Only One You

Our Youth ArtPrize entry is coming along swimmingly. Make sure you make a plan to come see our completed project. https://www.artprize.org/66018

New Art Room

I am so excited for the kids to see the new Art Room All the supplies are put away and I am almost ready to create with the kiddos. I had an amazing summer creating in my new art Gallery in Grand Haven Mi. and Taking my son out to Mt Hood in Oregon to Ski Camp.  Can't wait to hear about all the kids summer adventures.

Things you may hear from my students, "My Art Teacher Painted a Car"

This summer was a busy one in my studio.  I was honored to have my work selected to be a part of many projects.  One of my paintings was selected to be part of a statewide campaign through Experience Grand Rapids  where my painting was shown on billboards around town and across the state.

Then I had my first Solo show at http://osteriarossa.com/.  I created 11paintings all involving scenes of Grand Rapids.  From those paintings, I was selected by Betten Honda to paint a car during ArtPrize.

Wendy Foy was a huge help.

You can vote for my car till Oct. 8th @ https://www.facebook.com/WestMichiganHondaDealers?sk=app_143103275748075&brandloc=DISABLE&app_data=chk-560f120ca9dd5 

My ArtPrize entry this year is at Women's City Club.  http://www.artprize.org/7-hungry-artists/2015/feast I was amazed at how this collaboration turned out.  So Proud to be a part of this entry.

I love talking to my students about my experiences as a practicing artist, I hope it inspires them to follow their dreams.  I dreamed of being an artist and an art teacher as a child. I am so thankful I get to live out my childhood dream every day.  

Yarn Bowls

My 5th graders are working on their Yarn Bowl project. Many of my students have really gotten into this project and would like to make their own bowls at home.
Materials:
Coiling Core for Basket Art - 1/4 inch
any kind of yarn they like.
any big embroidery needle that you can get yarn through the eye of the needle.

I also share this video and talk about the Sweet Grass Baskets made in the Gullah region.  We discuss how new technology some times makes old Arts and Crafts techniques obsolete.

Step 1: Hold yarn and cord in between thumb and finger.

Step 2. Wrap yarn around the cord.

 Step 3. Bend end into where you started wrapping the yarn to the cord.

Step 4. Wrap around the end and the cord.

Step 5. Pull the needle through

Step 6. Wrap 5 times then stitch

Hint: Pull tight!

Step 7. Continue wrapping and stitching after you get all the way around you no longer stitch through the middle. You stitch to the closest coil to where you are wrapping.

Step 8. When the base is done put the coils on top of one another until you have made a bowl shape.

2014 Georgia O'Keeffe Inspired Flowers

My 5th graders were inspired by the flower paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe when they made these wonderful flowers, check out our Artsonia Exhibit http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=855380

September in the Alward Art Room

Wow the first month of school has flown by.  The kids and I have been discussing art at ArtPrize I love hearing about their favorite pieces.  They excitedly show me the cards they collected from artist.  The cards help us find the art work on the ArtPrize website and we vote for the pieces they like during class.

How to Set Up an Art Show

First teach really great art lessons.  

It helps when you have special art teachers.

Then add really great art that our talented students made.

Bagels are good too. 

A great big room.  

Thanks to the Hudsonville City Hall for letting us use their space.

Ladders, 

labels, some twine, hours and hours of prep are all part of it.

 Really great High School art student helpers

 Done !!

Happy Art teachers

Proud parents and honored artists.