshooting, instruction, and repair. AIE Program I have two main areas of concern whether I am presenting a program oriented toward vessels, tile, sculpture, or site-specific sculpture. Concern one is that students have successful experiences working in clay, creating pieces that please them and are connected to an area of curriculum. It is important to display student work with care so they will be proud of the public recognition. In addition, because I often work with a collaborative learning model, student work may remain with the school and become a permanent part of the school’s facility. For example, large mosaic tiles of ceramic and concrete illustrating stories in their social studies text were made by fourth graders and were installed in the school cafeteria. They are now a part of the school’s material culture. The second area of concern is that students gain knowledge of the historical background of the form they create and the techniques they learn. In the mosaic example, I brought in many posters of mosaics or tile work. Some were from Samaria and Babylonia, others were from North Africa, still more were from Roman ruins in France and Italy, and from Byzantine Ravenna and Istanbul. For comparison, we also looked at the equally dazzling non-representational surfaces of mosques and the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. We discussed the uses of the works in the cultures that produced them, and we talked about the differences between overall visual perception and the sequencing of stories. We also discussed the cultures that forbid artistic expression and why that might happen. In this way, the students learned about the power of the visual arts in other cultures and the high value placed upon artistic expression. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: This will depend entirely on the program we arrange. | |
|
Nina Louton Crafts: Clay; Visual Arts Hot Springs, AR 501-767-5271 | 501-622-3100 ndlouton@hotmail.com |
|
Background Nina Louton received degrees in elementary education, art, and special education and taught 29 years. "I found art to be a gateway to higher level thinking; thus allowing academic improvement," states Louton. She has 30+ hours in pottery, and has attended many workshops in pottery, pastels, oils, and watercolor. Nina is a member of AEA/NEA retired, a member of the Arkansas Arts Center, and the Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs (FAC); The Artist’s Workshop and Willoughby House where she exhibits, the Traditional Artists' Guild (exhibits at Hot Springs Municipal Airport), and the Mid-Southern Watercolorist Society. Nina has been involved in the Hot Springs Art Blast; demonstrated and helped organize FAC's “Art on the Corner”. FAC's Diamond National Juried Exhibit was conceived, organized, and presented with Nina as chair for three years. She has presented art workshops and information to several area schools. Her Art by Nina studio is an FAC off-site facility where yearly "Wonderful Wednesdays" in Jan-Feb for home schoolers and Summer Art Camp during the last two weeks of June are conducted. She won top place in Oaklawn's century celebration exhibition, work was accepted at the Legacy’s “40 Women Over 40" and several Arkansas Arts Council’s “Small Works on Paper” touring exhibitions, and gained several seconds and thirds in juried exhibitions--the most recent was third place for pottery in the Traditional Art Guild juried exhibit. She did a watercolor for a book cover for a Missourian author, did illustrations for a children’s book, and is currently editing and illustrating a fantasy for teens. AIE Program Nina approaches any art form in an educational setting with a deep appreciation art and an appreciation and respect for the student. She introduces terminology and demonstrates to encourage a better understanding. Nina’s goals are to increase students’ knowledge and confidence of personal creativity, while increasing their knowledge of and ability to cope with the world around them. Students are expected to listen and follow instructions, manage their responsibilities in the classroom atmosphere, and go with their own creative ideas. The goals of Summer Art Camp is to present students a chance to work with professional materials of various mediums, be taught by professional artists, and exhibit (with a reception) at a professional gallery where they may choose to sell pieces of their work. The students attend three hours of class where they are working on three projects with three instructors. Projects are planned in various mediums with at least one new medium that wasn't used the previous summer for repeat students. They discuss the goal, vocabulary and steps necessary, practice, then do the final product. The program is designed to monitor and adjust to the needs of the children, ages 7-17. The small groups are chosen by age level. Last year's exhibit was amazing. The instructors are to keep everything positive; to take the children as far as talent and enjoyment allow to the edge of frustration, but not beyond. Preferred Age Level: Senior High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Worktables, kiln, clay, clay tools, potter's wheel, space with good lighting | |
|
Laura Phillips Crafts: clay; painting Roland, AR 501-773-9715 | 501-868-5827 phillips1341@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background As a young child I lived in Europe and Asia as well as the United States. My parents are artists so we visited many museums during our travels. As a college student I traveled to Japan for my junior year of college and saw many Japanese potters at work. I studied the tea ceremony and calligraphy. My life has always been filled with art and creativity. My family approached life with a DIY spirit. We painted walls, refinished furniture, sewed slipcovers, and ate from handmade dishes. Although I did not grow up with the plan to be an artist, while attending college I became interested in art and chose that area for my major. As a graduate student at Cranbrook Academy of Art, I focused on ceramics and studied with Jun Kaneko, a Japanese-born artist who studied art in the freewheeling atmosphere of sixties California. I learned from him that being an artist means working really hard and then working even harder. Teaching requires me to keep abreast of new work being produced in the ceramic world. Several years ago I attended a workshop with internationally known ceramic artist Ron Meyers. At this workshop I learned new throwing and glazing techniques. Currently I am teaching a course at the Arkansas Arts Center where I am presenting the information and ideas I learned at this workshop. AIE Program Students learn best when they are paying attention because they are interested in the subject matter and want to learn. As the teacher I am there to generate a positive, nurturing environment where students feel comfortable to explore and take risks. Students are encouraged to experiment while being respectful of the teacher and other students. In an ideal classroom situation, a sense of respectful play allows both mastering of technique and experimentation to take place. As a ceramic artist I am always eager to see what students produce and how they go about it, no matter what their age. Because the medium of ceramics involves a fair amount of technical information, I strive to present the material in a logical, easily understood way. Within that structure I encourage students to play and have fun! Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statwide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: A kiln would be needed if clay is part of the residency | |
|
Susan Sanders Crafts: Clay, Fiber, Paper, Mixed Media, Jewelry Taylor, AR 870-225-0661 artmomma@yahoo.com |
|
Background I have self-directed my creative education by attending various workshops nationally, studying instructional books written by experts and by hands-on experience. During the last ten years I have had the pleasure of working in several communities in Arkansas. The results of my residencies are either permanent pieces of artwork for display or artistic experiences the student will always remember. I have worked with students of all ages. I have taught throwing on the potters wheel, tile-making, hand building with clay, craving in clay, beading, sculpture, weaving, paper-making and drawing in classrooms. I have organized and hung student art exhibitions. I have presented workshops for teachers and individuals. In addition to my custom tile work, I am currently creating a series of “tile quilts” that will be exhibited around the state and on the internet. I am also developing a series of art lessons in a box that will be marketed nationally as “An Art Lesson from Grandma’s Playhouse.” The first lesson is called, “PAT PAT – Handmade Paper.” AIE Program I draw from my diverse artistic knowledge when designing my residencies to provide visual instruction of concepts being taught in an educational setting. At William Jefferson Clinton Primary School in Hope, the goal of my residency was to provide a creative writing experience. The school wanted a mural about Arkansas. First, the students created books in which to write about the daily process of the design and creation of the mural. After preparing the paper pulp for the book and designing a their tile, each student made an individual tile for the mural. They also wrote stories about making the paper pulp. The school now has a beautiful tile mural about Arkansas, and as a result, the students learned about using their imaginations while writing and creating their tiles. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
DANCE |
|
Lucy DuBose Dance: Modern Dance, Movement, Choreography Little Rock, AR 501- 661-1799 lucydubose@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background Lucy DuBose began dance training in ballet and tap dance when she was eight years old. These studies continued until high school graduation. Some years later, after receiving her M.A. in Early Childhood/Special Education at the George Washington University in Washington D.C., Lucy resumed dance studies in Austin, Texas, specializing in Modern Dance and Dance Therapy studies. It was then that Lucy began her studies with Barbara Mettler, which lasted for ten years. Mettler studied and taught with the renowned dance pioneer, Mary Wigham. Lucy has been influenced through intensive workshop studies with Bill Evans, Deborah Hay, Liz Lerman, Joan Skinner and Murray Louis. Lucy utilizes the concepts of Rudolph Laban as well as the Bartenieff Fundamentals in her approach to modern dance technique. In addition to modern dance, Lucy has studies African dance and since 1998 has danced regularly with Zinse Agginie and his African ensemble, Kilimanjaro. She is an active member of the International Association for Creative Dance, Dance and the CHILD International, the National Dance Education Organization and the American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Lucy recently performed with Kilimanjaro at the Arts in the Ozarks Theatre in Springdale, Arkansas and with the Highsteppers, a stilting group whose mission is to promote the art of movement and humanitarian causes, at the River Market District in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was a guest teacher at the International Association for Creative Dance in Austin, Texas, and received a Dance and the CHILD International Project Grant for 2001. Lucy traveled to Japan in July 2001 to study with Mako Okatake and Kazuo Kamizawa. In the fall, she will begin a dance program for ages 6-13 at the Billy Mitchell Boys and Girls Club, and she will teach modern dance at Hendrix College. AIE Program Lucy approaches dance as an art form that promotes physical, social, cognitive and affective growth in students. Each class is organized around a dance concept and each class follows a basic format: Warm-up; Exploring the Concept; Development of Skills; Creating Time; Cool Down. Students are encouraged to move, count, observe, listen, think, create, interact, cooperate and solve movement problems. The students are introduced to music from around the world and dance studies often involve the use of voice and percussion instruments. Lucy is trained in and uses a “multiple intelligence” approach to teaching dance and movement. This approach involves the body, the mind, the feelings, and the social and intuitive dimensions of the individual in the learning process. The skills involved in dance are skills that a child can use throughout his or her life. And, dance is FUN! Teachers are encouraged to participate and to learn movement concepts and activities they can use in their classrooms. Research is showing us that movement in the classroom can benefit children in the learning process. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: An open space | |
|
Rebecca Hahn Dance: general Eureka Springs, AR 479-244-5114 removement77@cox.net |
|
Background Rebecca received a Masters in Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy from UCLA in 1999, and currently holds an advance license in the American Dance Therapy Association. For the past five years, Rebecca has been working primarily with severely emotionally disturbed populations in the Los Angeles area as a dance/movement therapist. She also has continued to work with at-risk youth creating dynamic and therapeutic dance and theater projects. After receiving her B.A. in performance from Purdue University, Rebecca spent several years working with outreach theater organizations, discovering that the process is much more important than the product when working with at-risk and emotionally disturbed populations. She has worked with outreach theater and dance companies in the Midwest and the West coast, taught drama and dance at an alternative school in the Ozark Mountains, and worked with the school system in Sun Valley, Idaho, on a federal grant as an outreach counselor. In the past, rebecca has founded two theater companies, performed and worked as a dancer and actress, and was a member of the Screen Actors Guild while residing in Los Angeles. Rebecca is currently preparing to teach a two-week dance workshop for the Lane House in Eureka Springs and a women’s workshop focusing on the use of authentic movement to access creativity and increase sense of self. Rebecca also teaches workshops in yoga, movement, and expressive arts interventions. AIE Program Whether the residency is focusing on dance, theater, or a combination, the students and teachers will be afforded a rich and creative experience. Founded in the belief that the expressive arts foster positive growth and healing both communally and individually, the residency will focus on the express needs of the community and the individuals it will be serving. The beauty of dance is that the material is spontaneous and infinite. When working with a group of students, I focus on the use of creative movement as an avenue for healing and accessing one’s creativity. Warm-ups, development of skill-level, and spontaneous creation will be assisted by specific lesson plans and themes, but the movement will be generated from within the dancers. The way in which I work is directly related to the developmental needs of the population. No previous experience in dance or creative movement is necessary. The goal of the residency is to allow students greater access to their core self. Through the use of movement, students will learn body awareness and coordination, learn to manage stress and release tension, increase their knowledge of dance, learn cooperation through partnering exercises, and increase self-esteem. At times the dance techniques will be combined with drama, music, and visual art to enhance the learning process. Goals will be defined for each dance session throughout the duration of the activities. Progress will be documented at the close of each session. The composition of the lesson plan lends itself to incredible flexibility. It is appropriate for any age or developmental level and is effective for one day or for five months. Short-term residencies focus more on improvisation than technique in order to access one’s core and create a sense of accomplishment. For longer term residencies, I would build on previous lessons in order to allow for greater mastery. At the end of all residencies, there is a beautiful body of work created. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide, preferrable in the NW Arkansas area Time Availability: Open | |
|
Catherine Bays Kyle Dance: Ballet, Modern, Choreography; creative movement Rogers, AR 479-644-9642 rickkyle@swbell.net www.classicalballetacademy.net |
|
Background Catherine Bays Kyle began ballet training in her native state of Louisiana studying with several teachers and in intensive summer courses. After moving to Little Rock, she continued dancing with Cater and Lorraine Cranford (Little Rock Civic Ballet), Manolo Agullo (Arkansas Arts Center), Maureen Midgen, Peter Fairweather, William Martin-Viscount of the Southwest Ballet Center, and Ballet West-Aspen. After receiving a degree in English from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1983, Catherine returned to Little Rock to resume dancing professionally with Ballet Arkansas as a soloist from 1985 to 1989. She had featured roles in many ballets including The Nutcracker, Giselle, Les Sylphides, Graduation Ball, Firebird, Koya Jovan, and Weisburg Suite. Catherine and her family relocated to Jonesboro in 1994. She taught ballet and pointe for Center Stage Dance Studio and began her association with the Foundation of Arts. She started the after school dance program in conjunction with the FOA and began directing annual productions of The Nutcracker. In 1997, she established the Jonesboro City Ballet Company, serving as director. In 1999, she was selected as a dance artist on the Arkansas Arts Council’s Arts in Education Artist Roster. After returning to NW Arkansas in 1999, Catherine taught ballet for Rhythm and Shoes Studio. In December 2001, Catherine directed and choreographed the first Nutcracker for the Rogers Little Theater consisting of a cast of 130 students. She implemented school time performances preceded by in-school visits and lectures about ballet and dance history. Currently, Catherine teachers and directs her studio, Classical Ballet Academy of NW Arkansas, a nonprofit organization, which is able to offer scholarships to area students as well as provide classical ballet training in a safe and caring environment. In March 2002, Catherine completed the audition and examination process for entrance in the Royal Academy of Dance Teacher’s Certification program that involved three years of training and study. In August 2004, Catherine attended the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Teachers Program. In June 2007, she attended the Vaganova Teacher’s Seminar with John White of Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet. In June 2008, Catherine attended the ABT National Curriculum Teacher Certification training. Catherine directs Classical Youth Ballet Company which attends the Youth America Grand Prix Regional with students qualifying and attending the New York Finals. Classical Youth Ballet annually presents the Nutcracker and their annual spring performance hosting professional guest artists in classical and neo-classical works. The company also provides educational outreach for area schools and libraries. AIE Program My approach to appreciating dance as an art form is developed through creating, performing and viewing. Dance training enhances every aspect of the dancer’s life by instilling grace, strength and self-esteem. My goal during a residency allows children to experience lyricism and movement and begin to feel comfortable expressing their ideas without words, either to music or in silence. A student does not need to become a professional dancer to feel proud of their physical and intellectual achievements after studying dance. In preparation for a residency, I carefully consider skill development levels, age appropriateness, as well as individual or class interests. Because arts education is for lifelong learning, dance, stage experience, visual arts and music should be enmeshed in the school’s curriculum. For the past 5 years, I have been involved in a wonderful residency at a private school in my area. A different country is chosen each year for the students to learn about the culture, daily life and history in their regular school curriculum. Part of the cultural study is of course the dance and musical influences of this country that I have been able to coordinate and teach through the P.E. classes. The exciting culmination for the students is the actual World Experience Day that includes actual displays of the home, school, play, food and entertainment of the particular county. The children have learned dances and are able to perform at the evening celebration in costume. We have studied the dances of Mexico, Italy, Ireland, South Africa and China. I am so thrilled to see the children learning and trying the steps that are particular to each country. They truly begin to “learn” about the country through dance, music, food and games after hearing about the country for an entire school year! Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Northwest Arkansas Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Open space for movement. | |
|
Sue Schroeder Dance: Modern Decatur, GA 404- 373-4154 sues@severaldancerscore.org |
|
Background As a contemporary choreographer, Sue Schroeder, Artistic and Executive Director of Several Dancers Core, focuses on the creative process and the exploration of new inspirations for the creation of dance. She holds a B.A. from the University of Houston and received her M.F.A. in Theater Arts with a dance concentration from the University of Arizona at Tuscon in 1994. Educated under dance greats Bill Evans, Hanya Holm, Oliver Kostock and John M. Wilson, among others, Schroeder has additional experience in the extended studies of Body-Mind Centering, Contact Improvisation, Modern Dance and Composition. A recipient of the Haldeman Award for merit and the Cultural Multiplicators from Foreign Countries Award from the Goethe Institute – Munich, Schroeder has secured numerous grants and fellowships from organizations such as Alternate ROOTS, the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs, the Georgia Council for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County, and the national Endowment for the Arts Dance USA. Schroeder’s dynamic energy is evident in all aspects of her varied interests: commitment to education, multi-disciplinary projects, performance in works by other artists, choreographic commissions, television/film production, the repertory touring of her choreography and professional service in many arts organizations around the country. During the 25th Anniversary season of Several Dancers Core, CORE Performance Company, premiered “Messiah,” a piece that involved live music collaborations with Mercury Baroque Ensemble. CORE Performance Company offered their unique style of dance to the interpretation of this major work and in doing so will make it intimate and personal for new audiences. Ms. Schroeder received the 2001 Arts Professional Abby Award. Schroeder is a founder and member of the steering committee of the Teacher Training Institute, a training program established to develop the most qualified instructors in the region to teach dance and kinetic learning in a variety of community enrichment programs. AIE Program Sue Schroeder’s AIE program is discipline-based arts education that integrates various other academic areas into arts education. Schroeder’s dance workshops introduce the concept of dance, present the basic principles of movement, explore the movement potential of the body, emphasize individual creativity, and/or work with specific curriculum goals. One such project, “Moving Through Verbs and Adverbs,” connects the usage and understanding of words for participants by exploring both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication. “Moving Orations” is a lecture/demonstration presentation designed to introduce students to the art of contemporary dance using tie-ins with Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Math. CORE will present excerpts from our current repertory including sections from Messiah, America! Question, Aria for an Endangered Species, and Corazon , exploring Mexican Maya culture. All workshops foster an awareness of the body and its movement potential as a tool for expression Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Available September through May. Special Needs: Large open area and a CD player. | |
|
Ana Lilia Suffle' Dance: Ethnic/Jazz, Modern, Choreography El Paso, TX 915- 496-8200 | 915- 494-8344 asffle'@epsid.org |
|
Background I have a B.A. in Physical Education and Dance and an M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso. I have attended numerous dance workshops throughout the country, but since 1981, I have made Bill Evans my mentor. His philosophy on the mind-body connection has been instrumental in developing my teaching strategies. My professional affiliation has been with the International Dance Theatre, a local dance company that encourages continuous learning as well as providing dance opportunities at a professional level. Presently, I devote my time to developing a strong dance program at my school. AIE Program I strongly believe in providing any student that wants to learn to dance the opportunity to do so. I provide an environment where students are offered performing opportunities that develop self-worth and confidence. In working with the residency program, my goal would be to share the knowledge and experience that I have gained over the years. The students will take with them an experience that will feed their curiosity about the diversity of dance and instill a foundation of the knowledge of dance principles. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: mid-December; March spring break; late May Special Needs: CD player or sound system. | |
|
KouaKou Yao/Afrique Aya Dance Company Dance: ethnic/jazz/folk Eureka Springs, AR 479-244-5425 | 479-363-9373 afriqueaya@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background Yao Angelo, director and founder of Afrique Aya Dance Company offers multi-level workshops and residencies with elementary to college-age students. Yao is from Ivory Coast, West Africa where he has toured with Ensemble Koteba and other international companies. In 1997, Yao came to the United States with Ralph Lemon to work with Yale Repertory Theatre. In 1999, Yao began Afrique Aya Dance Company in Burlington, VT. The group traveled the East coast working in schools with students of all ages. In 2002, Yao moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas where he now teaches weekly dance and drum classes to the community as well as in residencies in schools and universities. AIE Program Yao Angelo, director and founder of Afrique Aya Dance Company offers multi-level workshops and residencies with elementary to college-age students. Yao is from Ivory Coast, West Africa where he has toured with Ensemble Koteba and other international companies. In 1997, Yao came to the United States with Ralph Lemon to work with Yale Repertory Theatre. In 1999, Yao began Afrique Aya Dance Company in Burlington, VT. The group traveled the East coast working in schools with students of all ages. In 2002, Yao moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas where he now teaches weekly dance and drum classes to the community as well as in residencies in schools and universities. Yao sees his work in the educational setting as valuable on many levels. Yao introduces students ot the culture an social surroundings that feeds the dance and music of Ivory Coast, West Africa. He brings the energy and community spirit that has been integrated in West African dance and music and develops workshops that will support the teacher’s curriculum or enhance a school program, while helping to create community spirit within the school or classroom. With younger students, it offers a physical experience of abstract concepts. It also gives them a sense of discipline and structured movement, which requires their full energy and body awareness. With older students, it offers a chance to experiment with elements of dance and rhythm, and increases self-confidence and appreciation of their physical attributes and capabilities. With all levels, Yao introduces vocabulary of the music, instruments, and dance. He includes time for discussions of cultural, geographical, historical, and social topics. He encourages questions that can personalize these discussions to each group, and he can also talk about his own learning path in this field. Yao and his dance company (Afrique Aya) draw from a diverse base of knowledge within the group to present workshops and residencies that are meaningful, sequential, and unforgettable. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Smooth floor for dancing. Chairs for drummers. | |
|
FOLK ARTS |
|
Lynnie Mirvis Folk Arts: Storytelling Memphis, TN 901-485-9841 | 901-767-3848 lynnie_mirvis@msn.com |
|
Background Lynnie Mirvis is a storyteller, teaching artist, writer, and educator who performs Jewish and multi-cultural folktales and stories for all ages. She has performed in festivals, schools, libraries, assisted living and nursing homes, hospitals, and museums throughout Memphis as well as in New York City and Israel. She is host of Germantown Cable TV’s award-winning Story Time Show and is also the Storyteller in Residence at Pinocchio’s Bookstore in Memphis. Lynnie received her B.A. in Education from Stern College of Yeshiva University and an M.S. in Library Science from the University of Memphis. Lynnie is a member of Yarn Spinners of Memphis and the National Storytelling Network. AIE Program Celebrating Stories! Celebrate stories with Lynnie as she creates excitement for folktales. Experience language, movement, puppetry, and the visual arts to make stories come alive! Through her high energy and animated tellings, Lynnie transports students into the magical world of the imagination and the oral traditions of world cultures. Students participate by experiencing a variety of theater games – learning how to use their voices, feelings, and gestures to create characters and story. Working with the teacher and students, Lynnie guides students to create, tell, and perform their own stories, so that they gain a greater respect for each other and greater confidence in their own abilities. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Good acoustics; a space to make a circle; butcher paper | |
|
Gwendolyn Twillie, Ph.D. Folk Arts: Dance, Music, Theatre, Storytelling Little Rock, AR 501- 225-1595 twillie01@aol.com |
|
Background Prior to retirement, Dr Twillie was employed in the public schools of Arkansas and at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. During her twenty-four-year tenure at UALR (ten of which she served as Chair of the Theatre and Dance Department), Modern Dance, Movement Education, and Pantomime were among the courses she taught. She has told stories and presented workshops on movement activities for children, creative rhythmic movement, modern dance, mime and storytelling in school districts across the state. AIE Program There is absolutely nothing wrong with telling stories for entertainment. I love telling stories to groups and developing group activities related to the performance, however, much more can be done with storytelling. The extent to which a teacher uses storytelling is only limited by background and creativity. Storytelling should be integrated across the curriculum, from kindergarten to senior high school. There are a number of activities, related to all subjects within the curriculum, that the storyteller or teacher may use. Through stories, a country’s costumes, laws, customs, morals, or other aspects of its culture may be highlighted. Storytelling linked to other academic subjects offers an abundance of learning opportunities, especially in English, creative writing, literature, as well as in drama, visual arts or dance. It can provide a meaningful context for learning and can be tailored to fit either large or small group presentations. AIE residency program goal: to organize a youth storytelling guild. Outcomes: to introduce children to the art of storytelling for their own enjoyment and for the entertainment of others; to motivate the children to read and to use the resources of the library; to nurture creative imagination; to teach children the techniques of learning and telling stories; to build appreciation of cultural differences and similarities. Day 1: tell selected stories to the class and discuss the value of storytelling; Day 2: continue storytelling and include tips for choosing stories; Day 3: visit a library and allow students the opportunity to select stories for telling; Day 4: prepare students for storytelling by discussing the meaning and importance of articulation through a series of speaking exercises; Day 5: review speaking exercises and have students review selected stories; Day 6: prepare for presentations and commit stories to memory; Day 7: practice stories; Day 8: Students tell their stories to small groups and stories are critiqued. Through this process, students can develop a more positive self-image and can increase their skills in communicating thoughts and feelings. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
