Welcome back to School! I hope everyone is feeling refreshed, relaxed and raring to go!
I am getting antsy to get back into my after school classes and be with all the kiddos again. I had a busy summer with my camps and a couple of family getaways. Now, I am in full prep mode... developing new projects and getting my studio in order. please scroll to the end of the page for a gallery of student and teacher work!
All Classes begin the week of 9/9 except Bacich Elementary which starts 9/16
Here is the schedule of classes - straight through to December, Click on the links to register
Mondays- Bachich Elementary (Larkspur) https://larkspur.recdesk.com/Community/Program
9/16- 10/21 Glass Fusing-
10/28-12/16 Oven-Baked clay
Tuesdays - Vallecito Elementary (San Rafael) (2:35- 3:50)
9/10--10/22- Glass Fusing
10/29-12/17- Oven-Baked Clay
Wednesdays- Coleman Elementary (San Rafael) (1:50-3pm)
9/11-10/16 - Glass Fusing ( misprint in the brochure- 1:50-3pm is correct time)
10/30-12/17- Oven-Baked Clay
Thursdays- Glenwood Elementary ( San Rafael) (3:15-4:20)
9/12- 10/17- Oven-Baked clay
11/7- 12/19- Glass Fusing
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My head is full of projects- past, present, and future! ... When I think back over this last summer, my mind is blown away with all the creativity I saw coming from my campers. I had projects in jewelry, clay, eco-art and a touch of glass fusing..often these materials were combined and some pretty cool pieces were made. This was a summer of going for it. If you can imagine it...make it...experiment- test boundaries, problem solve...collaborate with your friends, get excited...get lost..and found in your projects. This was definitely the summer of 'process, not product...; although the finished works were pretty amazing!
I completed my 4th-year at Super Cool Summer School (Clay and Jewelry) and also had a blast teaming up with Tom Mayock of Kids Dance Brigade at Sun Valley Elementary. Our campers learned new dance routines and made art and interesting creations using all of my eco-art supplies...We flip-flopped dance and art time all day long for a week, it was awesome. I really enjoyed having a dedicated week to eco-art. I had been building up my 'trash to treasure' collection throughout the year and it was super cool to see all the transformations. 
Making time for creative exploration is so important, especially for kids. It is in that space that our imaginations grow and we stimulate our curiosity and grow our unique perspectives of the world. I feel so much gratitude for my experiences of having held space for so many children this summer and in my classes and workshops. Phones and video games put away... paint, glitter and glue out! Let the often messy yet centering joy begin! Check out this great article about developing child creativity from BreAnna Jones from the Huffington Post.
Just a few more reflections on this summer....
I really got the full opportunity to explore my crafts, organizational skills, and teaching skills these past few months. In particular, finding the balance between being an art 'coach' in my often free-flowing art classes and yet keeping kids on focus and helping them bring their ideas into fruition was/is a fun challenge. I love to give my students the freedom to try new things and test their abilities- whether it's working with a glue gun or learning to cut glass or work with the flame- however, being organized, and establishing guidelines and routines, are essentials to having a productive and fun experience in my classes. That was a goal and a commitment that I worked on keeping all summer with so many students and classes!
I have found that the fun part of the challenge to finding a good balance between keeping a free-flowing art space and keeping myself and students on point is to stay in touch with my playful inner 'kid' while fully stepping into grown-up land! I not only have more fun, but I am more present and open with my students. This is not rocket science but I think it bears stating. It is so easy to get stuck in a task-oriented, dry work mentality that can rob us of our joy, curiosity, and imagination. So, let us cheer to the playfulness within us and to the adults who let her play!
Hope to see you soon!
As always...question comments..Please contact me.
Looking for something new to do or need to plan a birthday party,, scout badges, ladies night, etc.. contact me and let's plan an art party!