INTERDISCIPLINARY |
|
Shawn Adair Interdisciplinary: Visual Arts, Media Arts Van Buren, AR 479- 461-7944 | 479-471-7134 seasaw28@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background Shawn Adair is a formally trained artist with a B.A. in Studio Art from Oral Roberts University and an M.F.A. in Sculpture from the University of Arkansas. He is the recipient of an Arkansas Arts Council Individual Fellowship and an award in sculpture from the International Sculpture Center. Mr. Adair has lectured and given workshops about art, including teaching the subject and the process of making art at universities, public schools, and art centers. Mr. Adair is an active supporter of art and has served on the board of various art centers in the region. He has conducted AIE residencies and mini-grants in Van Buren, Cedarville, and Greenwood School Districts, as well as Christ The King Catholic School. Mr. Adair is actively involved in making and exhibiting art. He is also a video maker; he has various projects in production and under development. Mr. Adair lives in Van Buren, Arkansas, with his lovely wife, Sara, his two boys, Sam and Joshua, and his little girl Maggie Jean. His studio is there as well. AIE Program I approach the classroom eager to generate excitement about artistic exploration and development. Thoroughly accessing the needs of students and teachers and then carefully meeting those needs create a successful residency. My most recent school visit is an example of this. Meeting with administrators and teachers, we established direction and goals for a school district that had little art education for students below the eighth grade. We decided to target the kindergarten, first, second, fifth and sixth grades, each class lasting thirty-five to sixty minutes depending on the grade level. Students were introduced to the history of a particular artist his or her culture, along with the concepts associated with basic artistic principles. Students then applied what they learned by creating a project based on the lessons learned. They began to develop appreciation, knowledge of principles and technical skill, and were captivated because the lessons were lively and interesting. By demonstration they were inspired. At the conclusion of the residency, lesson plans were provided to participating teachers. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
Judith Dierkes Interdisciplinary: Visual arts: experiemntal, graphics, painting; Crafts: fiber, paper; Performance art Memphis, TN 901-761-7383 jabdart@aol.com |
|
Background With a B.F.A. and an M.S. from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Judith Dierkes has continued to update her education with studies abroad, and classes at the Tennessee Arts Academy, the Getty Foundation Southeast Center, the Lincoln Center and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. She is a professional member of the Studio Art Quilt Associates, an international organization that promotes the art of quilting. Her work is permanently installed in the Knoxville Airport concourse, and five of her quilted sky paintings are included in “Flight Patterns” at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Judith enjoys the solitude of her own artistic process as well as collaborating with students as an artist-in-residence. AIE Program Story Quilts: This residency can be customized for a five, ten or twenty day period. Students will be introduced to the African American artist Faith Ringgold’s story quilts. The historical use of story in quilt-making will be explored in the Underground Railroad, the Women’s Movement and personal family histories. The possibilities of stories for these quilts are endless. In the finished quilt, students will see their individual work in relation to the whole project, and hopefully themselves, as an important part of the class. Basic Outline: Writing the story: A story is written as a group. Research may be necessary prior to the writing of the final draft. Each child writes a story and draws a picture to go with the story. Writers and illustrators are then chosen. Designing the Quilt: The group designs a quilt after reviewing the designs of Faith Ringgold. Creating the Fabric: The class is divided into three groups - writers, illustrators and creators of the border fabric. Making the Quilt: Students organize the pieces according to their design and sew them together. For shorter residencies, I sew the pieces on a machine while the students watch. Quilting: A batting and backing is added to the pieced top. Each residency is customized to fit the needs of the school or organization. The community can be involved by asking a local quilt group to quilt the final product in the cafeteria for the entire school to observe. The quilt can be displayed at the school or donated to be displayed elsewhere. Whatever the use of the final product, each participant has gained a sense of belonging to the group by participating in the process. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
LITERATURE |
|
John Brandi Literature: Poetry El Rito, NM 505- 581-0073 johnbrandi@cybermesa.com |
|
Background John Brandi graduated from California State University at Northridge in 1965, and began publishing his poetry while working in the Andes as a Peace Corp Volunteer. Since then, more than three dozen books of his poems, prose and haiku have been published in the U.S. and abroad. In 1979 he received a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship for Poetry. From 1973 to the present, state arts councils of Alaska, Arkansas, California, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and New York have awarded him teaching residencies. He has worked extensively with all ages, including at-risk students, incarcerated populations and nursing-home seniors. An ardent traveler, he has created dialogue and exchange with peoples of Asia, India, China, Mexico, Indonesia and Cuba. Painter as well as poet, John has exhibited his collages and mixed media paintings in galleries in Albuquerque, NM, Rochester, NY, and in Milwaukee, San Francisco, and Santa Fe. Working throughout the U.S., he has helped students write poetry, edit their writings into anthologies and give community readings. He has received three Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry grants, has served as a guide and lecturer for U.S. university students studying in Mexico, Bali and Java, and—with his wife, poet and aikido practitioner, Renee Gregorio—has conducted yearly poetry workshops at Northern New Mexico Community College. His books are listed on Amazon.com. AIE Program My residencies are custom-tailored to each group I work with. Participants need no previous knowledge of poetry. Each day I present handouts of ancient and modern poems from around the world. Topics inherent to the poems—dreams, memory, humor, the natural world, the surreal, the emotions associated with love, loss, and longing—are discussed. A clearly presented exercise follows. Students create poems within the class period using free form, villanelle, pantoum, haiku, and haibun forms. Photographs of impressionist and surreal art offer stimulus for writing, as do still-life objects, music and an array of scents to stimulate memories. Each day we read aloud our poems, talk about craft and begin a new exercise. Students develop an understanding of poetic forms; improve their communication and evaluating skills; develop self-confidence, gain appreciation for the natural world and our human role in it. Teachers will come away with many new creative-writing projects for the future! Preferred Age Level: Middle/Jr. High; Senior High Geographic Availability: Statewide Special Needs: None | |
|
Paula Martin Morell Literature: Fiction; Non-Fiction; Poetry; Creative Writing Little Rock, AR 501-372-7976 | 501-301-8196 pmorell@hotmail.com |
|
Background I earned my MFA in Creative Writing form the University of New Orleans, and have won regional, national, and international awards for my short stories and poetry. My work has appeared in publications such as Short Story Journal, New Works Review, Outsider Ink, The Double Reader Redux, The Little Rock Free Press, The Arkansas Women’s Journal, and Word Salad. In addition to teaching creative writing workshops and English classes for Saint Leo University, I have been featured three times as an emerging writer at the International Conference on the Short Story in English and am the cofounder and creative director of A Way With Words Writing Workshops (www.awaywithwords.org). My critically acclaimed first novel-in-stories, broken water (2004), is set in Little Rock. My second book, Invoking the Gifts (2005), is a creative writing workshop that is garnering national attention and being used in drug and alcohol treatment centers, high schools, youth groups, and art centers. AIE Program My focus is on using art, music, drawing, and other forms of expression along with writing to show students how to use both right and left brain modes when writing. Students will write a piece for each class (poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction) and will be encouraged to continue working on and developing these works after the course is over. Skills include learning how to use art to access deeper levels in writing; turning off and tuning out internal editors while creating; understanding the different phases of writing (creating/revision), the importance of each, and how to isolate each effectively; and sharing work with other classmates in a non-threatening environment to build confidence, develop oral communications, and to foster a sense of a writing community. Neither students nor teachers need any background in writing or art. Preferred Age Level: Elementary; Middle/Jr. High;Sr. High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Writing supplies, crayons/colored pencils, poster board, glue | |
|
Oda B. Mulloy Literature: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Creative Writing, Storytelling Fayetteville, AR 479-521-4279 oda_mulloy@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background I was born in Hamburg, Germany and was sent at the age of six, to a boarding school in Holland where I spoke German, Dutch and English. After coming to America, I graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and worked as a bacteriologist. During this time, I was active in the “Great Books” program that took me to grade schools as well as high schools. I loved it and was asked to teach English and American Literature in a private school in Philadelphia. I stressed the importance of writing as a toll for self-realization and self-expression. After moving to Arkansas, I did more laboratory work and took a master’s degree in natural sciences from the University of Arkansas. I volunteered at the Shiloh Museum as a tour guide and lecturer. I also took creative writing classes to write rememberances in the form of short stories. Since I grew up during World War II, I wanted to leave my sons with first-hand impressions of those years. I have spoken in schools and have written about the effects of war on civilians and the shortages brought on by war. I have read my stories on K.U.A.F. Radio in Fayetteville since 1993. I am also a member of “Tellers of Tales,” an organization that keeps the art of storytelling alive. I have entertained a variety of audiences with traditional folk tales and stories of my own. My background in science has furthered my creativity, my interest in detail and my admiration for the beauty of this world. AIE Program As a member of “Tellers of Tales,” I tell stories to children of all ages. My stories vary as to age and setting of the audience. I encourage listeners to tell their own stories, which may be invented or traditional, focusing on dramatic expression and vocabulary. I show the importance of writing as well as the mechanics. I encourage discussion about how to get ideas and how to inspire enthusiasm. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Northwest Arkansas Time Availability: Open | |
|
Poets in the Streets Literature: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, creative writing Little Rock, AR 501-541-0681 poetsinthestreets@gmail.com |
|
Background Poets in the Streets began as little more than an idea three years ago and just last year received its not-for-profit status from the state of Arkansas. The idea, and truly, the goal of the organization is to bring a passionate and interactive approach to literature for the public schools, and especially its students, as the financial need of our schools grows dire. Aware of this, Poets in the Streets has often done much of the work for free, focusing on getting students excited about literature and poetry. Our members come from a diverse background, coming from such cities as Chicago and New Orleans, as well as Conway, Little Rock, and Fayetteville. They provide a unique perspective to the classroom as they perform their own poetry. All members are creative writers, whether poets, novelists, or fiction writers. We also perform at other venues such as festivals and galleries. The three principals are Kimberly "Krysis" Vowell" John "Nare Diata" Smith, and Amoja "The Mo-Man" Sumler. AIE Program At the heart of a poet is brilliance and pain, psyches that have experienced life and embraced a wisdom that instills the foresight to capture this raw emotion into diction. By any measure it is a gift. No gift is free. What good is this mastery of meter, if not metered out for the betterment of humankind? As such, it is the aim of Poets in The Streets to use our written and spoken words for education and healing. Young minds still daring to dream, failing bodies with fighting spirits -- this is the audience thirsting most to find passion, deliberateness, a reason to believe. The power of creative thought, the inspiration spawned by the simple statement of "What if?"-- These concepts drive us in our youth and then are brutally repressed until nearness of journey's end. Poets must never stop this, the chronicling of each and every era. Where would our culture be without Longfellow's musings, Shakespeare’s wit, Poe's dance with darkness, Keats' word painting or Hughes'soft humor (even in the face of outrageous racial tensions)? These souls suffered yet shared the essence of who they were by writing what they witnessed. Poetry is taught in school systems yes, the words brought out, but how dynamic is the delivery, how deep do you delve into the metaphor, the alliteration, the double entendre? Poetry must always remain poetic. We can examine written poetry, help to interpret classical literature, or demonstrate the power of modern performance poetry. Although we can create courseware for any age group, our core mission aims to enhance literacy primarily among high school and college students. Poets in the Streets was formed with the goal of putting our poets in high schools, universities, and in after-school programs for younger students to keep this interest of words flourishing and fearless. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Writing supplies; dry erase board; CD or cassette player | |
|
W. Clayton Scott Literature: Poetry Fayetteville, AR 479-414-5116 poetrymovement@juno.com |
|
Background Clayton Scott is the Poet Laureate of Fayetteville, Arkansas. He has an MFA in Writing and a B.S. in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and went on to teach school. For the last five years he had dedicated his efforts to help students across Arkansas heighten their skills in writing and speaking. AIE Program Improve students’ “style” in writing and help them to learn how to be better all-around communicators – those are the primary goals of Clayton’s presentation. Through energetic and innovative teaching approaches, he inspires students in creative writing by using poetry as the vehicle. Students get excited about writing, teachers are encouraged and feel that the required Arkansas Frameworks have been taught, and principals are pleased that an artist has helped his or her teachers and students. Oh, and when you have Clayton at your school, get ready for a movement through Slam Poetry. Many schools are making it an all school annual event!! “One of the most inspirational presentations seen in my 33 years of teaching. He brought poetry alive for the whole school.” Carolyn Tarver, English teacher, Greenwood High School “An extraordinary talent with the ability to capture the attention of all levels of students.” Jerry Valentine, Principal, Alma High School Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Student literature books, writing supplies, scrap paper, marker board, overhead projector | |
|
MEDIA ARTS |
|
Tom Hansell Media Arts: video and audio Creston, NC 606-633-1968 | 828-262-7730 thansell@appalshop.org www.appalshop.org |
|
Background Tom Hansell is a documentary filmmaker based at Appalshop, a media arts center located in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Hansell has 14 years experience working with mountain communities to produce media about Appalachian culture and issues, producing award-winning radio series and public television programs. His work has screened at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and in film festivals internationally. Hansell graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. AIE Program Hansell’s educational residencies focus on community-based filmmaking. These highly interactive workshops provide middle and high school students hands-on experience with interviewing and using pictures to tell a story. Students will work in small groups on team projects. The workshop will be scaled to accommodate whatever level of audio video equipment is in the classroom. Students and teachers with knowledge of audio video equipment and techniques gain leadership experience assisting with the workshops. If equipment is available, students will complete a short community-based documentary during the workshop. Preferred Age Level: Middle/Jr. High; Sr. High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: May - August Special Needs: Audio/Visual screening equipment to match residency work (TV set or video projector, CD player, with speakers) Optional: video camera and editing equipment (preferred, but not necessary) | |
|
Michad Holliday Media Arts: film and video Searcy, AR 501-682-4174 | 501-786-7335 michadholliday@hotmail.com |
|
Background Michad Holliday was born and raised in Memphis, TN to Ruby Nell and Bobby Holliday. In high school, Michad excelled in academics and athletics. He earned a full athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1998. After lettering his freshman year in football at Pine Bluff, Michad transferred to Harding University. It was here that he first picked up the camera. Michad graduated Harding University in 2003 with his Master’s in Education and his B.A. in Mass Communication. Michad immediately went to work at Fox 16 news as a photojournalist. After three years in the world of news, he left for public television. He is now working at AETN (Arkansas Educational Television Network) as a production specialist. At AETN Michad is privileged to work on many shows including: Exploring Arkansas with Chuck Dovish, Arkansas Outdoors, Arkansas Week, Men and Women of Distinction, etc… Michad debuted his firs independent documentary “Street Stories” at the Ozark Foothills Film Festival in 2008. He is now currently working on his second independent documentary entitled: “Islam in Arkansas.” He also teaches film at the T-Tauri Film Camp during the summer. The award wining photographer Michad married his Jr. High school sweetheart, Priscilla Holliday in August of 2001. They have four beautiful kids together. Michad’s other credits include: Immigration in Arkansas, Troubled Water, and National Parks. AIE Program Overall Goals for the workshop -Students increase skills in video production, including: Storytelling, writing skills and techniques to organize their thoughts. -Students increase technical skills through using the camera, sound, and editing equipment. -Students increase their ability to work as a team. -Students increase their understanding of what a community is and their role in their communities. Day by Day breakout Day one: What is community based filmmaking? Students discuss such basic concepts as what is a documentary, what is community, engage in conversation about how their community supports them and things they do to support their community. Morning activities: Introductions of students and faculty Overview of goals and schedule for the week. Definition of community Definition of documentary Basic camera exercise. Students break into groups of four and learn crew postions. Afternoon activities Handout Basic Video Terms View morning camera exercise Preferred Age Level: Elementary; middle/Jr high/senior high Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: To be discussed with program sponsor. | |
|
Juli Jackson Media Arts: film; video; computer technology Paragould, AR 818-212-7255 | 870-573-6682 contact@julijackson.com |
|
Background Originally a native of Paragould, Arkansas, I graduated from Philadelphia's University of the Arts with a BFA in Film & Video in 2005. My post-collegiate career began that summer with an opportunity to act as Director of Photography for an independent feature film “Beat the Air” shot in Philadelphia. The film enjoyed a lengthy festival run including screenings in La Paz, Mexico and Mumbai, India and is currently being distributed in New Zealand and Australia. After a 3-year stay in Los Angeles, where I contributed lighting design and camerawork on numerous projects including feature films, commercials, documentaries, short films, animations, and more, I returned once again to Philadelphia to create the independent dark comedy feature, “God’s Country” which will be touring the festival circuit in late 2009. Currently I have relocated to my hometown in Arkansas to start a production company and begin researching and funding independent films. AIE Program _My focus for an Arts in Education program would be an introduction to the process of filmmaking. Students learn how to express their own ideas using images, sounds, and editing. The program would allow all individuals to have an engaging hands-on experience developing an original short film, learning the basics of camera, lighting, and sound equipment, shooting and editing their story, and screening the finished piece to see their results. Through each step, students gain valuable knowledge to create in an exciting medium, discover their creative strengths, benefit from critical problem solving and teamwork skills, as well as understand the importance of organization and communication. Preferred Age Level: Senior High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open except July 15th - August 15th Special Needs: Camera, computers, creativity | |
|
Michael Merritt Media Arts: film, audio, video, computer technology Little Rock, AR 501-952-8358 arkietechs@gmail.com |
|
Background I received my degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, I published my second book of essays, stories, and poems entitled Coalescence. A year later, I moved to New York and went to the New York Film Academy. “Light Lies,” the first of a trilogy of black and white 16mm/MiniDV/8mm shorts, written, directed, and produced by Knowstrings, Inc., my production company, is currently touring the festival and television circuits. I am currently in production of the third short and editing a several documentaries. AIE Program My Arts in Education program would consist of an overview of the independent movie making process. With the aid of camcorders, lights, and a computer, the goal of the group would be to explore expressing their ideas and emotions as filmmakers. The residency would be divided into phases. The students would write, shoot, and edit a short film. Throughout the residency, we would discuss how communication, cooperation, organization, problem-solving, preparation, time management, and responsibility play major roles in our field. Preferred Age Level: Sr. High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open except July 15-31 Special Needs: Each group will need lights, camera, computers, and a desire to learn. | |
|
Nicki Newburger Media Arts: film; video; audio Memphis, TN 901-270-1195 nicki_newburger@yahoo.com |
|
Background Nicki Newburger has fifteen years experience in film & video production, contributing to feature films, documentaries, and commercials for exhibition or broadcast in the US and internationally. A native of Memphis, she’s collaborated on films shown locally at the Brooks Museum, the Zoo, and the Indie Memphis Film Festival. She is an independent videographer, producing videos for non-profits, corporate clients, and individuals. A Video Instructor/Teaching Artist in Memphis City Schools since 2003, she creates music videos with students in a program initiated with Opera Memphis. She also taught this process with schools in West Memphis, Arkansas. She started a co-educational Film & Video Program at a private college preparatory school, Hutchison School for Girls, in conjunction with Memphis University School for Boys, in 2005. She also facilitates a documentary program for high school students at Lyon College with the TTauri Film Festival in the Ozarks. Nicki received her B.A. in Humanities & Fine Art at the University of California, Berkeley where she integrated Film & Art History with Visual Anthropology in an interdisciplinary Cultural Studies & Communication program. She first made videos with youth in Berkeley in 1990. AIE Program Nicki’s approach to making short videos with young people, whether fiction or non-fiction, is to provide a clear structure and framework of steps while leaving room for adapting to what is personally relevant to the group. Content will be in part self-selected by participants so that it is meaningful to them, while it can also be thematically custom-tailored to the standards taught in the classroom. Bridging material familiar to students and expanding on it in a new dynamic form with dramatic visual storytelling elements is an engaging way to synthesize a message for an audience. Students will learn a fundamental filmmaking process: how to operate a camera, pre-visualizing a concept to be shot, preparing a script and storyboard, collaborating as cast and crew in teams, and then, to assemble all elements together to create a final product. Preferred Age Level: Allages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open summertime and weekends; September-November; February-April Special Needs: Please discuss equipment needs with the artist prior to the residency program. | |
|
Wes Obrigewitsch Media Arts: video; graphic art - illustration; graphic design Batesville, AR 870-698-2311 x 2562 | 870-834-9899 swesso@gmail.com |
|
Background Wes Obrigewitsch was raised in British Columbia, Canada. He received a diploma in Graphic Design from Okanagan University College in 1989 and a diploma in Digital Art and Design from Cariboo College, in 1991. He Moved to Vancouver in 1992 and work for BCTV doing broadcast news and later to Gastown Post and Transfer doing post production graphic effects for shows like highlander and MacGyver and commercials. He was a member of the Vancouver film festival and Animation society, meeting his wife he moved to Calgary and was a board member of the Calgary Quickdraw animation society. He moved to Batesville in 1999 and has worked as a graphic/video/web designer and been a Ozark Film Fest board member for 2 years. He works on many independent films with his two children whom both have been active in the T Tauri workshops. AIE Program My educational focus would be on animation; a brief history, animation techniques and mediums, and focusing on hand drawn animation. The workshops would be designed to help students acquire the initial skills needed to take steps towards expressing their ideas and feelings through the medium of animation. We will start by creating simple animation devices devised before the invention of film, a simple project using squish and squash techniques to show how secondary motions gives the illusion of life, Then finishing with a group project and present it in a final screening at the end of the workshop. Preferred Age Level: Elementary/middle high; senior high Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Weekends Special Needs: Video monitor/TV DVD paper, pencils digital video camera/scanner Mac/PC station access to internet | |
|
Will O'Loughlen Media Arts: audio and video Los Angeles, CA 310-975-4211 woloughlen@gmail.com |
|
Background Will O’Loughlen was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1967. He completed his undergraduate degree in Communications at the University of Memphis in 1997. O’Loughlen resides in Los Angeles, California and currently works in marketing for Warner Bros Pictures International. He is the former film manager for Cartoon Network’s Platform International Animation Festival. As well as the former Director of the Indie Memphis Film Festival and the Founder and former Director of the Indie Memphis Micro Cinema Club, a free monthly screening event that features short films from around the world. Currently, he curates a quarterly Southern short films showcase in Los Angeles called: “Southern Exposure” featuring stories and storytelling from the American South. O’Loughlen is also a youth filmmaking educator and currently teaches at the T-Tauri Film Camp, the Echo Park Film Center, and Hollywood Arts. O’Loughlen has been an independent filmmaker since 1997. AIE Program O’Loughlen’s educational focus is on narrative and documentary filmmaking. These workshops are designed to train students of any age on film production techniques. These workshops will provide hands-on filmmaking opportunities, stimulate creativity, develop skills, and help students build confidence and leadership qualities. Students will learn proper digital video camera operation, editing techniques, and act as cast and crew in their own productions. Preferred Age Level: Sr. High; All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Television monitor/video projection system and VHS/DVD player. Any consumer digital video camera and Mac computers with video editing software such as I-movie or Final Cut Pro (optional) Various other film and television production equipment such as tripods, microphones, blank digital tape, portable light kits, headphones, various cords and cables (all optional) | |
|
Pell Osborn Media Arts: video; audio; animation Charlestown, MA 617-242-2228 | 617-242-1222 posborn@motionart.org |
|
Background Doing business as MotionArt since 1982, I have produced scores of projects for clients such as ABC News, WGBH-TV, American Airlines, Bose, Raytheon, Continental Cablevision, General Motors, Sears and Pollenex. A certificate holder in Web Design, I am a member of SIGGRAPH, the Special Interest Group in Computer Graphics. Currently, I design and produce animation for websites, broadcast TV and corporate clients. I also teach the LineStorm Animation introduction-to-animation curriculum programs I developed. These are hand-drawn, computer-assisted animation programs for schools, museums and community and corporate groups. The immediate goal of these programs is to turn participants into active creators, designers and critics of visual media, not just passive viewers. A long-range goal is to make the LineStorm Animation Digital FlipBook a national curriculum, resulting in higher media literacy and a deeper understanding of process. Eventually, local and national festivals will showcase student-produced LineStorm Animation projects. A Creative Teaching Partner with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, I hold a B.A. in French and Drama from Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio and an M.Ed in Middle School Education from Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1974-75, I attended Harvard University and fulfilled the requirements of the Visual and Environmental Studies course, "Animation: Moving Imagery That's Projected." "Piano Forte," my final film for the class, was an Official Selection at the 1975 New York City International Animation Festival. AIE Program Using animation as an engaging vehicle to teach a range of topics (from math and chemistry to geology and poetry) in schools, colleges and museums, I supervise groups of 12 to 35 members, ages 10 to adult. Students discuss the topic they will cover. Next, they break down the step-by-step process of animation to produce their own group project, usually several minutes in length, created in hand-rendered, computer-assisted animation. We use common materials at individual animation workstations, then encode artwork into an Apple G5 computer running Firewire proprietary software. The completed project is presented on DVD format. Participants in the LineStorm Animation program apply critical skills - math, problem-solving, teamwork, storytelling - to structure and produce their animated project. Connecting students with animation history and social issues, LineStorm helps students own what they’re doing. Once they understand that this is a project that all their peers will see, they invest themselves into it deeply, using all the skills they need to complete it well. The LineStorm Animation curriculum has worked successfully for a wide variety of youth populations - with inner-city Boys and Girls Clubs, Boston Public schools, and afterschool groups, and with more affluent students in college and museum education groups, suburban art centers, and home-school situations. The curriculum has delighted professionals at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum's Summer Design Institute and during M.I.T.'s Independent Activities period. LineStorm involves the organization – school, college or museum -- with its community’s needs and issues, by allowing participants to rediscover the thrill and fascination of animation. Preferred Age Level: Elementary; middle; senior high Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: TV plus DVD/VCR set-up; some assembly of equipment and specific computer needs will be required. Please discuss with artist prior to residency program. | |
|
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY |
|
Zinse Agginie Multi-Disciplinary: Folk/Ethnic; storytelling, dance, music, drumming Little Rock, AR 501-912-5807 zinsaggin@gmail.com |
|
Background 2008 Governor’s Award winner (AIE) Zinse, was born and partly educated in Ghana, W. Africa. He later moved to England where he studied Psychiatric Nursing and remained in that profession for many years. He is also a diploma graduate of the London School of Printing where he majored in Graphic Arts reproduction Technology. Zinse later moved to Arkansas where he has worked over the past decade as AIE artist. Zinse is also on the AIE roster of Utah and works there regularly as well as other states like OK, PA, VA WVA and TX. He has written and produced plays at high schools and colleges and is also a member of The Gathering, the AR African American Living history program. Zinse uses hand drums for his storytelling and also as a percussive symphony. Both the storytelling and rhythms can support areas of the curriculum –social studies, history, geography and even basic maths. AIE Program He continues to improve his storytelling and creative rhythm making using drums. Expect positive dynamics among your students as they realize and enjoy their own personal creative abilities. Zinse’s composition the Drum ballet has grown by leaps and bounds since the first public presentation at the opening of the WJ Clinton Presidential Library. Participants are absorbed by the challenging rhythms and cannot help but focus and concentrate as they improve their general coordination. The activities engage fundamental cognitive and problem solving skills, nurturing creative thinking. It is appreciating and learning music in a way that is different and unconventional. Participants have presented to a meeting of several state governors and continue to present at many dignitary functions. The drum ballet is included in ‘Class Acts,’ the 2006 national film documentary as one of the ten most effective arts programs in America’s schools. The Drum ballet was also the strongest catalyst the brought the ‘Coming Up Taller Award’ to Arkansas for the first time and only time so far. Schools in many states are requesting workshops and residencies. The Drum ballet has also become an effective tool in corporate team-building programs with high recommendations from corporations that have used Zinse. Zinse’s approach in the educational setting is designed to reduce competition and stress. Students learn to appreciate their own abilities, understanding that although everyone can learn anything, each person has his/her own pace and that the only requirement is to try and persist. Enthusiastic teachers are great assets to each workshop or residency The goal of each residency is to support areas of the school curricula previously discussed and planned with teachers or school. One recent successful residency was cooperating with another artist to compose percussion and choreograph a dance for recital by a college dance company. Elements of Zinse’s creative workshop have also been approved by the state education department as a professional development tool. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Adequate space to accommodate up to 30 participants. Chairs, good lighting, writing materials and a non-slippery floor are preferred. Other materials as needed. | |
|
Maribeth Anders Multi-Disciplinary: painting;sculpture;clay;glass;mixed media Little Rock, AR 501-812-2785 | 501-346-3363 maribethanders@gmail.com |
|
Background I began teaching children’s classes at the Arkansas Arts Center in 1986 while pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Upon finishing, I became employed part-time as an art teacher by the Jefferson Elementary PTA. This prompted me to get my teaching certification, and I went on to teach both junior high and high school. Most recently, I obtained my Master of Art degree from UALR and became employed in the higher education setting. Experiences in teaching both at the Arkansas Arts Center and in the Little Rock School District are evidence of my ability to be successful in an educational setting. At the Arts Center, I taught both children and adults, in a number of disciplines including drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, stained glass, and glass fusing. In the LRSD, I taught all grades, K-12. During my 4 years at Jefferson Elementary, lessons were planned with classroom teachers in a cross-curricular manner appropriate to each grade level. Instruction included Gifted and Talented and Special Education classes in addition to regular classes. Another 4 years was spent teaching junior high school art. The last 9 years of my tenure in the LRSD were spent teaching at Hall High School, where I built a 3-D Design (sculpture) program and participated in ESL, AP, and IB training. During the 2005 school year, I participated in a grant that combined Spanish Literature with printmaking. In the summer of 2007, I participated in the ESL Summer Institute, where I worked with students to combine historical photographic methods with digital and computer technology to create cyanotypes. These images were matted and displayed on campus. In fall 2008, my Art Design class created an artwork for their school community by combining their individual geometric designs painted on board into a quilt-like pattern. This artwork is currently on display near the entrance to the building. AIE Program My general approach to a workshop or residency situation is to listen closely to the needs of the client, then discuss options in order to decide what services might best suit those needs. To ensure both rigor and relevance, projects should tie into both state and national standards for Art Education and pertain to students’ lives in some way. Cross-curricular projects are encouraged to enhance student learning, allowing them to make connections between various disciplines. Participants are invited to contact me freely before the project date to make sure all concerns and are addressed. During the project, modifications and adjustments may be made to the process as needs arise. Post-project communication is also encouraged to continue the relationship between artist and client. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: June, July, weekends Special Needs: It will depend on the type of project and location. | |
|
Maria Botti-Villegas Multi-Disciplinary: Graphics, Painting, Sculpture, Dance, Music El Dorado, AR 870- 862-5474 | 870- 862-5557 marjo5646@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background Maria, a native of Argentina, holds a five-year professional degree in Drawing and Painting. Although trained and formed as a visual artist, she has a lot of experience with dancing and singing, two art forms that have been part of her culture since childhood. She came to the United States in 1991, and since 1993 she has been working as an AIE artist throughout Arkansas. She has also participated in numerous exhibitions and competitions in Arkansas and Louisiana. In El Dorado where she lives and has her studio, Maria is currently involved in The Art School of the South Arkansas Art Center, teaching visual art classes for grades K-6. She also works as a muralist. With her husband Jorge, she has designed and painted twenty murals in Arkansas and Louisiana. AIE Program An example of an week-long AIE residency is for twenty-four 5-6 graders that explores the concept of space from the third dimension into the fourth through a study of art history from the Renaissance to Modern Art, integrated with geometry. Maria introduces these concepts showing some of her work. Students will learn to apply the properties of geometric shapes and special sense to connect geometry with problem-solving situations. They will also discover a solution for representing space in their individual art works. Students will gain skills in drawing, painting and writing about their projects. The concept of the fourth dimension will open students to more abstract thinking. Preferred Age Level: Preschool-K; Elementary; Middle/Jr. High Geographic Availability: Statewide | |
|
Repha Buckman Multi-Disciplinary: General Theater, Directing, Puppet, Mask-Making, Playwriting, Poetry, Short Stories, Mixed Media Hope, AR 870- 777-8200 | 870- 777-5154 rephabuckman@yahoo.com |
|
Background Executive Director of Southwest Arkansas Arts Council since 1999, Repha has been an Artist-in-Education for thirty-four years. With a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in English Literature, she was a secondary teacher for nine years and joined the AIE program in Kansas in 1984. She has done residencies in Kansas, Nebraska, California, and Arkansas. She also designed training programs and trained staff in detention centers and youth shelters in Kansas for five years. Repha initiated and designed SWAAC’s After School/Summer arts programs, which won the President’s Committee for the Arts and Humanities 2006 Coming Up Taller Award. She often teaches classes in her fields of poetry, playwriting, theater, puppetry, and mask-making. In 2000, she won the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work with students and the community in Hope, and in 20065, was named Hope Business and Professional Woman of the year, again because of her work with at-risk children. Her philosophy is, “We never know where the ripples will stop. In a time when we, as a culture, spend more on incarceration of our youth than on intervention, it is imperative that we do as much as we can, to save as many as we can, however we can. We know that the arts work for many of our children who otherwise, would fall through the cracks. AIE Program No matter what genre I am working in with students and teachers, I have the same goals: 1) enrich the curriculum, 2) increase their understanding of the art form, 3) enhance behavior and social skills, 4) celebrate our diversity, 5) increase their ability to communicate, 6) increase their self-esteem, and 7) have fun. I begin a writing residency by sharing some of my favorites so that students can identify with my own process in the form we will be working in. Then I take them through the steps of the writing process as a group, practicing as we go. We then do the process individually, breaking it down into steps, one by one. In a playwriting residency, we usually work as a group, outlining and writng together, so that everyone contributes and feels included in the adventure. I put their lines on the board, while our scribe puts it to paper or computer. Every student has ownership of the entire play. We have created plays that deal with math, science, social issues, English as a second language, and history. With all art forms, I want the students and teachers to end the residency stronger in their skills, aware that art is a life-long activity for learning and pleasure, that correlations can be made between subjects, that everyone is creative, and that creativity enhances everything we attempt in life. And, I want them to feel that whatever the subject, there are no limits to how the arts can enhance it and the learning about it. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: It will vary with the discipline. | |
|
Monica Cai Multi-Disciplinary: Music, Dance, Creative Movement, Instrument, Crafts, Visual Arts, Storytelling, Poetry Little Rock, AR 501-658-2828 | 501-868-1818 monicacai88@yahoo.com |
|
Background Monica Cai is a native of China. She received a Bachelors degree in Music and a diploma in Child Development and Education in China, and a Masters degree in Music Education at California State University in Los Angeles. She was a recipient of a scholarship for advanced studies in music and art education at the College of Arts in Berlin, Germany, and in the Mozarteum Orff Institute In Salzburg, Austria. Over the past twenty years she has traveled around the world, has taught music, piano, Chinese music and instruments, and has conducted workshops in various settings, from preschool to college, and in community centers. In Arkansas, she has taught at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Community School of the Arts, Little Rock's four community centers (Dunbar, Stephens, East Little Rock, Southwest), the Children's Museum of Arkansas, Therapeutic Recreation Center and the Central Library System. AIE Program Monica believes that a child who is exposed to good environmental conditions and integrated art based on appropriate child development teaching methods will develop superior abilities. As an artist and childhood music specialist, she integrates music, movement, art and literature in her program, “Kid’s IQ Music.” It is based on the theories of psychologists and educators such as Piaget, Bruner and Montessori, and music educators Orff, Kodaly, Dalcroze and Laban. The goal is to enhance the development of the child’s four domains – cognitive, emotional, social and physical – and stimulate the learning potential. Kid’s Music IQ employs children’s favorite music such as nursery rhymes, singing games, and traditional, classic and contemporary music. Integral to the program are literature, visual arts, body movement and playing instruments. Through the art forms, Kid’s IQ Music works in tandem with children’s own inner urges to encourage and foster their creative and musical instincts. Kid’s IQ Music is an age-appropriate educational program that is presented in a series of sessions. It can also be applied to children with special needs. In the program, children are encouraged to explore novel ideas and express their own ways. Exploration, imagination and creativity are indispensable features of the program as Monica’s goal is to improve performance and overall well-being of Arkansas children. Preferred Age Level: Elementary, Middle/Jr. High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
Community Imagination Studio Multi-Disciplinary: ceramics, sculpture, fibers, mixed media, acrylic and oil peinting, charcoal, water media, pastels Fayetteville, AR 479-442-8585 alison@communityimaginationstudio.org |
|
Background The Community Imagination Studio is a non-profit arts studio that has been in existence since 2003. Current full time staff artists are: Alison Carter and Amy Richards. Carter earned her Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics and Sculpture from the University of Arkansas in 2007, and her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art with a minor in Art History at the University of Oklahoma in 2004. Richards earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in art education at the University of Arkansas in 2007. Our staff artists are experienced in a variety of media: painting, drawing, ceramics, fibers, sculpture. AIE Program The Community Imagination Studio provides art classes and workshops for youth, adults, families, and teachers. In all of our programs our primary goal is to build appreciation for art by fueling participant's understanding through fun, thought-provoking curriculum. The Community Imagination Studio is a division of YouthCAN!, a nonprofit organization established to provide programs that encourage positive youth development. A primary strategy to accomplish this is by making the visual arts accessible to all of Northwest Arkansas. Our program includes Classroom Residencies, Family Workshops, and Professional Development for Artists and Teachers. Available in Arkansas: Seven or One Week Residencies for Washington and all adjoining counties One Week Residencies available for all other counties negotiable. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Northwest Arkansas Time Availability: August - May; 9-12, after 3 pm Special Needs: For art workshops - basic classroon set up; for professional development - basic classroom set up, digital projector and screen | |
|
Angela Cooper Multi-Disciplinary: General Olive Branch, MS 901-413-8937 | 662-893-2927 angeleye_35@hotmail.com |
|
Background I graduated with honors from Memphis State University with a BFA in Graphic Design. I am also an active professional artist with my work in private collections across the United States; I am a member of the Made In Memphis Arts Collective. My work may be found at the Center for Southern Folklore in Memphis, TN and on my website at: www.angiart.com. My most recent exhibition was entitled “Assemblages” at Circuit Playhouse in Memphis, and it featured mixed media work in both 2-D and 3-D formats. Currently, I am active with the Crittenden Arts Council, Arts Advantage and Memphis City Schools in teaching artist residencies for the school year, after-school and summer camp art programs. Some of my most recent residencies have included activities based around Picasso and cubism, shadow puppet theatre and geometry as it relates to origami. AIE Program : In the programs I present, I like to approach the curriculum with a fun opening activity that serves as a sort of ice-breaker to get the students in a mind-set for what will be happening during the rest of the residency. With the Picasso cubist lesson, it could be as simple as going around the room and making funny faces that will serve as inspiration for Picasso masks. For the shadow puppet theatre, students have a great time looking at silhouettes and guessing as to what the shapes are. As a result, students are introduced to the residency with some visual aspects and a little bit of technique that will increase in skill building as the residency unfolds. During my “It’s No Longer Obtuse: Exploring Geometry Through Origami” residency, I approached the first lesson with a discussion of some visual examples of 0, 1, 2 and 3 dimensional aspects of geometry. (I also like to include some historical background on the residency art form and usually include some of that after the opening activity). The goal of the residency was to integrate the art of origami through the school’s geometry curriculum. Students were able to put real concepts of geometry in place by manipulating a 2-dimensional form (paper) into a 3-dimensional origami object and seeing geometry in the flesh so to speak. Students were able to recognize the elements of geometry (angles, shapes, lines, vertexes, etc.) in their forms and in the world around them, and they also gained experience in dexterity, craftsmanship, following directions, creating art and assisting other students. The residency began with simple forms (sailboats, houses, hats and gliders) that included some basic origami folds. As the residency progressed, the projects became slightly more complicated (swans, jumping frogs, star boxes and hexahedrons) than the previous lesson, and new folds were introduced from lesson to lesson. Previously learned skills were also reviewed as students were asked to identify folds/geometric elements as they proceeded with their forms. As a culminating event, I created a village for the display of the students’ origami forms placing the boats, swans, houses, gliders and frogs on tables of paper lakes, roads and grass created from butcher paper. Teachers were left with handouts of the origami forms so that the activities could be repeated. Preferred Age Level: Elementary; Middle/Junior High; Senior High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Art supplies and tools which may include: scissors, tape, glue, glue sticks, pencils, rulers, crayons, markers, staplers and may also include paper (white drawing, colored photo copy or construction, poster board, card stock, butcher) paint (watercolor, tempera), brushes, oil pastels. Sometimes mixed media programs require other items like old magazines to cut up, newspaper, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, scrapbook paper, paper brads, or yarn. Other items needed for specific projects would have to be purchased with a supply budget; these items might involve printing ink, foam plates, origami paper, thread, rice paper, wooden dowels, bamboo skewers, glue dots, etc. There should also be available room to work which may include a separate work room or large tables for supply set-up and for students to work depending on the lesson. Sometimes the lesson is appropriate for the students to work at their desks; it just depends on the lesson. A place should also be made available where wet work (paintings, prints, and papier-mâché) can dry undisturbed. Also, clean-up sinks for certain lessons should be nearby. | |
|
Delta Wolf Trap Multi-Disciplinary: Dance;Music;Theater West Memphis, AR 870-732-6260 | 870-735-0216 janine. earney@crittendenarts.com |
|
Background Delta Wolf Trap is a program of the Crittenden Arts Council in West Memphis, AR. It is one of 15 regional Wolf Trap programs in the nation. DWT is a regional program for Wolf trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, which is administered by the Education Department of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Virginia. Crittenden Arts Council acquired oversight of DWT in June 2003 from the Memphis Arts Council. DWT inherited a roster of trained Wolf Trap artists and as a result of Memphis’s work in dance, was selected as one of three pilot program sites in the nation for the Smart Start program focusing on dance. A model residency is seven weeks with twice weekly visits to the classroom. The program is designed for 3-5 year olds. AIE Program Founded in 1981, Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts provides arts-in-education programming for children ages 3-5 and for their teachers and families through the disciplines of drama, music, and movement. Regional programs of the Institute are located throughout the country. Crittenden Arts Council is the sponsor and administrator of Delta Wolf Trap serving Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The program includes Teacher Professional Development, Classroom Residencies, and Family Workshops. The purpose of the program is to encourage teaching and learning in and through the arts with an emphasis on improving academic, social, and gross and fine motor skills. Emergent literacy is a specific focus. All participating classes receive a copy of the Wolf Trap Stages for Learning, a handbook of age appropriate drama, music, and movement activities for 3 to 5 year olds. Delta Wolf Trap has trained professional artists who conduct the residencies and workshops. Available in Arkansas: • Seven or One Week Residencies for Crittenden and all adjoining counties • One Week Residencies available for all other counties Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: 7 week residencies - easter AR areas; teacher in-services and one-week models- statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: The teacher must be a participant in the residency activities. | |
|
Nahsechay Dipo Multi-Disciplinary: Music: Afrikan song in traditional languages (Yoruba, Zulu, Dioula, etc.); Visual Arts/Crafts: African adornment arts - weaving, knitting, Lancaster, TX 214-207-5233 management@gaskiyas-compound.com www.gaskiyas-compound.com |
|
Background I have been providing art education programs since 1982. I currently have an Associates in Marketing, a Bachelors in Business Management, and am working on my Masters in Higher Education. Additionally, I am a certified teacher (EC-4 and Special Education EC – 12). I am a conscientious educator and student. I believe we learn throughout our lives, and I diligently try to keep updated in my field as well as with the technology available to us. I also believe the talents I possess are God-given, and I consider it an honor and a blessing to be able to share them with others. I have provided programs internationally and am constantly modifying my programs to accommodate classroom and instructional needs. AIE Program The first African was not a slave. The totality of African culture cannot be summed up with the slavery experience. We invite you to embark upon an educational journey with us to the various regions of Africa. Learn of her people, her culture, and her traditions. Our workshops provide a passport to information some may have never considered in relationship to Africa and African culture. The transmission of culture is the responsibility of every generation. Recent events have shown the urgency of our learning about each other and learning to respect one another. Our classes include, but are not limited to, “Wisdom Weaving,” “Speaking with Beads,” “Garments of Praise,”, “SAKA”, and “ADINKRA, The King’s Cloth.” Programming format can be in a residency, master class or in a performance. Through the program (depth of study is contingent upon booking time) we look at the communicative nature of the art forms in Africa and their “wholistic” application to the indigenous society. Our programs are “living programs” and this allows modifications to accommodate almost any educational component required of our partner teachers. Math, social studies, language arts, science, and history can be addressed through a variety of art projects relative the traditional arts of Africa. As a visual/performing artist, I provide cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning through my programs. In addition to the core education component, social functions are also addressed. Children must learn to work together, to share, and to be efficient users of supplies and materials. This is part of our learning process with our programs. The strength of my work and programming is versatility. Students are required to be respectful of themselves and others. Projects are given that encourage group work and responsibility. Teachers are encouraged to comment and give suggestions about programming. We look forward to sharing with you. Program Specifics • Wisdom Weaving – program that conveys the symbolism of the woven arts of Afrika • Speaking w/Beads – participants recreate simulated beadwork that reflects the region of study • Garments of Praise – the leatherwork of Afrika and its use is studied and participants recreate Afrikan pouches • SAKA – a handloom of the Hausa is used to create woven treasures, and • ADINKRA – The King’s Cloth – students create personal messages using a symbolic messaging system of western Afrika Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Needs are contingent upon program requested. Basic requirements might include an overhead screen, opaque projector and a TV/VCR. | |
|
Robert A. Ford Multi-Disciplinary: General, Playwriting Fayetteville, AR 479-445-6333 bob@raford.com |
|
Background Robert Ford holds Master of Fine Arts degrees from the University of Texas at Austin (playwriting/screenwriting) and Rutgers (acting), and a Master of Music degree from Yale (flute). He has worked professionally as playwright, musician, actor, and director. His plays have been produced widely and won numerous awards, including a Stanley Drama Award for best new American play. He has worked extensively in the play development process. While work shopping his play Tierra del Fuego at the Mount Sequoyah New Play Retreat in Fayetteville in 1994, he met his future wife, subsequently moving from New York City to settle down with her in Northwest Arkansas. Bob has taught in a wide variety of settings, from kindergarten through high school, undergraduate, graduate and adult education levels. As an Arkansas teaching artist he has taught and co-taught two-week playwriting workshops at Springdale High School and at Lingle Middle School in Rogers. He continues to work as a resident artist with Arts Live and the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, designing and teaching acting classes for middle – through high school – age children, directing showcases and full-scale productions. Bob is skilled in every phase of new or existing play development for children from middle school through high school – from the writing of new plays as a group or individually, through play production. AIE Program Workshops can be designed for absolutely any setting, from a roomful of kids who’ve never been exposed to theatre, through the most serious high school class filled with budding Pulitzer Prize winners. By gearing any of 80 or 100 games and exercises to the particular needs of the group, fun and highly creative experiences can be enjoyed, lasting from one afternoon to three or four weeks. Here is a specific example: At Lingle Middle School in Rogers, the sixth graders were finishing up a unit on the rain forest. Meeting for about 45 minutes a day, every day for two weeks, each class wrote a play involving characters in, or visiting, the Amazon, Indonesian and Central American jungles, and dealing with some of the issues raised in the children’s previous research. Working at the board, day by day Bob helped map out first the issues the class wanted to touch upon, then the characters, then the story outline, and finally the dialogues. All aspects—from issues to final dialogue—were decided and created by the children—naturally with a little coaching from Bob. In a final presentation, each of the classes presented staged reading of the plays they themselves had written. Preferred Age Level: Middle/Junior High; Senior High Geographic Availability: Northwest Arkansas Time Availability: I am currently unavailable for longer residencies. | |
|
Carol Funke Multi-Disciplinary: Visual Arts: Drawing, Painting; Crafts: Hand-Made Paper Cherokee Village, AR 870- 257-2778 cbfunke@juno.com |
|
Background I began studying art in high school with Frank Howell, who later became an internationally acclaimed Southwestern artist. I furthered my love of art at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, transferring to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Currently, I do not have a degree in art education, however, I have continued taking art classes throughout my life. I have studied in several states (Iowa, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio), as well as internationally (Hong Kong and Hungary). In 1994, while living in Hong Kong, I took papermaking classes with a British/Chinese instructor and learned how to make paper the “old way.” While there, I also taught handmade paper classes and workshops through the American Women’s Association. In 1996, while living in Budapest, Hungary, I studied the Hungarian techniques of handmade papermaking. I also taught handmade paper classes through the International Women’s Foundation, the American Women’s Association and local Hungarian groups. One of my most unique experiences was teaching in a deaf orphanage while using an interpreter. Currently, I am teaching handmade paper classes and workshops in Cherokee Village as well as giving demonstrations to several clubs and schools within the area. AIE Program My approach is to stimulate the creativity of students utilizing handmade paper techniques. When I begin my classes, I start with the history and background of the process of papermaking. I then do a demonstration and afterwards, I get the students involved with a hands-on exercise. My objective would be that the students use the handmade paper to develop it into an art form. Students can accomplish this at any age with minimal artistic talents. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide. Time Availability: Open. Special Needs: I will need warm water for hand-made paper. | |
|
Monica Gomez Multi-Disciplinary: Literature: Creative Writing; Music; T'ai Chi; Bilingual English/Spanish El Paso, TX 915-584-9298 monica@monicagomez.com |
|
Background Mónica Gómez is an award-winning poet, writer, singer-songwriter and guitarist; a skilled performer, NPR radio host, humorist and recording artist; a former television news reporter; former arts administrator; and a student of the martial arts. As an animated and riveting, bilingual (English/Spanish) teaching artist, she uses these diverse elements to create unique multidisciplinary workshops and residencies. A full-time professional artist, Mónica is currently compiling a book based on the writing exercises developed in her workshops; she continues to teach and perform; she has released three CDs; and she pursues a wide variety of independent projects. Mónica is listed in the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Heartland Arts Community Connections Touring Rosters. AIE Program In educational settings – including gifted and talented programs, juvenile detention units, psychiatric units, senior centers, professional retreats, or teacher in-services – my approach to teaching is relaxed and flexible, but I focus on keeping my material relevant and accessible to participants. I use my own art to stimulate the participant’s self-awareness and creativity. My art forms include the ancient internal martial arts, which introduce breath, mental focus and gentle movement; original music, which I use to relax and inspire; and words, which are the main medium of my workshops. Through writing exercises, participants experience the power of words to convert unconscious beliefs and behaviors into conscious intentions and actions. Adolescents learn to envision and articulate their desired futures. Teachers clarify dreams of retirement. Retirees identify old longings they still want to fulfill. In the course of a workshop (1-6 hours) or residency (up to 2 weeks), we explore and write about art as a safe place for powerful feelings; organizing and managing the natural chaos of creativity; the five senses as gateways to the past, present and future; the role of diversity in the arts; redefining perfection, and many other concepts. In some settings, I inspire discussion by playing musical selections on CD or by performing my original songs, accompanying myself on guitar. We write group poems to experiment with spontaneous word use, creating simple, concrete descriptions of, for example, favorite foods that elicit watering mouths and growling stomachs. Individual writing exercises allow participants to explore their own lives with equally effective results. As participants read aloud, we recognize ourselves in others. We also explore performance anxiety and stress management. To teach the conscious ability to relax, I introduce the concepts of yin and yang and lead simple breathing exercises and gentle, meditative movement related to T’ai Chi and Chi Gung. Residencies allow participants to practice and refine writing and performance skills, internalize principles of the martial arts, or even create and present a performance with choral readings and coordinated Chi Gung movement. Through my programs, participants acquire a broader concept of the relevance of the arts in daily life; an enhanced understanding of the creative power of words; and the conscious ability to relax using the internal arts. Preferred Age Level: Elementary - grade 3 and older);Middle/Jr. High;Senior High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: In small settings - I require a dry-erase or chalkboard and a resonably quiet environment. Students need writing materials. For performance in larger settings - I require a music stand and a sound system with two microphones on stands. (Because i play guitar and sing, I cannot use a microphone attached to a podium or without a stand.) | |
|
Jonelle Grace-Lipscomb Multi-Disciplinary: Theater- general; Media Arts - film making; Literature - playwriting Fayetteville, AR 479- 790-9596 | 479- 521- 2023 jlipscomb@fayar.net |
|
Background Jonelle is a playwright, director, actress and educator. She holds a B.S.E. and M.A. in Theatre and Communication from the University of Arkansas and a M.F.A. in Playwriting from the University of Georgia. For the past two summers, she has studied DV filmmaking at Rockport College in Rockport, Maine. Many of her plays have toured across Arkansas, and she was awarded an Individual Artist Fellowship from the Arkansas Arts Council in fall of 2000. She is a Certified Teacher currently teaches drama and DV film making at Fayetteville High School in NW Arkansas. AIE Program As a teaching artist Jonelle has presented over 100 workshops and residencies for learners of all ages for organizations such as Walton Arts Center and Arts Live Theatre. She has worked with both educators and students, and her workshops and residencies are designed to develop skills in the areas of acting, directing, playwriting, and all phases of video production from pre-production planning through the editing process. Workshops and residencies may also focus on integrating arts-based activities to cross-curriculum projects in core subject areas. Examples of cross curriculum projects might include developing a play based on historical events or producing a video that explores events within the school and/or community. Jonelle emphasizes the importance of the arts in developing an understanding and pride in self and others as well as the ability to communicate with others in a positive environment. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: State wide during summers; NW Arkansas all year, with limited availability during school year Time Availability: Summers; limited availability during the school year Special Needs: Depends on the residency – large open space, overhead projector, slide projector, tables, chairs. | |
|
Laura Hughes Multi-Disciplinary: Dance; Theatre; Design Arts; Media Arts;Folk Arts Jamestown, NC 513-410-0277 balletclassic@yahoo.com |
|
Background As a long time dance instructor, choreographer, visual artist, costume designer, and “techno junkie,” Laura has over 20 years experience teaching in the visual and dance arts and managing a ballet studio and children’s ballet company. Laura attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati while attending on a full academic scholarship. Laura also studied classical dance forms and teaching methodologies with Anneliese von Oettingen-Sass, a European classically trained artist, and Cornelia Sass-Berns, a respected Cincinnati dance educator. Laura has continued to teach dance and art expanding her experiences to include work with learning disabled children and adults. She has taught, choreographed, created costumes, and accomplished digital editing for sound effects, music, and video for numerous productions in Arkansas, Cincinnati, Virginia, and North Carolina. As a Fellow for the Arkansas A+ Network, and currently forming working relationships with The North Carolina A+, Laura has increasingly focused on kinesthetic learning techniques for the classroom, exploring and creating unique connections between movement for art’s sake and movement for education’s sake. AIE Program If the object is to create a dance, musical, or dramatic presentation, Laura’s experience as a choreographer, storyteller, technical producer, and dance instructor can be invaluable to create original and engaging stage movement for any age. Students will find success whether or not they have had previous dance training. To this traditional approach of the arts in schools, Laura adds the concept of “curriculum choreography,” to put the “school” directly into the arts. Beginning with broad curricular concepts like numbers, fractions, fact families, multiplication tables, time, or skip counting, Laura will layer in activities using simple, acquired, or student produced manipulatives and visuals. These fun and useful creations will build into larger activities and games where the students themselves become the manipulatives. The end result either takes the form of an interactive game or an informal performance that celebrates the specific curricular theme or concept. Either way a sense of “play” is invoked. The concepts are approached using higher ordered thinking skills and accomplished with a sense of fun and adventure. Any curricular standard or skill from the periodic table to the science of earthquakes can become the theme of wacky informances turning technical and daunting facts into game shows or trailers from B rated sci-fi flicks-- grounding abstract concepts through movement and creative metaphor. Imagine the awe and wonder of parents at the next school presentation or PTA meeting if all the songs, dances and dramas relate directly to what their children are learning in the classroom in a fun and creative way! Preferred Age Level: PreK-K; Elementary; Middle/Jr. High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Open space for movement; electrical outlets | |
|
JoAnn Kaminsky Multi-Disciplinary: Puppet, Mask, Painting, Clay, Paper, Mixed Media Fayetteville, AR 479- 442-0557 | 479- 443-2077 kjo_ann@hotmail.com |
|
Background I received my B.A. in Psychology from UCA in 1969. I received further training in undergraduate art courses at Memphis State University and Memphis College of Art as well as the University of Arkansas. I trained as a professional potter under Gary Eagan for three years. After working as a professional artist, on my own for many years, I began working in three elementary schools in Fayetteville as an Artist-in-Education. This experience led me back to school as a counselor and for further training in Art Therapy. I was impressed with how empowering and validating art making was for many of the children who are called “at risk”. I received my M.Ed. in the spring of 1991 and began working in an emergency shelter for teens at Youth Bridge. I was the counselor/director. I led weekly therapeutic art groups. After a year I opened with, with my husband, the Art Experience, where we offered classes in many media for all ages. I have also been heading therapeutic art groups at Charter Vista, Generations Hospital, with children at a women’s shelter and at low-income housing center. This past year we have worked with our local NPR affiliate to receive a grant. We were able to work with at risk youth in a group/mentor art setup to use art making-friend making skills to deter drug use. AIE Program : I want to use the therapeutic nature of art to help children with decision- making, self-exploration and self-expression as well as stress reduction and healing. I would use various art materials to offer optimum choice and variety of sensory experiences. This may include clay, handmade paper, 3-D collage materials, paint, pastels, mask making materials, and paper mache. This could be effective with small groups from the general school population, or children with self esteem issues. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide for short residencies, otherwise, Northwest Arkansas Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Materials would depend on the residency program. If fired clay is a product, an on-site kiln will be needed. | |
|
Melinda LaFevers Multi-Disciplinary: Dance, Music, Crafts, Literature, Folk Arts, Humanities Searcy, AR 501 -230-8758 | 501-279-0075 mlaf@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background I have an M.A. in Elementary Education, B.A. in Speech Communications, and 40+ units in Early Childhood Education. I continue to take annual workshops in both teaching techniques and childhood development, and have also taken workshops in psychodrama and dramatic play. Since 1982 I have been involved with historical re-enactment. I have conducted workshops and demonstrations for school programs in both Arkansas and California on “Life in a Castle”. I also work with school tours and programs as a volunteer at the local Pioneer Village, which is set in the late 1800’s, and is run with the participation of our White County Historical Society. AIE Program I believe that using a multi-intelligence approach is one of the most effective ways of teaching. My program, “Life in a Castle,” uses a combination of techniques designed with multi-intelligence and learning modalities in mind. I consult with teachers to determine any specific benchmarks and frameworks that they would like me to include in my presentation. I offer teachers a wide variety of choices of what and how they would like their class to learn. These choices include spinning and weaving, paper-making and book-binding, felting, dance, music, ballads, clothing, soap-making, armor, and more. They are taught by demonstration, lecture, re-creation and hands on participation. Participants in my workshops will have a greater understanding of life in the Middle Ages, learn some of the basic skills used in the Middle Ages, and, hopefully, have a greater appreciation for life in the 21st century. "Living in a Log Cabin," with programs in Pioneer Life, are also available. Workshops include butter churning, rag dolls and other toys, Pioneer games, spinning, weaving, tall tales, music, and much more. Preferred Age Level: PreK-K; Elementary; Middle/Jr. High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Electrical outlets, hot water source, slide or overhead projector, a room that can accommodate possible water spills. | |
|
Glenna McBride Multi-Disciplinary: Printmaking, Papermaking, Book Arts Eufaula , OK 918- 617-1689 | 918-689-5362 rtstglena@yahoo.com |
|
Background Glenna McBride earned a B.F.A. from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro with an emphasis in printmaking and a B.S.E. from University of Arkansas at Little Rock in Art Education. Glenna also maintains current certification with the Oklahoma State Department of Education to teach art in accredited schools K-12. Other professional affiliations include being on the roster of Artist-in-Residence with the Oklahoma Arts Council since 1994 and with the Arkansas Arts Council since 1999. Glenna has been affiliated with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, Summer Reading Program since 1999. During the library programs Glenna facilitates interest in reading through hands on printmaking projects. Successful programs such as “Tremendous Transformations in Time” have been developed through the library programs. This is a brief workshop explaining the contributions printing has made to the evolution of modern thought, equal to the development of books and moveable type. A career as a fine art printer is furthered by owning and operating Riveroaks Studio on Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma. At Riveroaks Studio, guests use the printing facilities, classes are held and studio tours are available. It is here Glenna created several public installation works such as hand printed quilted wall hangings and student prints hand bound as permanent reference books in schools and libraries. AIE Program The hands on activities Glenna uses as a framework to start a residency are printmaking, paper-making and book arts. Traditional tools and techniques used by artists are introduced to participants. Glenna’s residency activities are reinvented through basic subjects. Lessons are planned during developmental meetings and integrated with site objectives. Math skills have been taught to 2nd graders in Brinkley, Arkansas through simplified bookbinding. Writing skills have been emphasized, while mono printing idioms with 4th graders at Texarkana. Several types of printmaking projects were used to emphasize basic art fundamentals at Mt. Pleasant schools in a regular art class. The Mt. Pleasant residency also served as an intensive teacher development in areas the regular teacher felt uncomfortable advancing. Another benefit during the Mt. Pleasant residency was the opportunity to help high school students understand career opportunities pertaining to the arts. Teachers and students begin to strengthen and expand their ideas of what art is during Glenna’s residencies. Every day objects taken for granted are especially rediscovered during projects involving papermaking and book arts. Ordinary books and individual sheets of paper are given new meaning. During Glenna’s residency it is not necessary to have any experience in the arts. Participants who feel they are already artists will enhance untapped skills. Five year olds to adults can participate in a variety of different projects. Programs can last from an hour to several weeks or months. Simple printing workshops have been developed into installation pieces. Many non -traditional projects created by Glenna through residency experiences are available to sites to use as a resource. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open. Special Needs: All perishable supplies to accomplish the project such as paper, ink, paintbrushes, scissors and pencils, etc. | |
|
Laura McNerney Multi-Disciplinary: Visual Arts; Integrated Art/Science;Storytelling;Crafts;Gardening/Bonsai Franklin, AR 870-847-2181 manideva2003@yahoo.com |
|
Background I spent 15 years as a science research assistant and laboratory technologist, retiring to Arkansas in 1989. I became a residency artist in 1998 and have also worked as a lecturer/teacher for 20 years. I am a Bonsai artist, visual artist, and have worked in the performing arts. I enjoy working with all age groups both in and out of the formal classroom setting. AIE Program I have been working on developing an integrated curriculum for art, science, and gardening. The object of this curriculum is to give the student a holistic view of life and to de-fragmentize our view of how the world works. In this time of a tendency towards the “smaller view” that isolates us, I believe that a more complete perspective of the all-inclusive nature of life and our dependency upon everything around us, is essential to our survival as a species. We must strive to make and keep compassionate connections to the world around us and must teach our children to do so through the beauty of life around and within them. To me, there is no better way to do this than through the beauty in art, the understanding in science, and the teachings about the earth. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Work tables and chairs; electric outlets and extension cables; art supplies as listed per residency; black board, markers | |
|
Eden Miller Multi-Disciplinary: Theatre Rogers, AR 479- 790-4915 ihcr100@yahoo.com |
|
Background Eden Miller is a multidisciplinary artist with an M.F.A. in Theatrical Design from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is an eight-year Arkansas resident with teaching residency experience both here and in Hawaii in visual arts, theatre arts, and combinations thereof designed for particular schools. AIE Program My residency programs are designed around the particular goals of the educators requesting them; usually choosing to focus either upon the art form for its own sake, or upon using the art form(s) to enhance the teaching of the school’s core curriculum: i.e. using drawing to strengthen students’ abilities to visualize and illustrate; using theatre arts to provide storytelling skills vital to progress in writing. These programs are adaptable to any age group(s), with the understanding that classroom teachers should participate along with their students for maximum results, especially in an art/core curriculum program. Particular program content possibilities include, but are not limited to: drawing people, places, animals, and things; puppetry; theatre arts for self-respect and teamwork; songwriting; storytelling in words and/or pictures. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Within 60 miles of Rogers Time Availability: Open Special Needs: For visual arts: blackboard and chalk or markers. For theatre arts: blackboard, a large empty space preferably carpeted and chairs for all participants. | |
|
Martha J. Molina Multi-Disciplinary: Theater, Crafts, Photography, Literature, Folk Arts Fayetteville, AR 479- 871-2778 | 479- 582-0523 marthajsm@aol.com |
|
Background Martha spent many years in the public school working with drama students and students with special needs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Special Education. Having taught in the Arkansas school system she is well versed in curriculum frameworks and has been trained in Core Knowledge Curriculum. Martha works closely with Arts Live Theatre and the Arts Live Theatre & Walton Arts Center Young Actors Repertory in Fayetteville and Sager Creek Arts Center in Siloam Springs. Her work focuses on developing the skills of young actors while addressing social issues. Martha also enjoys working with students at Nadine Baum Studios teaching photography, theatre and crafts. AIE Program Martha completed eleven residencies between January 2000-May 2001 during which she worked to provide a positive and supportive environment where both students and teachers could experiment with self-expression. Martha develops goals and objectives based on desired outcomes and subject from the teachers. She works closely within the frameworks of the Arkansas curriculum to help teachers learn how to integrate the arts successfully through practical, everyday, process oriented activities that are easily reproduced by the teachers. Throughout each activity writing is given a center stage with a strong emphasis on multicultural issues and understanding. The following list is an example of the objectives for one residency: Creating: Develop self-expression through theatre performances. Use appropriate terminology to develop theatre vocabulary. Use improvisation and play writing to communicate ideas and feelings. Demonstrate sensory recall in pantomime activities and in reenacting experiences. Lead small groups in planning visual and aural elements. Expand appropriate terminology to develop theatre vocabulary. Effectively communicate directional choices to a small ensemble for improvised or scripted scenes. Experiment with creative choices by taking risks and appreciating risk-taking in others. Reading: Demonstrate listening, observing, focusing, and concentration skills. Apply skills learned through the dramatic process to other subject areas. Interact with others in acting real life or fantasy problems or resolutions. Use thinking skills and problem solving strategies to resolve problems in stories and situations through improvisation. Demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of a director. Demonstrate good citizenship and function as positive members of a theatre audience. Use thinking and problem solving strategies to plan and structure elements of drams in order to analyze and create scripts. Respond appropriately as an audience member. Evaluation: Evaluate performances through critical observation for purpose of self-improvement. Refine performance choices through observation and self-evaluation. These objectives would be accomplished through well-planned activities using works of literature that are in the students text as well as student generated work. Students would also develop self-evaluation skills in rubric design that would help them in other classes. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Summer - open; Limited during school year | |
|
Jo Patterson Multi-Disciplinary: Visual Arts/ Design Arts/ Crafts Brandon, MS 601- 842-3139 patterson_jo@hotmail.com |
|
Background Jo Patterson has been a professional artist for over twenty-nine years and an art educator for the past nineteen years. She exhibits and teaches throughout the United States and Europe. Her vast knowledge of media and subject matter allows her to be extremely flexible and adjust to any situation. She can work small scale to large scale, from individual works to group projects, and a variety of media from glue to sculpting in stone. Jo has taught classes on drawing, painting, sculpting, mask making, collage, murals, calligraphy, printmaking, textile, faux finishes as well as classes on art history, portfolio preparation, how to make a living as an artist, legal matters for artists, and more. She has taught multi-cultural art projects modeled on art from Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. Jo is especially interested in integrating art into the classroom curriculum and has done several art-related math, science, language arts, and social studies projects. She feels it is important to share the excitement of art, as well as the discipline of making it. She received a Bachelor of Fine Art in painting and has traveled and studied in Europe. Continuing studies with professionals in drawing, pen & ink, watercolour, acrylics, oils, and mixed media have honed her skills. Jo is available throughout the United States and Europe year round to work with all ages and abilities; schools, museums, art agencies, art supply retailers, community centers, senior citizen centers, students with special needs (physically and emotionally) and youth-at-risk. AIE Program “Art is the expression of experiences. My experiences are varied and so is my art.” As the quote states, my work is varied. Since I work with so many areas of art, I am able to be flexible and customize an art lesson plan to meet the needs of the organization I am working with. An example is a residency I conducted for an alternative school. The goal of the residency was to expose the students to the arts and do a group project that would stay at the school. Since it was around Mardi Gras and I was working with 8-12th graders, I suggested creating masks to integrate into social studies curriculum. Students studied masks that I brought in from around the world. They analyzed the role of masks in society and were asked to create masks representing five themes related to their own self-esteem and culture. Students created masks from newspaper made into clay mache. They also learned about the chemical process needed to break down newspaper into the clay-like substance called mache. A culmination of the residency was an exhibition at the local art gallery that included artist’s statements from each student. A reception was held for the exhibition and was well-received by students, school staff and administration, and the community as a whole. Note: The best way to reach me is through my email address listed above. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: It will depend on the residency. | |
|
Genine LaTrice Perez Multi-Disciplinary: Music;Folk Arts;Theater; Non-Fiction Little Rock, AR 501-960-6423 genine@geninelperez.com |
|
Background When other people describe me, they tell me that I am an entertainer, performer, singer, educator, writer, artist, poet, motivator, and inspiration. My reply is, “How could that be? I am just Genine LaTrice Perez.” What I do know is that I love people and have a passion and appreciation for the arts. I’ve worked with youth groups in varying capacities since 1997 and have developed a true appreciation for youth-led, adult assisted activities. I have been known to use the named artistic talents to entertain, educate, and motivate youth both statewide and nationally. I am currently the Program Coordinator of statewide youth counter-marketing campaign called YES Team! The program has a membership of 800+ youth statewide. Working with youth continues to be a rewarding experience. I have been singing professionally since 2000 and embrace Jazz as my musical genre of choice. I recently recorded my first CD, An Elegant Evening of Jazz, A Tribute to Billie Holiday, as a live performance. In May of 2007, I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with my Masters in Professional and Technical Writing. I am currently writing two books on family and the secrets they share. I am a member of the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation, SDP Preservation of Jazz and Folk Music, Incorporated, and have worked with the Little Rock Writing Project on several occasions. AIE Program The goal of my AIE residency workshop is to invite students into the world of Jazz through historical accounts using music, creative writing, and dramatizations, while sharing key messages on the importance of good decision-making, dreaming the impossible dream, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Paper and writing supplies. Sound equipment for large groups. | |
|
Sue Allen Pico Multi-Disciplinary: Visual Arts: Graphics/ Literature: Poetry Shirley, AR 501- 745-2146 | 501-253-0584 sjpico@artelco.com |
|
Background Summa Cum Laude graduate from Northern State University of Aberdeen, SD with a double major in Fine Arts and Cumulative Art Education (K through 12 grade), Pico has involved children and adults with the arts in public and private schools, churches, and private venues in South Dakota, Hawaii, Louisiana, and now Arkansas. Pico develops and teaches a variety of performing, visual, and language arts programs. She is currently a member of the North Central Arkansas Artist League, the Poets of the Lake, the Troubadours (a readers theater performing arts group), and spent 10 years as executive director of the North Central Arkansas Foundation for the Arts and Education. Her personal art focus is pen and ink and watercolor. AIE Program Pico integrates a variety of disciplines in her unique workshops. The use of art to reinforce skills in math, history, social studies, and language arts make Pico’s workshops a favorite among teachers and students. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MIDDLE AGES: in character and costume as a merchant from the Middle Ages, Pico apprentices the students in basic Heraldry, castle design and other projects. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE DAKOTA TERRITORY: in character and costume Pico is a homesteader from the Dakota Territory. Students hear stories and create a personal brand design, kazoos, braid, and draw covered wagons. CLASS COMIC BOOK WORKSHOPS: each student selects one aspect of the selected theme to write and illustrate one page of the Class Comic Book. Basic drawing techniques and tricks of the trade are applied. This workshop stimulates drawing, writing, and creative thinking skills for students and teachers. Possible theme ideas: “Anti Drugs,” “Class Joke Book,” “Character Words Book”. DRAMA FOR YOUNG STUDENTS: Kindergarten through 4th grade students use classic children’s literature for the basics of stage presentations, character development, stage presence, blocking, and mask design. Teachers are given a fresh arsenal of performance, costume, prop, and writing ideas. Every student has the opportunity to perform assorted parts in several productions during the week. Culmination is performances for other classes. ELEMENTARY ART TEACHERS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP: gives Elementary Art Teachers hands on experience with a fresh arsenal of project ideas, tips for acquiring inexpensive supplies, and a working knowledge of the Arts in Education Mini-Grant Program. EVERYONE CAN DRAW – EVEN YOU!: guided, age-appropriate, curriculum-based, cartoon-style drawing works for everyone. Each unit is tailored to enrich specific class curriculum. Students leave the workshop encouraged and better able to illustrate posters, stories, reports, poems, songs, or books. Great program for the entire school. POETRY WRITING: A variety of exercises make this workshop a fun way to learn poetry styles, expand writing ability and think outside the box. CALLIGRAPHY: Older students and adults learn the basics of calligraphy. Leaving with the ability to print with flourish and style. READERS THEATER: Poetry, songs and stories blend with a variety of characters as an introduction to the world of performing arts. This can be used to reinforce any specific curriculum unit but is particularly successful in bringing poetry alive. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Overhead projector, blank light colored wall or large screen, paper and pencils for each student. If facility is large, sound system may be needed. | |
|
Donna Wallace Saltzman Multi-Disciplinary: Dance, Music, Theater, Literature, Visual Arts Batesville, AR 870- 793-5349 jsaltz@suddenlink.net |
|
Background Donna Wallace Saltzman is a musician, singer, actor, director, educator and arts administrator. She holds a B.A. in Music Education and an M.A. in Flute Performance from the University of Northern Colorado and taught public school music in Iowa and Illinois. Returning to Arkansas in 1977, she established Wallace Studios in Batesville, offering private lessons in flute and voice as well as workshops taught by local artists in visual arts, dance and choral music. AIE Program As a multidisciplinary artist/educator with roots in music, theatre, movement, improvisation and seventeen years of AIE experiences, I am constantly made aware of the profound interrelationship and interdependence of absolutely everything. Perhaps this is why I am inclined to investigate and relate to ideas through more than one art language. I want to sing and dance the relationships inherent in math; dramatize the story of the life-stages of a mosquito and then write the poetry of it. I want to embody the concept of deep time by choreographing and singing the geological shifts of the earth’s crust and score a “found-percussion” symphony, with each movement reflecting a geological age. I have delighted in developing relating multiple literacies through fourth grade “What’s in a Name?” projects, which have yielded the “Opera News” libretto/vocal score and “Down on Noodle Nut Avenue”, a classroom-written story & dramatization. Both were derived from sentences inspired by the letters contained in Student Name Illustrations, the opening activity. It is my hope teachers and students will experience and revisit the inherently rich, and sometimes playful relationships the arts offer to learning and teaching of curriculum, and reaffirm for themselves how experimentation can result in profound insight and learning. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Space for movement (wooden floor best, but other floors will do), electrical outlet and access to VCR, CD/tape player, Xerox copier, and lighting conducive to writing and drawing. | |
|
Don Sanders Multi-Disciplinary: Play Writing, Poetry, Music, Theater, Storytelling Houston, TX 713- 863-1197 djsanders@mindspring.com |
|
Background As a young performer I participated in the ‘folk revival’ of the 60’s. I toured and recorded as a singer songwriter from 1971 through 1984. In '84 I began to create longer performance works for theater. These one-man performances include storytelling, acting and song. While developing my first one-man show (“Peregrino” 1984-85), I also worked as an actor in children’s theater and translated several plays (Spanish to English) for production at Main Street Theater in Houston. From 1993 to the present I have written and performed seven one-man shows: “Sourdough Cowboy,” “Lost Years of Pecos Bill,” “Cuentos y Canciones,” “Gusher Times,” “Sing and Move,” “Rivers and Rails" and "Siempre Listo/ Ever Clever." “Sawmill Towns,” a new performance work is in development and I'm completing a novel. "El Mosquito in My Kitchen," a new bilingual CD for younger children was released in November 2006. Education includes a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Spanish Literature from the University of Houston. I have participated in numerous writing, music and arts education workshops. I perform in schools, theaters and festivals throughout the Southwest and the Midwest AIE Program My principal focus in AIE activities is writing. A recent residency dealt with Richard Wright's "Black Boy" and the transformation of personal experience into fiction. Another residency focused on family history and the interview process. I also like to share techniques for writing unrhymed poetry, scripting folktales and shaping personal anecdotes. I emphasize process and progress – a project happens over the course of time. As we work on product, we revise and polish. I continually develop new writing exercises that stimulate and unlock creative energies for the students and myself. Preferred Age Level: Middle/Jr. High; Senior High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: September; October; early January | |
|
Mary Sanders-Overton Multi-Disciplinary: Visual Arts; Design Arts; Crafts West Fork, AR 479-225-0658 me_overton@yahoo.com |
|
Background After being raised in an artistic environment, multi-disciplinary artist Mary Sanders-Overton studied art, architecture, and clothing textile design at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She has also been mentored by current AIE artist Susan Sanders and other regional artists. Drawing on these unique experiences and her classroom knowledge Mary Sanders-Overton is able to provide curriculum based art projects that teach with planning, patience, and effort students can accomplish anything. She lives in West Fork, Arkansas with her husband and two children. AIE Program After discussing the curriculum currently being taught in the classroom I would create an art project best suited to enhance the student understanding of the subject manner. An example would be a recent project of a map of Arkansas. Fourth grade students created a detailed paper pulp map learning the major rivers, regions, mountain ranges, the state capital, their hometown, and the surrounding states. At the end of this project the students had a marked increase on their Arkansas geography test. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
Don Shaw Multi-Disciplinary: Visual Arts; Media Arts Guadalupita, NM 505-387-5707 | 870-536-3737 shawart@ipa.net |
|
Background “A true work of art is an infinite resource. If you look, it will give forever.” Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Don Shaw has pursued a long, varied, and distinguished career as both artist and educator, bringing to both aspects of his work a tremendous breadth and depth of experience. Don Shaw studied at the Museum School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and subsequently studied under sculptor John Bergschneider. He has taught and lectured at countless colleges and universities including Harvard, the University of Houston, Southern Arkansas University, and Rice University. His work has been exhibited at museums both at home and abroad Closer to home, Mr. Shaw has been a visiting artist for the South Arkansas Art Center’s AEGIS Middle School Project in El Dorado. He also has experience working with “at-risk” students and has traveled in Arkansas as a visiting artist and lecturer in K-12 public schools and universities in Batesville, Conway, El Dorado, Hope, Magnolia, Texarkana, Pine Bluff, Sheridan, and Watson Chapel. His creative work can be seen in public collections in Arkansas, California, Colorado, New Mexico, New York, Texas, and Virginia. In Arkansas, his work can be viewed at the Arkansas Arts Center and Bio-Medical research Center in Little Rock, at Hendrix College in Conway, Lyons College in Batesville, and Nations Bank in Pine Bluff. AIE Program This program touches on the basic benchmarks for fourth grade. Writing, story boards, cut and paste math, music, and technology are part of the completed project. Working as a team also provides special analytical and social skills necessary for completing the project. The goals of the program are to have the students create a 15-20 minute video depicting aspects of their elementary school from the student’s point of view. Thirty fourth graders will be divided into ten teams of three each. Each team will have an assigned topic to brainstorm possibilities for a three-five minute video. They will film themselves, and with the help of Mr. Shaw, edit their segment using iMovie on Mr. Shaw’s Mac. A master and archive copy will be produced locally. A premier will be scheduled and the final work shown. A Q & A will follow. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Fall or Spring Special Needs: Depends on the project. Most special equipment will be provided by the artist. | |
|
Graham Shelby Multi-Disciplinary: Literature - fiction and non-fiction; Folk Arts - storytelling Louisville, KY 502- 889-7937 | 502-412-4680 kanosaka@aol.com |
|
Background After studying journalism at the University of Kentucky, I spent three years in Japan teaching English in junior high schools. There I organized exchanges between schools in Japan and the U.S., learned conversational Japanese as well as a number of tall tales and true stories. Since returning to the U.S., I have written for various media outlets, including the Associated Press, “Kentucky Monthly” magazine and the radio show, “A Prairie Home Companion.” As one of the artists listed on the roster of the Kentucky Arts council, the Texas Commission of the Arts and the Writer’s League of Texas, I have received numerous grants to do artist residencies in schools. I have also performed as a professional storyteller at the Institute for Texas Cultures, the Texas Folklife Festival, the George West Storyfest and the Texas Storytelling Festival. AIE Program My goal in a residency is to help students overcome the barriers they often put between themselves and their own writing. I try to do that by addressing some of their concerns directly at the beginning of the residency and also by giving them an audience beyond their teachers. One of the residency programs I have done involves setting up a cultural exchange with a school in Japan. This program can be adapted for any age group. The American students do a series of writing exercises on a variety of topics. Students write memoirs, personal narratives, letters and character sketches describing various aspects of their lives, including Christmas in their homes, life in the neighborhood, difficult moments from childhood, a person in their family, and what they want to do in the future. They also write first-hand accounts of American traditions like trick-or-treating, the Fourth of July, school dances, homecoming festivals and more, all targeted at an audience of Japanese primary, middle or high school students. (Visual art projects are also an option for students.) I then contact teachers I know in Japan who arrange for their students to read translated versions of the American students’ work. The Japanese students then produce a response for their American counterparts. During this residency the students examine some of their own cultural traditions, compare and contrast their traditions with those of Japan, develop their writing skills by working through a number of assignments that require clear, concise language, dialogue and vivid descriptions, and teach Japanese children about the life and culture of their particular community. This program works for language arts or social studies classes, and can also be effective as a cross-curricular assignment. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open. Special Needs: None listed. | |
|
Mark Landon Smith Multi-Disciplinary: Theatre; Film - acting, directing, production; screenwriting; Playwriting; Professional Development Fayetteville, AR 479-521-4932 | 479-236-6849 marklandonsmith@yahoo.com |
|
Background Mark Landon Smith holds a BA, MA and MFA in Theatre. As an actor he has appeared with the Kernoodle Theatre, Tidal Theatre Company, Studio 404, Not-A-Penny Productions, The forum, Gaslight Dinner Theatre, McCoy Repertory Theatre, Peacock Productions, Starlight Productions, Centerstage, Theatre Memphis, Circuit Playhouse, Front Street Theatre, and Tsunami Radio Theatre. Film/Television credits include “Frog Hair,” “A Separate Peace,” “Simple Pleasures,” “Fir Kid’s Sake,” “A Passing Glance,” “Dupont, Mississippi: F5” (Co-Producer, Co-Director, Screenwriter). Directing credits include LES MISERABLES, WONDERFUL TOWN, GUYS AND DOLLS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE MUSIC MAN, HOW TO SUCCEED…, INTO THE WOODS, L”IL ABNER, ALL MY SONS, FRANKENSTEIN, CRIMES OF THE HEART, MOON OVER BUFFALO, THE SECRET GARDEN, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!, ANDROCLES AND THE LION, ASCENSION DAY, ANYTHONGS GOES, among others. As playwright he has had seven scripts published by Baker’s Plays/Samuel French, Inc., including three foreign translations. His RADIO TBS was produced Off-Broadway in 2005 and his independent short file, “Dupont, Mississippi: F5,” will be featured at the International Independent Film Festival in Los Angeles. He ahs served as Artist In Residence with Sager Creeks Arts Center, Arts Live Theatre, The Foundation of Arts, and The Lucille Ewing Children’s Theatre. He is the current Artistic Director of Arts Live Theatre in Fayetteville, AR and of Ceramic Cow Productions. He also serves on adjunct faculty with Tulsa University. AIE Program Professional actor, director, choreographer and playwright, Mark brings theatre to all ages, from children to adult, through workshops for the aspiring theatre artist. Author of seven plays published by Baker's Plays/Samuel French, (including the Off-Broadway production of RADIO TBS), director/choreographer of over sixty productions, theatre, filme and television actor, film producer and screenwriter, Mark brings 23 years of professional experience in entertainment. Acting workshops include "How To Stop Acting", a practical approach to creating a character; "Acting For Film", "So You Wanna Be An Actor?" and "Comedy Improv."; Choreography workshops include "Choreography for Dancers and Non Dancers", and Playwrighting workshops include "Hey! You Can Write A Play!". A frequent and popular artist in residence, Mark designs each workshop to the specific ages and needs of hosting company with enthusiasm, energy and a great deal of fun. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Television; VCR/DVD; CD player, dry erase board, access to outlets | |
|
Larry Sullivan Multi-Disciplinary: Theatre; Storytelling; Play Writing; Video production; Music Little Rock, AR 501- 758-1994 lsullivan@windstream.net |
|
Background Twenty-five years experience as a professional actor (appearing with Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, and Jean Stapleton), play writer (“Bet a Million”), and national recognition as a storyteller provide a unique background for Larry as he develops an educational program for your school or organization that will entertain and instruct learners of all ages. AIE Program Larry’s workshops provide students confidence-building performance opportunities including acting, storytelling, singing, dancing, public speaking, play writing, and video production. His workshops promote literacy skills and increase self-awareness and esteem while facilitating creative outlets for talent. Recent in-depth workshops with Larry had students presenting research and academic material through comedy, musical performance, interviews, and drama. These materials were presented in a multimedia format, allowing students opportunities to increase technological skills through video production. Larry brings his unique talent and creative approach to the students through careful planning with teachers and facilitators. A blend of wonderful entertainment, intensive experience, and sound educational practice provides students with enriching learning opportunities that will last. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Electrical outlet nearby. A TV/video player may be requested on occasion. | |
|
The Cultural Kaleidoscope Multi-Disciplinary: Russian, Ukrainian, Irish, and Australian dance, music, and folk art Kansas City, MO 816-363-6547 margietritt@kc.rr.com www.edu-tainment.com |
|
Background The Cultural Kaleidoscope is based in Kansas City, Mo and has been bringing multi-cultural, educational programs to students in the Midwest ( North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas) for 15 years. We have four different Kaleidoscope programs that teach about other countries ... Russia, Ukraine, Ireland and Australia. Our Russian and Ukrainian programs are available year-round. Our Irish and Australian programs are available for limited tours each year. All of our presenters are professionals in the arts. Sergei Shapoval, the co-owner of The Cultural Kaleidoscope and the presenter of both the Russian and Ukrainian Kaleidoscope programs, was born in Ukraine and has his masters degree in music education from the Gnessin Institute in Moscow. Dearbhail Finnegan and Robin Slater come from County Meath, Ireland and present the Irish Kaleidoscope. Dearbhail is a well-known Irish harper and her husband, Robin, trained at the Royal Ballet School in London and plays the Irish flute. The Australian Kaleidoscope is presented by Aubrey and Martin Beggs, who are from New South Wales, Australia. Both talented brothers are outstanding musicians and songwriters and in 1999 and 2000 were winners of the Australian Entertainment Award for "Variety Duo of the Year." AIE Program All of our teaching artists present their materials through a combination of assemblies and workshops which teach about a country and its culture through the native music, dance and folk art. In a one-day program, we offer 2 assemblies and up to 4 workshops sessions. In an artist in residence program - in addition to the basic assemblies and workshops - we spend up to 5 days in the school providing students and teachers with hands-on experiences and personal interaction with our presenting artists. We have developed Teaching Resource Guides to enhance the educational experience for each of our presentations. The lessons were created with state and national standards in mind. A program-specific guide is given to each school when they book a program. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Russian and Ukrainian programs are available year round. Irish and Australian programs are in the U.S. on limited tours each year. Special Needs: Four 6-8 foot tables, 2 straightback chairs without arms (not folding chairs), projection cart for our video projector, 2 long extension cords, TV with VCR/DVD. Note: We bring our own sound system. | |
|
Toucan Jam/Still on the Hill Multi-Disciplinary: Music/ Theatre: Puppet/ Crafts/ Folk Arts Fayetteville, AR 479- 582-2291 still@stillonthehill.com |
|
Background Toucan Jam is a collaboration of two individuals, Kelly Mulhollan and Donna Stjerna, each coming from a very different background. Kelly Mulhollan combines his lifelong love of folk music with years of academic study in composition at University of Oklahoma and Arizona State University. Over the last 25 years, Mulhollan has worked as a professional musician in many capacities. He is currently a member of Still on the Hill (who was voted Best Folk Band in the Ozarks.) Kelly is also locally renowned for his work as a studio musician and he has produced many CDs and video sound tracks. In 2001, Kelly was voted ‘Best Guitarist in NW Arkansas’ at the N.A.M.A. awards. Kelly was a favorite teacher for two years running with the E.P.I.C. Program that went into all the elementary schools in the Fayetteville area. Donna Stjerna's expertise comes from a more ‘hands on’ approach. She has been a professional musician for over twenty-five years. She now performs exclusively with Still on the Hill and Toucan Jam. Donna was voted ‘Best String Instrumentalist’ at the N.A.M.A. Awards for two years in a row. In 1990, Donna co-created and opened Whimsicals Gallery in Fayetteville, AR. There was special emphasis and an entire room dedicated to children’s art. She claims her greatest passions are mothering and songwriting. AIE Program While Toucan Jam is primarily designed as a 50 minute performance for grades K-6, we have made workshop components available for the AIE program. Our “Things With Wings” bird-watching workshop perfectly compliments the assembly program. This variation on our “round the world tour” focuses on ethnic legends of winged creatures. It is an introduction to bird watching with an emphasis on bird songs and the field guide book, which is an important tool used to unlock this sometimes overwhelming discipline. Students get an opportunity to make their own mini-field guide that describes twelve common backyard birds. Music, visuals, puppets, and humor are interwoven to keep the presentation upbeat and engaging. Students embrace this multidisciplinary approach with great enthusiasm as they gain a deeper respect for the diversity of birds and the natural world that surrounds us. Toucan Jam has just completed their first children’s CD called “A World of Music,” and there is a brand new show that goes with it. Still on the Hill has created a program called “An Ozark Journey,” for students in middle-high school. It is perfect for Arkansas History classes. The duo shows students how music and instruments came from Europe and how music of the Ozarks is an echo of the British Isles. They also show how a banjo-like instrument came over with the slaves and became the instrument commonly used in Bluegrass music. Kelly and Donna share songs they have written about several interesting characters still living in the Ozark hills. Any Arkansas history class would benefit from “An Ozark Journey.” Preferred Age Level: Elementary, Middle/Junior High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: None listed | |
|
Allison Upshaw Multi-Disciplinary: music, movement, theater, literature Atlanta, GA 404-250-3463 classroomOPERAtunitiesAR@gmail.com |
|
Background Allison holds a B.M. in Voice Performance from Oberlin Conservatory and a M.M. in Voice Performance from LSU. She has worked as a Performing Arts Education Consultant throughout the eastern part of the US since 1997. In her role as a PAEC, she has conducted numerous residencies, informances, and teacher workshops. She has been involved with a nationally recognized arts integration program in South Carolina and a groundbreaking study in Alabama to improve reading through opera. In addition to her work in public and private schools, she has extensive experience working in alternative educational settings including psychiatric juvenile detention centers. Allison is also a professional Equity actress and a Master Teaching Artist with Arts Integration training from the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center, The Chicago Teachers College, and the Dana Institute. AIE Program Every child is gifted. It is up to us, as educators and artists, to help them unwrap their gift(s). This is my philosophy for my interaction with students of all ages. One of my programs has involved teaching students how to write songs and then allowing them to record them on my portable recording studio. Students learn the difference between composing and arranging. They learn similarities between poetry and lyrics. I show them how my recording equipment works and the process that all recording artist go through for each song that they hear on the radio. Usually the teacher decides what we will be researching and writing about and that becomes the subject of our songs, from early exploration of Arkansas to the who, what, and where of ocean life. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
Jorge Villegas Multi-Disciplinary: Graphics, Painting, Sculpture, Humanities El Dorado, AR 501- 862-5474 | 501- 862-5557 marjo5646@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background Jorge holds an 11-year degree from three Colleges of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is a Professor of Drawing and Painting, specialized in Humanities and Murals. Jorge, recipient of the Arkansas Arts Award for Individual Artist Achievement, had been involved since 1986 in “The Creation Series”, an extensive body of paintings, drawings and mixed media works, based on the Big Bang Theory. In this series he strives to represent the instant our Universe was formed, studying the physical and metaphysical aspects of the universe. He has also worked on “The Third Planet Series” which explores the formation of our planet and the beginning of life, as we know it here on Earth. His latest works are centered on meditations on the concept of the Atman: The energy inhabiting everything and propelling us through life. The “Atman” is the animated principle of creation from which all individual souls derive and to which all return. Currently, Jorge is interested in outreaching rural and underdeveloped communities where the arts are absent from the main curriculum. Jorge believes that the arts and humanities are mayor tools for discovering and developing self-expression and appreciation, while coming in contact with the cultural elements of past and modern civilizations. AIE Program As an artist I am particularly interested in the manifestation of life in our planet and the ability of the planet to act as a transformer of light into life. Outcomes: students, teachers and parents will gain knowledge and appreciation for life and the process of nature to sustain, generate and include different life forms. Students will present their project having a chance to expose their knowledge and opinions. Skills: Students will ACTIVELY participate in the learning process by researching – through their own creative approach – about real subjects close to their lives. Students will also gain skills in drawing, painting and sculpting. Each day class will last for about 2 hours. Preferred Age Level: Peschool-K; Elementary Geographic Availability: Union County Time Availability: Open Special Needs: This residency will require principals or coordinators to remind teachers to stay in the classroom while the artist is in their room. The artist believes this program is supposed to impact students as well as teachers, parents or school officials. | |
|
S.D. Youngwolf Multi-Disciplinary: Visual Arts, Traditional Native American Arts, Storytelling, Mask- making, Gourd Art, Songs and Dances El Prado, NM 505-613-0131 sdyoungwolf@hotmail.com |
|
Background SD Youngwolf is an artist and storyteller and a Cherokee tribal member. He has studied at the Ringling School of Art, the Arts Students League, and Sonoma State University, where he received a B.A. in art studio, as well as doing post-graduate work in psychology. His artwork has been exhibited internationally and published in various books and magazines. Although he has training in the western academic tradition, he has a particular interest in the arts of indigenous people and has traveled extensively and studied with tribal people throughout the world. He is an accomplished storyteller, specializing in Cherokee stories, but also incorporating stories from his native Appalachia and the cultures and tribes of other lands. He has received many awards, including the Grand Heritage Award from the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, for art work that best expresses Southeastern Indian culture. He has conducted residencies and workshops in many locales and settings, from Indian reservations to rural communities, to the inner cities of America. AIE Program SD Youngwolf believes that creativity is fundamental to learning and art activities enhance and facilitate the learning process. In his residencies, the three most important things are: 1) awakening the creative intelligence through activities that facilitate learning, incorporating kinesthetic and well as aesthetic abilities; 2) the refinement of thinking skills that may carry over into other areas of learning; and 3) appreciation of history and culture, particularly American and Indigenous, in relation to art. A student participating in a residency should come away with a better understanding of color and design, increased ability in using tools and materials, and a greater cultural understanding, especially of Native American culture, in the context of the world we live in. All that is needed on the part of teachers and students is a willingness to listen, to participate, and do the work. The result will be greater confidence in the individual's creative abilities, increased understanding of the creative process, and learning that will be of benefit in many other areas of life. Activities in typical residencies may include drawing, sculpture, mask making, paper art, sand painting, yarn painting, art from recycled materials or any of a great variety of projects. Interspersed with visual art activities, for learning and inspiration, are storytelling, songs, or dances from tribal people. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
Sabrina Zarco Multi-Disciplinary: Crafts; Folk Arts; Visual Arts Little Rock, AR 501-280-0526 sabrinazart@yahoo.com |
|
Background Sabrina Zarco is a Chicana (indigenous Mexican American) artist, activist, workshop trainer, and consultant. Her eclectic art work includes distinctive award-winning art quilts, unusual beaded sculpture, and a diverse array of mixed media collage and assemblage work. One of Sabrina’s passions is the creation of traditional and contemporary variations of the folk art traditions of her heritage, thus contribution to the promotion and preservation of the culture. She has exhibited in museums, galleries, art institutes, symposiums, and in traveling collections in both solo and group shows. Her work can be found in many private and public collections in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and in the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Zagreb, Croatia. Sabrina is the 2004 Grand Award winner for the Arkansas Arts Center’s 47th Delta Exhibition. In her various roles as workshop leader, keynote speaker, and early childhood consultant, Sabrina shares her vision of art and the creative process. Her sessions may include the use of art and creativity to generate innovative thinking, to examine cultural influences and symbolism, and to promote healing through self-expression. She uses community art to encourage civic dialogue and examine ways it can serve as a tool for personal and community empowerment. Children, adults, and intergenerational groups benefit from her twenty years of experience in facilitating learning. Sabrina skillfully sets the stage for comfortable interactions with a variety of participatory experiences. AIE Program Working with children from various communities, Sabrina’s art transcends cultural barriers. Sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of the group. During short or long-term projects, students will enjoy a variety of experiences as they explore materials and participate in interactive dialogue and creative activities. Projects may include making fabric self-portraits, creating art works from recycled materials, or creating mixed media works combining beadwork, fiber, paint, and poetry. Sabrina recognizes the benefits of sharing cultural experiences and how they serve to promote a greater understanding of a community. She conducts sessions on a variety of Mexican/Mexican American traditional arts. These include beadwork, embroidery, appliqué, mask making, papel picado, decorated sugar skulls, storytelling, building sacred memory places, community celebrations, and preparing cultural foods. Many sessions include the history of the art in addition to hands-on experience. Through these sessions, students may discover a respect for their own uniqueness and creativity, increase the ability to express themselves, understand the artistic contributions from other societies and cultures, and recognize the many connections between the arts and daily life Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Varies per project. | |
|
MUSIC |
|
Tim Anthony Music: general North Little Rock, AR 501-375-2711 tootony@aol.com www.afrodesia.net |
|
Background I am proud to be part of the first graduating class of Parkview Fine Arts Magnet High School in Little Rock, AR. My twin brother and I were well known around school as promising musicians and entertainers. We were voted Most Likely to Succeed by our graduating class. We wrote and composed our senior class theme song, “Bright Lights, Big City,” at the request of our drama teacher, Fred Boosey. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Webster University, St. Louis, MO, in Commercial Music with emphasis on Jazz Studies. During my studies, I was privileged to spend a semester abroad at Webster’s Leiden campus in The Netherlands. I was also awarded the Undergraduate Leadership Award upon graduation. After years of working for my dad at Soul Brother’s Record Shop, I ventured out on my own to form the band, “Afrodesia,” in 1996, where I still perform today, serving as the band’s lead singer and keyboardist. We have enjoyed eleven years as one of the most prominent bands in the region. We were voted the Best New band in 1996 in the Fayetteville Times newspaper and have consistently been voted one of Little Rock’s best bands in the Arkansas Times. I have conducted workshops in Arkansas and the surrounding states for the past 15 years. I am currently serving as a fellow in the Arkansas A+ School Network that mentors teachers in whole-school arts and curriculum integration. AIE Program The goals of my residency are: 1)to empower participants with the knowledge of new concepts about using music to educate and inspire 2)to improve classroom climate 3)to make learning more fun My workshops are mostly hands-on. The language is simple, and the participants are actively involved. We simple share and talk about what we know. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Music: chamber; orchestral; symphony Little Rock, AR 501-666-1761 gwixon@arkansassymphony.org |
|
Background Now in its 42nd season, the ASO, comprised of 72 of Arkansas’ finest musicians, performs thirty (30) concerts each year in the Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks series, Acxiom Pops Live! series, River Rhapsodies Chamber Music series and children’s concerts, in addition to numerous special events including The Masters and Acxiom SuperPops. The orchestra also maintains a busy schedule of statewide touring and educational performances in a various venues. Central to the ASO’s mission are the three resident string quartets (the Quapaw Quartet, the Arts Partners Rockefeller Quartet and Sturgis Quartet) and the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestras, which include more than 200 students from 34 Arkansas communities. AIE Program The theme-based demonstrations (“demos”) performed by the ASO Arts Partners teach basic musical ideas that enhance and augment Arkansas’ music curriculum framework. Through listening and interaction, children learn to identify connections between music and the other arts, music from different periods, composers and cultures as well as learn the basic elements of music. Benchmarks achieved by the Arts Partners “demos” include being able to: identify phrases and sections of music that are the same, similar or different; describe aural examples of music and performances; identify music from various periods, composers and cultures; demonstrate ways music and other disciplines are integrated; and, recognize and share the emotional responses evoked by the composition performed. These educational features are important; however, it is the exposure to music education that lays the foundation for success in other subjects such as mathematics, language skills and science. Music education and participation also help strengthen individual self-esteem and cognitive skills. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: September - May Special Needs: Chairs and music stands; ASO can provide stands, if necessary. | |
|
Helen Bankston Music: Folk Music; Folk Arts Baton Rouge, LA 225-753-7917 hmbankston@cox.net |
|
Background Helen Bankston is a registered nurse by profession with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She has played piano and English handbells for 20 years. She sang barbershop harmony with the Sweet Adelines for 14, years, sang with military wives choral groups for seven years, and in the church choir for many years. She co-founded the Langiappe Dulcimer Society in 1998 and teaches everything from beginning through advanced techniques on the mountain dulcimer. As president of the group since its inception, she instituted a series of six-week classes and wroth most of the curriculum. She co-founded the annual Lagniappe Dulcimer Fete featuring workshops and concerts by dulcimer artist from all over the country. She conducted workshops and used music she had arranged for the dulcimer. She has assisted in writing two arts grants to financially support these festivals. Helen was instrumental in starting the dulcimer program at Hugh Goodwin Academy for the Arts in El Dorado, Arkansas this year. She made several trips to the school to teach the students and instruct the music teacher in learning this instrument. She continues a working relationship with the school and continues to teach and assist as needed. Helen just finished a course for the dulcimer society entitled, “Margaret Wright’s Tunes,” with planes to teach a related course this fall. She is currently teaching dulcimer for the third “Cousins’ Camp” this summer for children 6-12 years of age. In addition, she will attend her fourth Mountain Dulcimer Week at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina where she will attend classes and participate in performances. AIE Program Helen’s objective for the AIR program is to foster a genuine love of dulcimer music and teach the simplicity of playing the instrument in both traditional and contemporary modes. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Low, straight-backed armless chairs, so students could sit with feet flat on floor and hold the dulcimer in their lap; a sound system for larger groups so the dulcimer could be heard easily. | |
|
Marc-Andre' Bougie Music: chamber/orchestral/symphony Texarkana, AR 870-773-3401 | 870-772-4628 mabougie1@yahoo.com |
|
Background A native of Montreal, Conductor Marc-André Bougie first studied piano at the College of St. Laurent. He subsequently completed a Bachelor of Music at the University of Montreal and was admitted to the University of Missouri for his Master’s in Orchestra conducting under Maestro Edward Dolbashian. As a conductor, Marc-André directed the Orchestre des Sourcesa chamber orchestra that he founded, and recorded the CD Orchestre des Sources: Musique pour cordes, and the music for the short-movie L’embellie. In Missouri he conducted the University Philharmonic, the Contemporary Chamber Players, the University Singers, the Columbia Youth Orchestra, and the Show-Me Opera Studio. From 2001 until 2005 he held a four-year tenure with the Shreveport Opera as Education Director, Chorus Master, and Assistant-Conductor, and made his professional conducting debut with the Shreveport Symphony in January 2004. Also active as a composer, he won the 2001 MTNA National Composition Competition with his piece String-Quartet. Marc-André is currently Music Director for the Texarkana Regional Chorale and the Shreveport Chorale, and full-time Faculty at Texarkana College. Recent engagements have included concerts at Carnegie Hall and Montreal with Ark-La-Tex Choirs, conducting the Gilbert & Sullivan production of I Have A Song to Sing and a full season of concerts with the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra. Marc was recently awarded TRAHC’s 2007 Arts Champion Award. He is also the founding Music Director of the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra. AIE Program With Maestro in school, conductor Marc-Andre Bougie teaches a group of student-conductors the basic skills of his profession and musical concepts. Through hands-on practice of meter patterns and many other musical gestures, students will learn to physically communicate musical intentions and develop leadership abilities. Students need to come with a love of music and a desire to communicate this love to others. The basic skills needed to be successful with the workshop will be given on the first day of the residency and do not require any previous knowledge. Individual musical instinct will be developed from simple technical learning experiences. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Southwest Arkansas Time Availability: September 2-November 21, 2008 afternoons; January 12-April 18, 2009 afternoons Special Needs: One music stand (provided by artist if necessary) Piano or keyboard (provided by artist if necessary) | |
|
Michael Eubanks Music: jazz/solo/recital Little Rock, AR 501-376-0802 | 501-223-8259 meubanks@michael-eubanks.com |
|
Background Michael is a native of Arkansas and a product of the Little Rock Public Schools. He has performed as a saxophonist and vocalist since the mid-90's. When he takes center stage, he'll take your breath away with his smooth sax and soulful sultry vocal style. Michael began showing interest in music as a child. The piano was the first instrument of study. At 11 years of age, he began studying the tenor saxophone, and continued through senior high school. Michael performed as a child in elementary school on piano and sang in school plays. After high school at the historical Little Rock, Central High, Michael enlisted into the US Army. While on over-seas tour-of-duty he performed the presence of high-ranking military audiences. In the spring of 1992, Michael's military service time came to an end and he returned to the United States. In 1993, he made his way into the music scene on the alto saxophone. From the winter of "96"to the mid-spring of "98", Michael became well-known in South Arkansas and Monroe. It was not until the Summer of "98"that Michael Eubanks hit the music scene big in Central Arkansas. Although, it was not music that brought him back to the area, but a massive heartache that afflicted his step-father. Michael's popularity increased in that summer of 1998 when he performed at the River Market Amphitheatre in Little Rock, as the opening act for Jazz Lights 98", which featured legendary and internationally acclaim recording artist Jonathan Butler, Gerald Albright, and famed, legendary jazz guitarist,Earl Klugh. Summer 1999, found Michael "Live in Concert" in El Paso, Texas at the Historical, Camino Real Hotel. In early 2000, you could catch Michael performing for the men and women of the Little Rock Air Force Base. The Summer of 2002, Michael Performed in "Sax in the Park" and "Sax in the Park II", held on North Little Rock's Burns Park outdoor stage. In which both show were sponsored by him. Spring 2003, Michael gave a high-energy opening at "The North Shores Explosion". Featuring the legendary R&B Recording Artist J. Blackfoot and Betty Wright. December 2003, Michael released a Christmas CD entitled "Christmas At Michael's" which he promoted by frequenting the locate television stations. You can hear his music during the Christmas Holiday. Summer "2004", Michael currently released a new CD, entitled "On a Day Like This..." He strategically sponsored two concerts to promote this CD. The first stage with September 26th, in Little Rock's Macarthur Park, entitled "Sax In The Park III, The CD Release" and the second November 14th, at The Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom, "An Evening of Jazz". Michael was nominated as Play Power Magazine's "2005,Well Rounded Entertainer of The Year". As you can see, "The Man" stays busy. What's next for Michael? Well, you can rest assure that he's got something in the oven. In 2007, he became apart of the Arkansas Art Council's, Artist On-Tour-Roster. AIE Program Initially, I introduction myself, the instrumentals (to include my vocal) and the musical styles that are used. I talk about the history of music and the historical background from whence the instruments and styles derived. After allowing times for questions and answers, I will give a brief demonstration regarding functionally of each instrument, followed by a performance. If time is permitted, more opportunity for questions and answers. A more in-depth approach is taken (basic music theory, keyboarding/fingering, notation and technique) when the learning environment (presentation, workshop or short-term / long-term class) differs and instruments are available. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Central Arkansas Time Availability: Open with prior notice Special Needs: P.A. system; projector for power point; chalkboard/eraser board | |
|
Felice Farrell Music: Chamber, Solo/Recital, Orchestral Little Rock, AR 501-529-1635 | 501-664-1530 cellotunes@hotmail.com |
|
Background Felice Farrell was born into a musical family of three generations. She holds bachelors and masters degrees from Indiana University with a performer’s certificate. She was a teaching assistant to Janos Starker at Indiana University. Ms. Farrell was assistant principal, associate principal and acting principal cello with the Minnesota Orchestra. She was solo cello with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and then artist with Affiliate Artist Management in NYC. She has been on the faculties of Indiana University, Indiana University of Fort Wayne, University of Minnesota, Eastman School of Music and University of Central Arkansas. Her more than forty years of teaching has taken her to many places. Whenever the Minnesota and St. Paul Orchestras toured, there were master classes to teach. She is currently a member of the Kapelle Trio, and their tours invite talented students and ensembles to be coached. The trio participates in a chamber music festival every may in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Farrell has completed the first CD on Bach for the cello. The second of three volumes is ready for publication. The Kapelle Trio recently did children’s concerts and two performances in Tulsa, Oklahoma and performed at Roundtop and Austin, Texas, with the Chamber Soloists of Austin. AIE Program My approach to music for the young and old has continued to develop since my youth helping my mother teach her piano classes and teaching cello at age thirteen. A strong impression for me were the “informances” of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Audiences love the personal touch. Saying something about myself, my background and initiating a dialogue brings the listener closer to the performer. Selections are short and contrasting. If I feel that I have lost my listeners, perhaps the music stops. We exchange some more. I ask them, for example, where they were in that moment when I lost them. The idea is to develop the attention for listening. Music is about life and my job is to make the notes jump off the page and come to life for my listeners whatever their age. The expression of the sonorities comes directly from my life’s experience, my love for music and what it offers to well-being. Usually, I need to be accompanied by a pianist. Sometimes I can play with another instrument such as the guitar or violin. I often play the cello alone. In a larger auditorium a microphone is welcome for speaking. Preferred Age Level: All ages, including college/graduate level Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open. Special Needs: Straight-backed chair, 1-2 music stands, piano, PA system if the space is large. | |
|
Gary Buho and Lisa Ahia Gazaway Music: new; ethnic; jazz; popular; folk; blues; rock Pocahontas, AR 870-810-2570 | 870-892-8138 euphonicmedia@suddenlink.net |
|
Background Lisa Ahia Gazaway and Gary "El Buho" Gazaway bring to Arkansas students a deep knowledge and well of experience with a variety of American musical forms. A Native Hawaiian, vocalist Lisa Ahia began performing shows with her father Samuel Ahia, one of Hawaii's premier jazz guitarists and Polynesian entertainers, when she was eight years old. Since that time, she has been performing traditonal Hawaiian and Polynesian music as well as American jazz standards for audiences from Honolulu to Nashville. She is an accomplished performer on the Ukulule, a small Hawaiian guitar, and has been featured as a musician, vocalist, narrator and Hula instructor for some of the major Polynesian shows in Hawaii. Lisa also has a deep heart-felt love for American jazz standards. Her beautiful lush velvet voice delivers a unique artistic quality to every song she sings. With depth and emotion, she sings the melody and lyrics with her special phrasing and interpretation. Some of Lisa's favorite vocal influences are Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McCrae, Shirly Horn, Johnny Hartman, Chet Baker, and Tony Bennett. Internationally known trumpeter Gary Gazaway is originally from Pocahontas, Arkansas. At an early age, he was influenced by the region's rich musical heritage of blues, soul, rockabilly, folk, country, and jazz. He has worked extensively in New York, Miami, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Hawaii, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. He has performed or recorded with a long list of diverse Latin and American artists including Israel Lopez, Machito, Celia Cruz, Flora Purim and Airto, Hugo Fattoruso and OPA, Toninho Horta, Wagner Tiso, Jaco Pastorius, Herb Alpert, Jon Hendricks, Ornette Coleman, Robert Palmer, Stevie Ray Vaugaun, Joe Cocker, The Memphis Horns, Steve Winwood, The Committments, George Jones, Delbert McClinton, Phish, Sector Nine, and has performed on 3 multi-platinum major label recordings. As "El Buho", a nickname fondly bestowed to him by musicans in South America and translates as The Owl, he tours and performs regularly. Early on, he studied with Howard Dunn in Pocahontas, and at Arkansas State University with Don Minx, Jared Spears, Tomas Williams, and John Alexander. AIE Program We believe that, as Arkansas becomes an increasingly diverse and multicultural state, it is imperative that young Arkansans become familiar with it's expanding musical heritage. Historically, Arkansas musicians have been at the forefront of blues, jazz, and popular music. This heritage is largely unknown or underappreaciated by most Arkansans as is the music from our newer Arkansans. With growing Polynesian populations in northwest Arkansas and growing Hispanic populations statewide, our experience with both cultural groups, as well as our expertise and involvement with the heritage of American jazz, blues, and popular music, uniquely qualifies us to broaden many musical horizons. Classroom work focuses on music history, techniques, appreciation, and performance. Students learn to listen to non-mainstream music in it's own terms, and with their hands and voices, they experience a communicational sharing in the performance. Lisa Ahia Gazaway and Gary "El Buho" Gazaway are available together or separately for individually tailored programs. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Electrical outlets | |
|
Bill Haymes Music: Popular, Folk; Literature Nashville, TN 615- 665-2222 billh615@yahoo.com |
|
Background Bill Haymes grew up on a dairy farm near Marshfield, Missouri and received a B.A. in history from Rice University with a minor in behavorial sciences. As a naval officer, he taught rhetoric and composition at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Every summer from 1984-1996, he taught a class called “Personal and Social Development” at the Arkansas Governor’s School. Bill has been a touring musician and songwriter since 1972 and has been an approved artist with the Arkansas Arts in Education program since 1977. He has done many one to four- week music residencies in Arkansas and Tennessee, and one nine-week residency in Georgia. Bill has five full-length recordings to his credit, and his third album, “Anima/Ocean,” was produced as a direct result of receiving a composer’s fellowship from the Arkansas Arts Council in 1986. He was also project director for three consecutive summers at a program called “August Adventure” in Blytheville, Arkansas. Each year in this program, thirty 4th-6th graders wrote, staged and performed their own musical play. Bill currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a newly accepted Teaching Artist with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's ArtSmart program, and is also a Fellow with the Arkansas A Plus Schools program. AIE Program In 2009-2010, I plan to work primarily with elementary and high school teachers. I have two separate staff development workshops to offer. Each can be split into shorter sessions, over several days, or done in one 6-hour session (much like the summer staff developments at AR educational cooperatives.) BOTH WORKSHOPS ARE DESIGNED TO BE USED COLLABORATIVELY WITH ONE'S STUDENTS. Workshop One: "Arts integration using music for the NOT very musical." This songwriting technique involves integrating a form of songwriting (writing new lyrics to familiar melodies) into the teaching of specific curricular content. This technique has the additional benefit of engaging the students in creative problem solving while also improving their writing skills-skills that translate very well into those needed on state writing tests requiring evidence of a student's unique voice and evidence of her or his ability to create musical confidence. This workshop is designed for teachers in any subject area, not just music specialists. No knowledge of music theory needed, only the willingness to sing aloud. This workshop uses the chorus/verse form of familiar ballads to mirror one of the most basic of educational concepts: main idea/supporting detail. Teachers will work collaboratively, in small groups. They will choose the topic for each song, choose an appropriate familiar melody, discuss and choose the main idea and supporting details, then re-write the lyrics to that song using strong descriptive language. Workshop Two: "Advanced Songwriting with Students." This workshop shows, step-by-step, how to lead one's students through the songwriting process to create an original unique song. The students generate the ideas for the song, choose a title, write the lyrics, and create a melody. Again, this strongly encourages students in creative writing and creative problem solving. Plus, it gives the students an experience in creating an entire song from a single idea. Pre-requisites for teachers: the ability to play accompanying chords on piano or guitar (or similar stringed instrument), some knowledge of music theory, and the courage to try this technique in their classrooms. Again, this is not just for music specialists. It is for any teacher who plays an instrument and wishes to lead her or his students in an enjoyable form of writing-songwriting. This advanced workshop can be used to teach specific content or as an enjoyable and engaging experience in a specific type of creative writing, not focused on particular curricular content. I normally record the final product written by the teachers and email that song to each participant as an MP3 file. BOTH WORKSHOPS ADDRESS SEVERAL ARKANSAS BENCHMARKS. Preferred Age Level: Grades 1-6 and 10-12 Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: For workshops, a room with internet access - wireless preferred. Whiteboard, some drawing supplies (colored pencils and the like, paper). | |
|
Keisler Brothers Music: bluegrass Sheridan, AR 870-942-3775 arkeisler@yahoo.com |
|
Background The Keisler Brothers are a five member bluegrass dedicated to generating interest in bluegrass music and passing along the heritage of bluegrass music to the younger generation. Individual members have been performing since 1975 in a variety of bluegrass bands. AIE Program The Keisler Brothers band present a week-long education experience exploring the history of bluegrass and providing demonstrations of bluegrass songs, the sound and background of the bluegrass instruments, the role of each instrument in creating the sound of a bluegrass band, the use of three- and four-part vocal harmonies and how each vocal part works to create the distinctive bluegrass vocal blend. In addition to demonstrations and performances, the program utilizes a Powerpoint presentation on additional aspects of bluegrass music. Preferred Age Level: Allages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Electrical outlets and power supply | |
|
Essie the Blues Lady Neal Music: blues; folk music Little Rock, AR 501-897-5423 bobby.neal@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background Essie Neal performs as "Essie the Blues Lady" in festivals, schools, and numerous venues across Arkansas. She grew up in a musical family and learned to play the guitar at twelve years of age. She formed an all-girl blues band and toured the stae during the 1970s, and she has played throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri. Essie the Blues Lady now usually performs as a solo act. Her performances showcase a great variety of blues styles and tunes, including her own compositions. She believes that blues music provides ways to build social skills, confidence, and coping skills in a world inundated with negativity. Essie sees blues music as a friend who he helps people learn to overcome "the blues" as a feeling. She was recently quoted as saying "I was born into the blues; I was raised on the blues, and I'm a product of the blues." AIE Program Essie Neal presents blues music to students by performing on guitar and singing her own vocals. She writes her own compositions, which reflect her own experiences and outlook on life. For example, her original song "I Ain't Cooking Nothing" is a humorous song that playfully expresses the frustration of having to prepare a meal following a long day of work. She uses songs like this one to show students how musical creativity is often born out of everyday experiences. "Lessons with B. B. King" is another original song that she performs to show students how she learned various blues tunes and guitar licks by listening to records of the great blues master. Her in-school performances consist of a range of presentations. Typically, educators introduce Ms. Neal and provide some context for her music. She then performs a concert of her blues tunes and discusses blues music's history through her own commentary. She often introduces songs by describing the context within which the song have been written to demonstrate connections between individual life history and the wider history of blues music in Arkansas. Her presentations close with opportunities for question-and-answer sessions with students. Preferred Age Level: Allages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Table, chair, electrical outlets | |
|
Lorenzo Smith Music: instrumental, concert, jazz, religious, blues, marching Little Rock, AR 501-225-6962 csmc87@aol.com |
|
Background I have 34 years experience teaching instrumental music. I have taken over programs that were in distress, and I have started several new band programs. Some of my bands have performed on the national level. Woodwinds are my specialty, although I am proficient in all band instruments (woodwinds, brass, and percussion). I have experience working with students from the beginning level to college. I have been a guest conductor for many bands to help prepare them for band contests and spring concerts. I work with concert, jazz (including improvisation), and marching bands, and I have orchestra experience. I have written several compositions for band and have done arrangements for smaller groups. I am skilled in music technology and digital sound recording. Music technology keeps students’ attention much longer than teaching the traditional way. I like to integrate technology with traditional skills to motivate students. Helping students learn how to make a good recording of their performance is very important in today’s music world. Most colleges and universities require students to send a recording of a performance before they invite them for a live audition. Music has changed tremendously in the last several years. I stay abreast of current trends and music technology by attending workshops at the National Association of Music Merchants. AIE Program Music and Brain Power – cultural enrichment and music technology program goals: 1) Students will learn music fundamentals, using the basic vocabulary and language of music 2) Students will develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the relationship between music and literacy, math, history, and culture 3) Students will enhance reading and writing skills by researching, organizing, and communicating information 4) Students will become aware of both educational and career opportunities related to the music industry and music business 5) Students will use technology to enhance learning and enjoyment of practice 6) Students will use technology to enhance performance 7) Students will use technology to enhance learning and understanding the fundamentals of making a CD 8) Students will maintain a notebook Preferred Age Level: Middle/Jr. High; Sr. High Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
William Worden Music: ethnic; solo/recital Shirley, AR 501-723-4085 spiritsongs@msn.com |
|
Background William was born and educated in upstate New York where he studied and performed Theater and Ballet. An Arkansas resident since 1974, he is a master flute-maker, flute player, and storyteller. William learned the art of flute making on the Seminole Reservation in South Florida under Sonny Nevaquaya. He was instructed in the fine art of concert tuning to the traditional pentatonic scale by the late Dr. George Foss, professor of music theory at Louisiana State University. William has performed statewide for various groups such as the Jaycees, Daughters of the Revolution, Philander Smith College, and is involved in Native American reenactment. He has also conducted workshops and assemblies in several schools in Arkansas. AIE Program William comes dressed in Native American regalia and introduces a core group of students to the Native American flute. William brings enough flutes for each student in your core group. Students will learn about the history of the flute through stories and songs. Students will be given the opportunity to play a pentatonic (five tone) flute and create their own music through instructions and musical game playing such as echoing back to each other. They will be told the names of each sound or pitch that they are playing and how to write them on the musical staff. Students will be encouraged to create more melodies by alternating finger patterns and opening and closing all five holes. At the end of one week these students should be able to improvise/create simple pentatonic melodies on a pentatonic flute and notate their composition on music staff paper. Students will be given the opportunity to perform for each other and share their compositions. The end result will be greater confidence and higher self-esteem. After completing this introduction to the Native American Flute course students will have a better understanding of Native Americans, their music, and their customs by actively playing flutes constructed in the authentic style. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
PHOTOGRAPHY |
|
Kathleen J. Clements Photography: Batesville, AR 870- 793-5970 kandlclements@suddenlink.net |
|
Background As a 1990 graduate of Lyon College, with a BA in media arts/communication, I worked in a variety of jobs, including as a substitute news reporter at the Batesville Daily Guard Newspaper, writing story-copy in the advertising department, and doing darkroom work at a local photography studio. I most enjoy teaching photography to young people. Teaching assignments from 1991 to 1994 included Upward Bound Math and Science Center programs at Lyon College, and teaching basic photography to undergraduate students at Lyon College in 1997-1998. Since 2002, my main focus has been teaching middle school students through AIE-sponsored residencies as listed below: *2002-2003: AIE Saturday Studio at UACCB in Batesville, and two three-week AIE mini-course residencies at Batesville Middle School; *2003-2004: one-week Arts-in-the-Park summer event in Batesville, and four AIE residencies at schools around the state, including Emmet, Centerpoint, and Sulphur Rock;. *2004-2005: AIE Saturday Studio session at UACCB, and an after-school residency at Yerger Middle School in Hope. *2007: AIE residencies at Southside/Batesville Middle School, and Pine Bluff Arts and Science Center. *2008: AIE residency at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, and Arts-in-the-Park event at the Main Street Art Gallery in Batesville. Current artistic activities include working as a freelance photographer for “Three Rivers Edition” of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Newspaper. Current professional affiliations include member of the gallery committee of the Batesville Area Arts Council; and Batesville Community Theatre board member. AIE Program My approach to photography in an educational setting is to begin with simple projects and gradually move to more difficult ones. For instance, during a 5-day, 20 hour session at the Museum of Discovery, students ranging in age from 7 to 14 years old examined the functions of both primitive and sophisticated cameras. To do this, students: • made sunprints using found objects to create designs on photographic paper, exposing the print to sunlight, and developing it in chemicals: • used a photographic enlarger to make black and white images from sunprints; • made pinhole lenses for small oatmeal boxes, exposed photographic paper to make a negative, and then made positive prints from the negatives in the darkroom; • used pinhole viewfinders, made from large oatmeal boxes, to observe reverse images projected onto wax paper and plastic-lid screens mounted inside the viewfinders; • used a regular 35mm camera to shoot black and white portraits of each other, then used the negatives to make black and white 5x7 prints in the darkroom; • used 35mm one-time-use cameras to take composition shots during a photo safari in the Riverfront Park Amphitheater area. The goals of the program were to show students that the basic principles of photography are the same for both primitive and sophisticated cameras; to spur students’ creativity and visualization techniques; and to help students relate photography to other scientific studies (i.e. how the human eye works, how light works – artificial and natural, reflected, refracted; aspects of positive and negative, and how things are similar and different). Preferred Age Level: Upper Elementary, Middle/Junior High, Senior High, Adults Geographic Availability: Statewide. Time Availability: Flexible, but most of my residencies have occurred in September, October, March and April, when the weather is condusive to outdooe photo projects. Special Needs: Access to TV/VCR and on-site fully equipped darkroom (for pinhole and 35mm projects). However, if there is a room without windows that can be converted into a dark room space and water nearby, I can scale down to fit accommodations. | |
|
Lisa Burton Tarver Photography: El Dorado, AR 870-862-5474 | 870-866-6970 lisaburtar59@yahoo.com |
|
Background My love for photography began in my early childhood with memories of the black and white images taken by my father. I ask a lot of questions, but I have learned about photography mostly through trial and error. I have found that photography has awakened the artist within me. I enjoy sharing what I have learned through the past 23 years of experience. I teach with digital and film cameras. My versatility allows me to use modern computer equipment and techniques as well as maintain expertise in the wet darkroom process. I also still love the look and feel of a Holga. AIE Program My approach to photography in a classroom setting is to introduce students to the fascinating and powerful work of photography. Students are exposed to the possibility that they can have the ability to create art using the camera as their brush and the film or memory card as their canvas. Children are amazing because their minds are like little sponges ready to absorb, learn, and have fun. By being exposed to photography, they can learn to express themselves in a positive way. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
THEATER |
|
Arkansas Repertory Theatre Theater: Theatre: General Little Rock, AR 501- 378-0445 leslie@therep.org |
|
Background Arkansas Repertory Theatre exists to create a diverse body of theatrical work of the highest artistic standards that entertains, engages, and challenges local, regional, and national audiences. Outreach programming for young audiences across Arkansas reflects The Rep’s commitment to the educational value of the performing arts. The Rep works intensively to provide historical and artistic content through talkback, lobby displays, study guides, and by bringing creative artists into the community. Founded in 1976, Arkansas Rep is the state’s largest professional non-profit theater. Arkansas Rep enlists the talents and skills of artists, administrators, and technicians from a national pool of seasoned artisans and experienced leaders while providing a training area for emerging young professionals. Therefore, residency hosts can feel confident that representatives from The Rep will have theater experience as well as the skills to develop a rapport with, and serve as role models for young people of all economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Hosts can expect that most of The Rep’s residency leaders hold a B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A., or M.B.A. in addition to their professional experience. In addition, The Rep maintains professional affiliations with the following: Actor’s Equity Association (the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers), Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, United Scenic Artists and IATSE. AIE Program The artists and administrators of Arkansas Repertory Theatre believe that arts education has a significant impact on the academic achievement, nurtures and reiterates the basic skills of a sound education, and creates community-minded citizens who are well-rounded academically, culturally, and socially. Demonstrating the collaboration inherent to the theatre arts, The Rep’s workshop and residency activities evolve from discussion with hosting educators to tailor-fit the students’ and teachers’ needs. No previous theatrical experience is required, merely a desire to learn in a creative and entertaining environment. Sample residency topics and activities: cross-curricular approaches to The Rep’s MainStage productions; movement and dance; audience etiquette; acting; theatre history; Shakespeare; sound for the stage; and scenic elements. Contact The Rep or access the website (www.therep.org) for AIE touring productions, student matinees and other educational opportunities. Preferred Age Level: All ages. Geographic Availability: Statewide. Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Depending on the sponsor’s site-specific residency, The Rep may inquire about the availability of pianos, CD players, or projectors. | |
|
Collin Brown Theater: General Anchorage, AK 907-229-6960 | 907-441-4189 captaincrablegs@gmail.com |
|
Background My professional work as a theatre artist spans more than a decade. I earned undegraduate degrees in English as well as speech and theatre from Lyons College in Batesville, Arkansas. After graduation from Lyons, I took four years off from my studies. During that time I joined a magic show and took off on the road for awhile. After that, I served two years as an Americorps volunteer teaching art classes for senior citizens over a ten county area of the Ozarks. I later earned my masters degree in speech with an emphasis in technical theatre and design at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. AIE Program During my residency with sixth grade social studies students in Batesville, I introduced them to an in-depth study of the Klondike Gold Rush. One of the jobs I occasionally work in Anchorage is as an actor for Art Services North, which is a company that specializes in trade shows and corporate events. As an actor for this company, I perform as a gold rush prospector and teach people how to pan for gold. With students in Batesville, I began the residency with a discussion of the historical context of the gold rush and an introduction to the state of Alaska. I then shifted to a study of the geologic conditions under which gold is formed. As a finale to the residency, we looked at historical figures who were significant to this period. Students were then taught the skills needed to pan for gold, and were given the opportunity to integrate this knowledge in the creation of their own characters. The goals of the program were to teach students more about the history and significance of the gold rush, the development of Alaska as a part of the United States, and in the context of acting, a skill that Arkansas students would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
Ruthann Curry Browne Theater: general; opera; music theater Conway, AR 501-328-5809 | 501-328-5797 kba@conwaycorp.net |
|
Background Ruthann Curry Brown has 26 years experience both on-stage and behind-the-scenes directing, acting, producing, and teaching drama and musical theatre. She has acted on Broadway, off-Broadway, in dinner theatre, summer stock, and regional theatres including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. In New York her directing credits include directing Edward Norton in Lovers; a personal adaptation of Mark Twain’s Adam & Eve; and Tom Topor’s But Not For Me. As General Manager of Musical Theatre Works in New York, she worked to help develop the American musical for Broadway with Charles Abbott, Martin Charnin, Pat Birch, Hal Prince, and others in the professional musical theatre world. In addition, she has continued to perform professionally, appearing on stage and in film and television. In the last 13 years since leaving New York to raise a family, she has directed plays; taught middle school drama full-time; taught college theatre course, led workshops in acting and auditioning for all ages; been a regular guest judge for the Kiwanis’ “Rising Stars” talent contest; led adult and children’s drama at her church and at her children’s school; taught community drama classes, and directed a yearly summer children’s drama camp. She is currently an instructor in Theatre at the University of Central Arkansas and she is also the Director of the Youth Theatre of Central Arkansas. She holds a BA from the College of William and Mary, an MA in Performance form the Lamont School of Music at University of Denver, and graduate courses toward a Ph.D. degree in Theatre for Your from Arizona State University. She is a professional member of AEA, AFTRA/SAG, SSDC, and ATHE. AIE Program My philosophy is to offer a professional approach to teaching performing arts, in order to encourage talent, foster theatre appreciation, build future audiences, and support community arts relations. My artistic vision is to introduce and enhance the student’s experience with theatre arts in the hopes of sparking an appreciation for and involvement in the performing arts. Students (and teachers) will come away with an enhanced knowledge of the vocabulary and skills involved in becoming professional actors and performers; a more through understanding of the contributing arts in the theatre (directing, designing, playwriting) and a life-long love of story-telling through the dramatic medium. By participating in acting exercises, improvisational scenes, dialogue scripting, and collaborative games, students will begin to lay the groundwork, needed for developing the skills of a performer. Preferred Age Level: Senior High Geographic Availability: Central Arkansas Time Availability: September through November; January through May 15 | |
|
Patricia Carreras Theater: General, Experimental, Mime, Puppet, Children’s, Mask, Physical comedy, Improvisation, Clown, Story- theater Memphis, TN 901- 268-3981 psc3ps@gmail.com; psc3ps@aim.com |
|
Background Patricia Carreras has been working professionally in all types of theater for over eighteen years. She has an undergraduate degree in Theater and Film from the University of New York at Fredonia and a Masters of Art in Theatre and Film from SUNY in Buffalo, New York. Currently Patricia is working for the University of Memphis as an adjunct professor teaching aesthetic education to education majors. She is also works as an actor/director/writer and storyteller in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Alaska. Every summer, Patricia is invited to join the Alaska Theatre for Youth staff as a guest director, teaching artist and playwright. She also teaches at the Center for Arts Education summer institute in Memphis. Patricia has written and directed many plays, including her most recent work, “Say What You Mean,” a musical play about communication that was written in part by students nationwide. A teaching artist for over fifteen years, Patricia has shared her talents throughout most of the USA. She has written many one-woman shows that incorporate mime, puppetry and storytelling, each holding an aesthetic experience for learning. AIE Program Patricia Carreras offers pantomime, puppetry, mask, story-theater and writing to all ages. Classes are typically 45-50 minutes and are designed for residencies of three sessions or more, including: Pantomime: This residency focuses on mime at the very basic level. She will work with students to help them create and present pantomimes based on simple techniques and story telling without words. This class opens up the imagination and readies the student for reading and writing. Story Theatre with Poetry and Movement: This unique program encourages students to use their bodies, voices and imaginations to bring stories and poems to life. Group projects will help students understand the theatrical process of collaboration. Other residencies offer physical comedy, improvisation, mask/mime/movement, puppets, creative writing and acting for film/television (which will require equipment). Educators are requested to participate and/or assist in the learning process with their students during the residency. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: An empty classroom with space to move and an area to act as a stage. Teachers are required to remain in the classroom and participate in the learning experience. | |
|
Bonner Dison Theater: General Bentonville, AR 870-219-0912 bonnerdrama@hotmail.com |
|
Background Bonner has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a theatre major from Auburn University. She has designed and implemented summer workshops, school arts curriculum and teacher workshops. She has authored a theatre curriculum, “Acting with Imagination” and “Fun and Easy Plays for Children.” Bonner has over twenty-five years experience working with children in schools and other educational settings, including mentally challenged and at-risk youth, providing them an educational and fun program. She likes to include teachers in her classes and encourages them to continue her programs after the residency is completed. She is currently involved in several statewide arts programs. AIE Program I meet with teachers prior to the residency to explain what I will be doing and ask them to identify subjects and curriculum they will be following during my residency. I work with them to create a program appropriate to the grade level. This also includes special education and alternative classes. I can help teachers present language arts, creative writing, social studies, science and even math into a fun experience by exposing the students to all art forms and integrating them into the curriculum being studied. I collaborate with the teacher in the classroom so every student can become actively involved as a creative thinker, using higher order thinking skills to help solve both classroom and daily problems. By using their imagination, students learn to appreciate the world around them and improve their own self-esteem. OUTCOMES: Students learn to work together as a team with individual attention for each child. Students learn to use their imaginations, think abstractly and learn to see from different perspectives. Presentation, listening and writing skills will also be developed. Preferred Age Level: Elementary;Middle/Jr. High/Senior High Geographic Availability: Prefer NE and NW regions of Arkansas Time Availability: Open | |
|
hal evans Theater: General; Classic Spring, TX 281-734-8314 | 281-655-7317 troupedjour@houston.rr.com |
|
Background As founder and director of Troupe d’ Jour, hal serves over 40,000 students and teachers per academic year. Troupe d’ Jour brings curricula to life through interactive performances and workshops, including professional development in-services in arts integration. This work has earned acclaim of educators across the USA and a place for hal on the rosters of artists-in-education for the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Arkansas Arts Council. hal also brings professional acting, writing, and directing experience to his summer acting camps, aptly titled, “Midsummer Shakespeareance Company.” Since the beginning in 1995, hundreds of young actors (and many adults) have begun their study of acting and of Shakespeare with the MSC. Through the Shakespeare’s Globe Centre Project 1999, hal studied with Louis Fantasia, Mark Rylance, Nesta Jones, and others in London. hal resides in Spring, Texas with his wife, Joan, and their sheltie, Lady. AIE Program Getting students involved is the name of the game in Troupe d’ Jour presentations. From wild-west storytelling to Greco-Roman mythology, from the classics of 19th Century American literature to the classics of the Elizabethan stage, students are both audience and actors. They learn key concepts for themselves, and are exposed to all the different types of learning…..and have lots of fun, too. Schools and sponsoring organizations may specify the elements or the curricula they wish to have students learn. Troupe d’ Jour will present them through theatre exercises that enable students to acquire the necessary base knowledge. Then, the students will be moved beyond information to analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, incorporating all learning styles along the way. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Overhead projector, power point projector, screen, theater space - all specific to content requested by the campus. | |
|
Agnolia Gay Theater: general; creative writing Little Rock, AR 501-447-1471 | 501-247-6721 abgay@comcast.net |
|
Background Agnolia B. Gay is an actress that has been teaching in the Little Rock School District for the past 12 years. She brings to the table an abundance of acting experience from high school and college as well as community based perforrnances in Los Angeles, Little Rock and the surrounding areas. Agnolia has directed several plays at Central High Schoo l and in the Central Little Rock Community. She has worked with churches, city wide functions and family reunions. For the past 5 years Agnolia has facilitated workshops for both teachers and students through the A+ Network and Great Expectations Programs headed by Marie Parker of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. AIE Program Agnolia is a member of the Arkansas Arts Council's Artist On Tour program and presently owns two companies entitled ACTS III which is a drama ensemble that primarily focuses on, but is not limited to, African American History. Her 2nd company, An Intimate Exposure to African American Artists (aka AIETAAA); is a collaborative effort for local African American Artists to do workshops, conferences, group and/or individual performances and projects that enhance, enlighten, expose and entertain people of all ages and cultures based on yo ur groups particular interest or theme that you are working with. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Weekends, holidays, after school. summer Special Needs: Stage/open space; microphones; rehearsel time in space prior to performance | |
|
April Gentry-Sutterfield Theater: general: Literature - playwriting, poetry Little Rock, AR 501-372-4939 aprilgentrysutterfield@gmail.com |
|
Background April Gentry-Sutterfield is a free lance teaching artist offering drama-based instruction professional development workshops, custom-developed interactive theatre programs performed for students, and residencies in the collaborative creation of theatre, performance poetry, and literature. April earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts cum laude from Hendrix College in 2001. While at Hendrix, April was awarded the James W. Meriwether Award for Secondary Education. After college, she developed the magnet theatre program at Hot Springs Middle School in Hot Springs, AR where she worked as a classroom drama teacher for three years. In the spring of 2007, April graduated from the Drama and Theatre for Youth M.F.A. program at the University of Texas at Austin. While at UT April co-founded UT Connections, the University of Texas’ resident youth theatre, and served as the artistic director. In addition to her youth theatre work, April has facilitated professional development workshops in Texas and Arkansas, has served as the drama teacher at Arkansas Governor’s School for three summers, and has directed community-based drama camps in Morrilton and Helena. In 2007, April was awarded a playwrighting mentorship through the Arkansas Arts Council for her one-woman show exploring Southern womanhood through poetry and theatre, "Sticky Thickets." April has published in "TYA Today" and "Stage of the Art," and has presented at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education Conference in Washington, D.C. AIE Program I fully believe in the transformative potential of education and want to be a partner in inspiring positive change in the lives of individuals. I am particularly interested in projects involving multiple partners such as pairing k-12 schools with colleges and universities, museums, zoos, libraries, or other local non-profit service-oriented organizations. To that end, I offer the following services: 1) Professional Development Workshops: one day to multiple day workshops on drama-based instruction for teachers at schools, co-ops, and conferences ; workshops can be tailored to grade level and subject matter, 2) Consulting: partnering with schools and teachers over a longer period of time to develop curriculum that comprehensively integrates drama into core curriculum 3) Teaching Artist Residencies: short or long term learning opportunities for students at schools and community organizations in the following areas: A) Drama-based instruction: using drama to teach core curriculum, B) Collaborative Creation of Theatre and Performance Poetry: using ensemble- building techniques and theatre exercises to write play scripts and poetry for performance, C) Autobiographical Performance: using personal autobiography as source material in the creation of a performance; may be interwoven with biographical and other historical material, D) Adaptations: using ensemble-building techniques to adapt literature to the stage, E) Oral History Projects: gathering source material through interviews with community members on a given topic for the purposes of performance, F) Living Newspaper Performance: exploring current events through theatre toward the development of a performance, and 4) Custom-Developed Interactive Educational Theatre Programming: interactive theatre programming for students on an array of important topics including tolerance, conflict resolution, the environment, etc. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open with at least 2 weeks notice | |
|
Rebecca Hahn Theater: Eureka Springs, AR 479-244-5114 removement77@cox.net |
|
Background Rebecca received a Masters in Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy from UCLA in 1999, and currently holds an advance license in the American Dance Therapy Association. For the past five years, Rebecca has been working primarily with severely emotionally disturbed populations in the Los Angeles area as a dance/movement therapist. She also has continued to work with at-risk youth creating dynamic and therapeutic dance and theater projects. After receiving her B.A. in performance from Purdue University, Rebecca spent several years working with outreach theater organizations, discovering that the process is much more important than the product when working with at-risk and emotionally disturbed populations. She has worked with outreach theater and dance companies in the Midwest and the West coast, taught drama and dance at an alternative school in the Ozark Mountains, and worked with the school system in Sun Valley, Idaho, on a federal grant as an outreach counselor. In the past, rebecca has founded two theater companies, performed and worked as a dancer and actress, and was a member of the Screen Actors Guild while residing in Los Angeles. Rebecca is currently preparing to teach a two-week dance workshop for the Lane House in Eureka Springs and a women’s workshop focusing on the use of authentic movement to access creativity and increase sense of self. Rebecca also teaches workshops in yoga, movement, and expressive arts interventions. AIE Program Whether the residency is focusing on dance, theater, or a combination, the students and teachers will be afforded a rich and creative experience. Founded in the belief that the expressive arts foster positive growth and healing both communally and individually, the residency will focus on the express needs of the community and the individuals it will be serving. Through the various forms of theater technique, improvisation, art, movement, and music, students will create characters and scenes culminating in a finished play. The goal of the residency is to educate the students about a broad range of theater techniques in order to have a basic foundation in acting methods. These techniques will also enable students to identify and express emotions appropriately, increase the ability to self-sooth and calm, and increase self-confidence. For example, through improvisation, students may express their feeling through character in order to discover problem-solving methods, learn positive coping skills, and develop a stronger sense of self. Goals will be defined for each theater session and focused on throughout the residency. Progress will be documented at the end of each session. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide, but preferr the NW Arkansas area Time Availability: Open | |
|
Colleen Means Theater: general; lighting design El Dorado, AR 870-862-4921 | 870-866-5055 colleen@saac-arts.org |
|
Background I received my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Theatre in 1991 from the University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville where I had the opportunity to work in all aspects of technical theatre, lights, costumes, props, and sets. In 1991 I moved to Oahu, Hawaii, where I worked as a picture framer. While in Hawaii I took classes at the University of Hawaii Drama Department and volunteered for the Hawaii Opera Company. In 1994 I moved to El Dorado, Arkansas and opened my own picture framing shop. In 1997 I joined the Theatre Steering Committee and began working on productions at the South Arkansas Arts Center, then joined the staff as Technical Director in 2001, where I am currently employed. AIE Program The objective of my classes will be to develop creative problem solving and informed critical judgment skills in the students approach to theatre design. By inspiring the students to get a vision for theatre design, understanding the nature of light and exploring the effects of colored light allow the students to work in their own acting space designing lighting to contribute to the actors’ performance and the stage setting. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Data projector, projection screen, DVD player and/or computer The workshop should be held in a theater, auditorium, or drama room | |
|
Mary Millard Theater: General, Puppet, Children’s, Contemporary,Experimental El Dorado, AR 870- 864-5032 | 870-310-2279 maryjen@suddenlink.net |
|
Background My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in theatre arts education and a Master of Science degree in radio/television/film. After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I spent two and a half years teaching English, speech and drama at Oak Grove Junior/Senior High School in Pulaski County. After finishing my course work for my master’s degree, I taught at the University of Oklahoma in the department of Mass Communications. This past year, my residencies included working with the English classes at Norphlet High School in Norphlet, Arkansas. This work included dramatizing short stories, helping students create their own short stories, and directing Shakespearean and modern drama. In addition, I worked with the librarian and her staff on the rudiments of storytelling, so they would be able to incorporate that into the elementary classrooms. I also worked residencies in Magnolia with the sixth grade and in Emmet with the first, second and sixth grades. I held a teacher workshop in Little Rock and participated for the second year in the Awesome Arts program in Hope. Artistically, this year I worked backstage during the South Arkansas Arts Center’s production of “The Lion in Winter,” had a part in the summer musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” taught a children’s theatre class during the fall semester, led a drama workshop for the El Dorado Boys and Girls Club and helped with a musical theatre workshop for children. AIE Program My approach to theatre in the classroom is a process-oriented one, Theater is an art form that is very forgiving, when used in the classroom. There are few right or wrong choices, just good or better ones. Theatre allows students to try things without the danger of being hurt and, when led appropriately, embarrassed. Theatre utilizes reading, writing and memorization. I also believe theatre to be one of the few ways of circumventing the separateness that often accompanies the growth of technology. Theatre demands cooperation among participants and between an audience and the participants. In working with eighth graders in Norphlet, the teacher and I decided to have the students experience the short story. The students listened to a reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and were then divided into groups. The entire class was given a beginning line, and each group was given their own character, plot and setting. A progressive write was begun in each group. After stories were finished, we began the editing and dramatization process. The students were given the opportunity to see how their stories could be improved through changes. For me, the most amazing thing was how the students took to the writing process, eagerly wanting to improve their stories as they went along. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: South Arkansas Time Availability: Summertime Special Needs: I would need a space large enough for students to spread out and move about. Some type of stage area would be nice, but any large, empty space would work. Paper and crayons/markers are required for certain lessons. I am quite flexible if the teacher doesn’t mind re-arranging their classroom. | |
|
Kassie Misiewicz Theater: General, Children's, Experimental, Contemporary Fayetteville, AR 479-200-1811 tyadirector@yahoo.com |
|
Background Kassie Misiewicz is a professional Theatre for Youth director and educator. She has created innovative curriculum and taught teachers and students all over the United States. Kassie is a founder and former Artistic Director of TheatreSquared, North West Arkansas’ professional theater and is now creating a new professional children’s theater in Bentonville, AR. Before moving to Arkansas, Kassie was the director of the Education Outreach program at the Seattle Children’s Theatre and Associate Artistic Director at First Stage Children’s Theater in Milwaukee. Kassie received her Masters of Fine Arts degree in Theatre for Young Audiences from Arizona State University and her BA in Theatre from the University of Notre Dame. She has taught and/or directed at the University of Notre Dame, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Arizona State University, Walton Arts Center, Growing Stage Theatre for young Audiences and the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival. She is a former executive board member of TYA/USA, the national service organization for youth theater professionals. AIE Program During my seventeen years as a teaching artist, I have collaborated with administrators, classroom teachers, librarians and teaching artists to create engaging drama curriculum that enhances what the students are learning in school. I enjoy using drama to explore the stories embedded in literature, science and history curriculum. Whether I am leading a kindergarten class on an imaginary trip to the moon or guiding a group of 6th graders’ reading adaptations, my main goals are to increase literacy, strengthen the classroom culture, build empathy and problem-solving skills, and make learning fun through drama. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Northwest Arkansas Time Availability: Open Special Needs: A black board and open space where students can freely move. | |
|
Haley Nix Phillips Theater: general; children's El Dorado, AR 870-875-1401 phillips-w@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre from Southern Arkansas University and a Master of Fine Arts in Drama with an Acting emphasis from the University of New Orleans. I am heavily involved with the theatre program at South Arkansas Arts Center, where I currently serve as chair of the Theatre Steering Committee. AIE Program I am, first and foremost, an acting coach; so I agree wholeheartedly with the AIE philosophy that a residency should be more about process than performance. However, it is nice to have something for parents to see related to what their children are learning. I think that, if handled properly, a performance can help to instill a child version of professionalism. Students can learn to take their own work seriously and still have a lot of furn working. My favorite part of teaching theatre to children is seeing them discover their own abilities and interests. Of course, there are always kids who just like to perform and be applauded. However, I've learned that most kids really love learning about the theatre! Students who had no interest in it before find themselves fascinated after a tour of a theatre. And those natural performers? After a discussion of basic theatre terminology, they realize that there is a great deal more to putting on a play than just getting onstage. I have long believed that theatre is and has always been for everyone, and I really enjoy introducing students to the magic- making behind it. In the spring of 2008, Jeri Beth Smith asked me to help with the third-grade production at Hugh Goodwin Academy for the Arts. This is a school that does a third-grade production every year; but the focus has been primarily on the performance, which was a big musical production held at the Municipal Auditorium here in El Dorado. Mrs. Smith wanted her students to learn about theatre and to go into this year's production with more knowledge. First, we chose a smaller show - a children's adaptation of a classic, PETER PAN, which suited our purposes beautifully. Then we changed the venue to the school's own stage. Students were involved in every aspect of the production, and they learned so much! The production was the goal, but the process was so very valuable. I'm hoping to work with some of these same students on a Shakespeare scene next year, which will be a much smaller project. It is still a lofty goal, but the educational value will be immeasurable. Preferred Age Level: Pre-K/K; elementary Geographic Availability: Union County Time Availability: Open during the school year | |
|
Patricia Relph Theater: General, Folk Arts, Folk Arts, Storytelling Fayetteville, AR 479-571-2773 | 479- 521-0123 prelph@waltonartscenter.org |
|
Background Patricia Relph is a director, designer, performer, scholar and teacher in the theatre. She has worked professionally for thirty years in theatres, art centers, concert halls and classrooms, bringing the arts to communities and schools in Arkansas. She received her doctorate degree in Speech and Drama from Bowling Green State University in 1976. She has taught the University of Toledo, the University of Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas Community College and the Walton Arts Center. “Dr. Pat” is an active artist in education. For the past seventeen years, she has taught workshops in the arts to thousands of participants at the Walton Arts Center. This includes residencies as an artist in education in the Elder Arts Project, Arts Benefit the Curriculum, Arts Bridging Cultural Diversity, LEAP, EPIC, Science Technology Arts and Research Project and Arts in Action. AIE Program As an artist, I work to encourage learners of all abilities and ages to express their thoughts and feelings through the discipline and structure of the performing arts. My work integrates the arts with established learning objectives in diverse educational and community settings. Working in the arts helps people become effective learners. I find innovative ways to use drama, music and dance to bridge cultural differences and to share community traditions from around the world. Participation in drama helps people experience a sense of belonging to their community. I enjoy working productively with other artists and teachers to create new dramatic works or explore traditional artistic forms that will enhance education through drama. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Northwest Arkansas Special Needs: Power source for sound equipment; one or two tables for display and musical instruments; adequate space for participants to move. | |
|
Jules Taylor Theater: Acting; Music; Dance Fayetteville, AR 479-283-9732 julestaylor@juno.com |
|
Background Jules has a Masters of Arts in theatre from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting and dance from The College of Santa Fe, NM. Jules has been teaching acting and musical theatre to kids for 15 years, working with young people in Dallas, Santa Fe, Chicago and NWA. She has been on faculty of Arts Live Theatre in Fayetteville for four years, teaching acting, comedy improvisation, and musical theatre, as well as directing main stage productions such as High School Musical, James and the Giant Peach, The Secret Garden and The Pirate Show. Jules is also a performer herself, including10 years of acting experience in Chicago. Currently a company member of Ceramic Cow Productions (creating wacky film and theater in NWA), she is also represented by Stage 28 and NCK Talent, appearing in film and local commercials. AIE Program I can tailor an acting workshop to fit the level of the students, as well as fit into any time frame. Acting starts with “focusing attention”, which is a skill that is invaluable in any situation, and the foundation of my classes. I teach the basics of acting, including imagination, pantomime, teamwork and basic theatre terms. To explore these skills, games and exercises are used to create a kinesthetic learning environment. Students will work toward performance, the content of which is determined by each specific residency (perhaps creating their own story/plays based on the “Story Puzzle”, or showcasing skills learned). FUN is always the name of the game in my classes, with a big dose of discipline and learning! Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Northwest Arkansas Time Availability: Open Special Needs: An open space for movement; CD player; Dry erase board; materials and supplies as determined by residency | |
|
Tricycle Theatre for Youth Theater: general; classic; children's; contemporary Bentonville, AR 866-331-3681 info@triketheatre.org |
|
Background Tricycle Theatre for Youth (The Trike) is a regionally focused theatre for youth offering professional productions, creative learning activities for our youngest actors, teacher and business trainings, and a Theatre Conservatory for 3rd-12th grade students. All Trike teaching artists are "Trike Certified": have a Masters degree in their arts field, work as professional artists, attend Arts Integration workshops by Kennedy Center Presenters and have additionally trained in the classroom with Kassie Misiewicz (Arkansas AIE Rostered Artist since 2004). AIE Program Tricycle Theatre for Youth (The Trike) has witnessed the arts empowering classroom environments and loves being a part of the creative learning process. Our Trike Teaching Artists understand Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and employ various drama techniques to reach all types of learners. We believe that the arts are at the core of learning, nurture cooperative learning environments and have the ability to help students achieve education goals. Our residencies range from a pre- or post- workshop connecting students to a theatrical performance to a week-long residency where students adapt and stage a piece of literature. The Trike offers professional development, in-school and after-school residencies and family workshops. All of The Trike's teaching and course work is designed to meet Arkansas & National learning standards in the arts and in Language Arts or Social Studies. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Chairs for each student; chalkboard; open space for movement | |
|
Bits N Pieces Puppet Theatre w/ Holli Rubin Theater: puppet; children's Dover, FLA 813-659-0659 | 813-659-0189 bitsnpieces@tampabay.rr.com www.puppetworld.com |
|
Background Holli leads Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre annual performance and educational tours. She trained at the University of South Florida, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1975. Holli and her troupes of 2 to 3 puppeteers have appeared in 26 states and seven countries. She has worked with students in rural and urban settings, youth-at-risk programs, alternative educational sites and in arts centers across the United States. Holli is the guest discussion leader for the annual International Festival of Puppet Arts in Prague. Recently in June she conducted Puppet Making workshops with teachers using recycled materials. During the school year she presents workshops in schools and arts camp programs across the country. AIE Program Our program, “PuppetWorld”, celebrates diversity as it traces the artistic and cultural development of puppetry around the world. It begins with early shadow puppets used as a communication tool that helped develop a spoken language. It explores today’s use of puppetry for education and entertainment. Examples of rod puppets from Russia, string puppets from France, early puppets from Sicily and figures from around the world are demonstrated, their cultural heritage discussed and examples given of similar puppets to make from found objects. Our “Puppet Production Class” can be a one-visit puppet-making activity or a multi-visit residency with the creation of puppets and a play, sets and a stage, based on teaching objectives determined by the teacher and artist during the preplanning conference. Creative dramatics techniques are used in the creation and evaluation of the performance. A video recording of the final class production is made for class enjoyment. A live performance for other students and family is also possible with adequate preparation20time. Preferred Age Level: Elementary; middle/Jr. high Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: October-November 2009; March - July 2010, depending on touring schedule Special Needs: We bring some of the building supplies and the school provides basic school supplies; will discuss prior to residency program. | |
|
Wood & Strings Theatre Theater: Puppet, General, Children's; Visual Arts Centerville, TN 931- 729-9911 clarissa@woodandstrings.net www.woodandstrings.net |
|
Background Wood & Strings is a national touring company traveling throughout the United States since 1988 from our base in Tennessee with original main stage puppet productions. We find our audiences in performing arts centers, theatres, arts museums, colleges, fairs and many schools. Many talents are used to bring the final Wood & Strings productions to an audience. Under the direction of Clarissa Lega and Leon Fuller, four artists extensively trained in the multiple disciplines that comprise theatre arts, create our diverse productions from inception through performance. Characters, exquisitely crafted in a wide variety of puppet styles, perform engrossing original stories. Our strong focus on articulate movement brings the puppets to life. Unique staging techniques further the effect, creating a total environment rich in detail and color. Artist-in-residence programs of varying lengths for students from elementary to college level and in-service trainings for teachers, are specifically designed to meet curriculum goals as well as time and budget parameters. The total curriculum approach is implemented with an emphasis on multicultural and ethnic themes. AIE Program Our theatre arts workshops and residencies have a threefold focus incorporated into a comprehensive education program. Students are guided through all aspects of their own full production. 1) Students engage with the arts as a body of knowledge and skills to be acquired and applied to accomplish an objective. 2) The arts project is a framework that integrates as much of the basic curriculum as possible. 3) Students learn and practice skills need to become more resilient, caring human beings that will be better able to cope with life’s challenges. We conduct residencies of varying lengths in script writing, puppet making, set design, improvisation, movement, radio theatre, full puppet play, production and performance, as well as adult classes for teachers, with particular emphasis on teaching tools. Master classes for college students are offered where they interact with professional artists in their area of expertise, and professional training for aspiring performers to learn aspects of puppet production for live performances and video are offered. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Tables, chairs, electricity. A representative of the presenter, familiar with all aspects of the facility, must be present from load-in through load-out. For this production, contact us for more details. | |
|
VISUAL ARTS |
|
Lin Chen Visual Arts: Painting Charleston, AR 479-674-4435 izywinter@hotmail.com |
|
Background I studied Fine Art at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and received a BFA in 2004, with an emphasis in painting and drawing. Currently I am a volunteer teacher/curator with the Center for Art & Education in van Buren, Arkansas. During the past three years, I have been actively involved in the Center’s arts education programs, which ignited in me a keen interest in becoming an art educator. Having been both a student and a teacher, I have arrived at some personal realizations towards the art of teaching art. AIE Program I would emphasize the “visual” aspect of art, in other words, the awareness of the visual elements and their organization. Before a person can fully appreciate or create art, he/she must first learn to see things in their meaningful relationships. A simplified, sequential, and highly repeatable program aimed at training the eye, the mind, and the hand, can help achieve this goal. The result is a lasting ability, and prepares the student for making more sophisticated art in the future. Secondly, I believe a good recipe for teaching art is to mix fun with challenge. While the former is obvious to art, a challenging project motivates and shapes the creative urge. Reasonable structure and guidelines give purpose to personal freedom and originality. Under a balanced atmosphere, the students should learn that the governing dynamics in making art are no different from those encountered in real life: fun versus responsibility, expression versus problem-solving, emotion versus intellect, tension versus reconciliation. Art exemplifies all of these in its intrinsic form – content dichotomy. Thirdly, I believe in teaching by exposure. My personal experience proves that witnessing an artist at work, and seeing the work from beginning to completion, is irresistible to adults and children alike. In many cases, impressions from such an exposure can be influential in a very positive way. Finally, my ethnic background allows me to introduce Chinese culture into a program. Earlier this year I worked with a private school of 90 students from K to 8th grade to create a portable mural based on the theme of Chinese New Year. It was truly a memorable project. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Northwest AR; Fort Smith; River Valley area Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Power point presentation projector, easel, and materials commonly used in a classroom for art, document camera | |
|
Karen Cooper Visual Arts: general El Dorado, AR 870-864-5071 | 870-814-2539 mosaicmask@hotmail.com |
|
Background I have a B.F.A. in Studio Art and I’m certified to teach Elementary Ed/K-12 Art. My memberships include: Allied Artists of America, American Color Print Society, Americans for the Arts Action Fund, Arkansas Arts Center, Callas Contemporary, Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, Cecilia Beaux Forum, National Golden Key Honor Society, National Art Education Association, National Museum for Women in the Arts, Portrait Society of American, and South Arkansas Arts Center. I’m currently teaching 1-4 grade students at Hugh Goodwin Academy for the Arts and Retta Brown Academy for Communication & Technology. My teaching situation is different at both locations. I have a classroom at Hugh Goodwin complete with a sink and drying rack, so teaching the fine arts like painting and printmaking is a steady part of my program. I have a very innovative arts program there that involves experimentation as well as tradition instruction. We’re currently working on Mylar Balloon Sculptures. Last year we made plaster gauze masks. The students are encouraged to think out of the box and find their own unique vision. I’m an art on a cart teacher at Retta Brown, so I have adjusted my focus to include more craft projects. I also learned to use different materials for similar projects; for instance, I use watercolor pencils/water instead of paints or water soluble pastels instead of ink for printmaking. I’ve also tried to target their instructional focus by having the student make their own puppet theater and puppets. We’re currently working on storyboards for commercials for the school using the puppets as actors. I’m also working at the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado for one month during the summer. This has been a great year for me professionally. I’ve one a Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Power of Art Award and my artwork is being displayed at several prestigious venues this year including: Cheltenham Art Center, Clinton Presidential Library, Dallas Contemporary, and Wichita Center for the Arts. I’m going to be actively working on art projects and entering various competitions this summer. I’m working on a website hat should be posted soon and I plan to add myself to the “Finding Clara” database that is now a part of the national Museum for Women in the Arts website. One of my experimental portraits will be part of the 2400 Online Exhibition in connection with the 24 hr Art Blast at the Dallas Contemporary. AIE Program I firmly believe that the arts provide students with a way to practice what they have learned and to give it meaningful purpose. For example, a student who has to make something with a ruler is going to care more about getting their measurements right than someone doing a worksheet. Problem solving in the arts offers an infinite variety of solutions to any given assignment. Art, in this way, gives us a way to bridge cultural differences and embrace or at least tolerate the ideas of others. It also helps students develop their self-esteem and a sense of worth as an individual. This is one of the main reasons I try to find a way to display work by my students on a regular basis. I try to combine artistic standard with the regular curriculum as often as possible. Math, science, language arts, and social studies are the areas I usually concentrate on integrating, but I occasionally use music and dance as subject matter. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: South Arkansas Time Availability: Summers Special Needs: Craft paint and canvasses, brushes, tempera paint, paper, sculpting clay | |
|
Hamid Ebrahimifar Visual Arts: Clay, Paper, Wood, Painting, Mixed Media Little Rock, AR 501- 772-1666 | 501- 663-4396 hahafar@yahoo.com |
|
Background I have taught children and adults for seventeen years at the Arkansas Arts Center. A B.A. in Fine Arts and many graduate courses and workshops have provided my educational foundation. I have taught painting and sculpture to both large and small groups, indoors and out. I participated in an AIE residency program at Pulaski Heights Elementary School for five years, ending in may 2005. I have also taught in many of the outreach programs for the Arts Center. I am currently participating in a community art project at Arkansas Children's Hospital. AIE Program My approach to the art form in an educational setting has many sources. Through my art, be it a small sheep sculpture, human figure or landscape, I explore and express a sense of wonder, curiosity and beauty and the never-ending possibilities of life. Art is a celebration of life; art reflects the different examinations of life. Art is about looking back, looking forward and about being here now! We should never underestimate art as an essential educational tool. Through art, one can learn and investigate the most complex subjects of the humanities and sciences in a very universal yet individual way. Art has been an essential part of my life and I would like to share the joy of making art with my students. With the correct framework, I have always learned as much as my students, if not more. I create a comfortable atmosphere so students can explore materials and given themes in an engaging environment. I choose fun, imaginative and challenging subjects and include clear, step-by-step directions with suitable materials to achieve this end. An overall description of my residency program would be that it is thorough and extensive, including not only basic forms of art-making, but touching on theater and science as well. For example, in the puppetry module, we not only create puppets, we also create and perform a play with puppets. The goals of my program are varied, but the basic goal is for students to learn fundamental techniques of art and to learn something about themselves and the world around them. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Within 60 miles of Little Rock Time Availability: Open | |
|
Kelly Emerson Visual Arts: Experimental, Graphics, Painting,Sculpture Jonesboro, AR 870- 932-0715 kellybemerson@yahoo.com |
|
Background I have a B.A. in Communications with twelve hours of college art courses. I have also studied with a local artist in Jonesboro. Through study and trial and error, I have expanded my knowledge, ability and confidence. In the past few years my personal artwork has been given to charitable auctions in the Jonesboro area and statewide. My artwork has also been displayed in the Arkansas Arts Council’s Small Works on Paper Exhibition, the Helena Watercolor Show, the McFarland Art Gallery in Jonesboro and in the Jonesboro Sun Newspaper. Last May I developed and implemented a three-week art program for 387 students in the first through fifth grades. I also coordinated a group of 9th graders in the designing and completing a tile memorial to the 9/11 tragedy. I taught after school art classes to ages 5-13 through the Foundation of Arts in Jonesboro, and have taught special needs children. I have also created sets and costumes for local plays. AIE Program I believe art can be a positive force in every child’s life. The first goal of my residency program is to give students a safe place to discover themselves. The second is to explore art history along with the different art mediums and techniques, and the third goal is to infuse a feeling of accomplishment into each student. I think visual art is about translating your visions of the world into color, shape and line. The visual arts can give students a clearer understanding of math, literature, social studies and history. The programs I teach incorporate art history, music and art terms and techniques. I encourage students to use their minds to create, and the residency program will be designed for each student to be as successful as possible. Preferred Age Level: Elementary, Middle/Jr. High Geographic Availability: Northeast and Central Arkansas Time Availability: Open | |
|
Ginny Headrick Visual Arts: Experimental, Painting Fayetteville, AR 479- 806-3060 | 479-442-5555 gheadri@gmail.com |
|
Background Ginny Headrick received an Associate of Applied Sciences in Commercial Design from Seattle Central College and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree through the University of Arkansas. She has developed a teaching philosophy with an emphasis on media exploration and cross-disciplinary experimentation, beginning with her work as an children’s art instructor at summer camps in Washington State. At Bost Human Development Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Ms. Headrick has given individual and group instruction to developmentally disabled adults, and while working at the Center for Art and Education in Van Buren, Arkansas, she designed and implemented multi-discipline thematically focused summer art camps for separate age groups K-12. There as well Ms. Headrick taught weekly visual art classes for children and adults. As an art educator at Cedarville Public Schools in Cedarville, Arkansas, she created and established an art curriculum designed to interact with and support the school district’s core curricula. AIE Program Art is about a set of ideas, learned aesthetic beliefs that differ among artists. So, in part, art is about exploration of media and of the artist’s own needs for self-expression. Therefore, although Ginny offers an explicit lesson plan, she is somewhat flexible in its implementation. Because each student has different needs and preferences, it is important within reason to help each student realize his or her own vision. This means that students who have a different approach to a project than what is called for may receive instruction toward producing a piece of art work that stands a little outside the projected outcome. Students may form their own creative solution separate from Ms. Headrick’s, with the understanding that their projects should share the same learning goals and objectives that were incorporated in the original lesson plan. Sample lesson plans include mixed media paper portrait quilts, torn paper landscape collage, stuffed paper fish mobiles, wax-resist landscapes, novellas, stenciling projects and multi-media murals. Preferred Age Level: Elementary; Middle/Jr. High Geographic Availability: Northwest Arkansas Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Not available to conduct workshops. | |
|
Wilma Hinds Visual Arts: Painting, Graphics, Mixed Media, Photography Murfreesboro, AR 870- 285-2971 paintismyworld@yahoo.com |
|
Background It’s never too late to get an education. Wilma Hinds is a grandmother of six who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in December, 1997, from Henderson State University. She has also received 33 hours towards a B.S. degree in Education. She is well versed in several medium s such as oil, acrylic, pastel, pen and ink, charcoal, computer graphics, and photography. Wilma has participated in workshops in Florida and Arkansas. She has also been featured in the Henderson’s Artete’ Honors Magazine. In the fall of 2000 while observing an art classroom, Ms. Hinds was asked to teach painting and she accepted the challenge. After a two- week session, she realized how wonderful it was to see the thrill of accomplishment in the students. In the spring of 2001, the Chattahoochee High School in Florida commissioned her to teach ten art students, after which their work was exhibited in conjunction with the Dean Mitchell exhibition in Quency, Florida. In May 2001, Ms. Hinds volunteered her services to work with Steve Payne, a Hot Springs artist, to complete a mural commissioned by the Delight School District. Ms. Hinds is currently teaching painting classes at the Fine Arts Center in Hot Springs and is also working on murals and other commissioned works. AIE Program Her goal is to encourage creative thinking skills by incorporating a stimulating format of ideas. The classroom provides a model for creative thinking and exploration, while imparting the artistic skills with the theoretical knowledge encouraging the student to stretch the mind. Preferred Age Level: Aall ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Well-lighted room with security, ample wall space, tables and access to easels. Work can also be done in the classroom. | |
|
Richard Jenkins Visual Arts: Caricatures, Comics, Animation, Drawing, Painting, Graphic Art Cambridge, MA 405-850-0316 richard@studiohijinx.com www.studiohijinx.com |
|
Background Since earning his B.F.A. in Painting from the University of Oklahoma, Richard Jenkins has pursued the realization of his childhood dream: to create comics. In 1996, he began his career as the illustrator and co-creator of the nationally published comic book series Sky Ape. Along the way he has also illustrated comics for various anthologies and private commissions. Look for his next book, for teachers, entitled Comics In Your Curriculum, due in 2008. In addition to his comics, Richard also works as a freelance commercial illustrator. He spends time illustrating magazine & CD covers, book illustrations, TV storyboards and concepts Since 1997, Richard has served on the AIE rosters of the Oklahoma, Utah and Arkansas Arts Councils. He has conducted many residencies and teacher training workshops throughout the country, teaching students and adults the creative process of art. Samples of Richard's and his students' artwork can be seen at www.studiohijinx.com. AIE Program In each residency Richard is eager to engage the participants' imagination, to nurture their self-confidence, and introduce to them the unlimited expressive potential in art. In the classroom, Richard is able to share the creative processes of comics, cartooning, caricature, drawing, painting, and animation. He is able to teach to the students the technical skills, the aesthetic understanding, and historical background of these art forms. Teachers can take advantage the many projects that he has developed throughout his years of experience as an artist-in-residence. Arts Integration: Learn new ways to engage your students, unlock their higher-order thinking, and teach them the Benchmarks. Classroom teachers can learn lesson plans & strategies that integrate these art forms into their language arts, math, science, and social studies curriculum. Visual Arts Instruction: Learn new art projects and techniques to use in your art classroom Art teachers can learn how to teach these popular art forms to their own students and to integrate their visual arts curriculum into the lessons. Sample Residency Program: “Individual Comics” Learning Goals: -reinforce students' creative writing and revision skills -students learn the history of comics and its role as a wellspring of ideas for modern movies and entertainment -students learn the vocabulary, elements, and the creative processes of comics -students learn necessary technical illustration skills to execute their comics. -instructors learn a new strategy for teaching story sequence & structure and the revision process Sequence of Instruction: Students are introduced to comics and its history. The students learn the elements and vocabulary of comics. Students write a 4 - 6 sentence story with a beginning, middle and end. They insert these sentences into their "rough draft comic" and begin adding rough drawings to elaborate on their sentences. They add dialogue and thoughts. Then the students make the necessary revisions and corrections. At this stage, the drawings are sketchy, the emphasis is put on story structure and flow. Next, using the rough draft comic as a reference, the students redraw and write their comic. In this "final draft comic" more emphasis is put on the artwork, details, coloring, and expression. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Overhead projectors for 8 ½ x 11 transparencies. | |
|
Johnce Parrish Visual Arts: general Glenwood, AR 870-356-2153 johnceparrish@yahoo.com |
|
Background Johnce Lyle Parrish has received training at Cerritos College in Cerritos, California. He served in the United States Marine Corps for nine years and received an honorable discharge. He has served as a professional woodworker (hand-carved furniture), sign painter, muralist, custom interior designer, and art teacher (all ages).For the past two years, Johnce has served as the resident artist and co-executive director for the Elberta Arts Council. AIE Program When beginning an art program in an educational setting, I like to let the students know who I am in the beginning. I introduce myself, show examples of my work through slides and actual pieces, and answer questions. I feel it is important to establish a rapport and trust with students before beginning instruction. Capturing their interest and giving them the confidence to try something new is my goal. When working with teachers and students, I do not expect them to be at my skill level. I try to begin at their levels. The content I teach is based on the teacher’s goals and needs for the students. Flexibility is the key. My expected outcomes are an increase in interest, skills, and confidence for each student. Creating is always an on-going process, and I find joy in teaching students and well as teachers. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Statewide Time Availability: Open | |
|
Tela Arrington Webb Visual Arts: painting; sculpture El Dorado, AR 870-918-4037 telawebb@sbcglobal.net |
|
Background I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with an emphasis on Sculpture from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Arts degree in Art Education from the College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, NY. I have taught students from the age of 5 to 65 and enjoy working with students of all ages. AIE Program I believe that art enhances our abilities to see and observe and gives people satisfaction knowing that they have created something, whether it is a painting or sculpture, drawing or mosaic. I also believe that our learning is more profound when we have a hands-on experience that is directly tied to our instructional objective. For instance, by creating an “illuminated manuscript” books have more meaning and are more special when children know that each page was copied by hand before the advent of the printing press. I am an enthusiastic teacher who is well organized, disciplined and thoughtful in my approach to teaching the Visual Arts. Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: South Central Arkansas Time Availability: September - December; January - March Special Needs: Will discuss prior to the residency program. | |
|
Elizabeth Weber Visual Arts: General; Crafts Little Rock, AR 501-541-5728 weber@mysoulspath.com |
|
Background I have taught elementary school for the Los Angeles Unified public school system for almost 10 years, and recently quit working in the traditional multiple-subject classroom to pursue my painting full time. I obtained a degree in Fine and Visual Arts in New York, and have studied with the painter, Freydoon Rassouli, in California. Since I have moved to Little Rock in November of 2005, I have participated in numerous gallery exhibits both here in Little Rock as well as in Dallas, Texas and Denver, Colorado. Locally I have shown at Oval Gallery, Gallery 26, Gallery B, Arkansas Art Gallery, The Art Scene, and Mediums Art Gallery. I also show my work in alternative venues such coffee houses, restaurants, libraries, banks, theatre houses, etc.. I am an Art Across Arkansas Artist who is heavily involved in charitable work and also participate in the annual Rep Auction “Artworks” where I received both the Staff Award and Sponsor’s Award. I am also part of the Arkansas Artist Registry. I am engaged in creative projects daily, and produce new works and exhibit on a regular basis. Although I am primarily painting right now, I have a background in many different visual art forms, including ceramics, sculpture, hand-made paper, mask making, jewelry, and enameling and other small metal works. I work on an ongoing basis as an Artist in Residence for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and have also participated with the Art Center in Stuttgart for various AIE programs. AIE Program I see an artist residency within a school setting to be a unique and wonderful opportunity to share how I access creativity and embrace it in such a way that I am able to follow its path daily as my life. I look to directly incorporate content standards into each lesson as the students begin their study of the creative process with my program. The program’s goals are to help the students unlock and access their own personal source of creativity and inspiration that they can tap into from that day forward into all areas of their lives. Showing them one way in which to not only create boldly, but also to live zealously. All real learning takes risk. Through participating in a creative program where respect for themselves and others is put foremost, a safe and supportive environment is created where they can find the courage and strength to be themselves, thus building self-esteem and the ability to take those necessary risks. A residency would focus on deepening their understanding of creativity, what it is, how it is accessed, and where inspiration comes from. As we explore various sources of inspiration and examples of creative works, we will incorporate not only historical and contemporary art works in various media, but also the absolute beauty and wonder of their daily lives. The ultimate goal is to find that tap into their personal wellspring; the source that can water and make all aspects of their lives flourish from the richness of creative flow. Then, through painting, we will then create works from that fertile space that truly portray “personal expression.” Preferred Age Level: All ages Geographic Availability: Central Arkansas Time Availability: Open Special Needs: Large tables and/or easels; kiln - if doing pottery | |