There is a lot to being a teacher. Much more than I ever knew before I tried my hand at becoming one. Preparation is as much a part of the package as the actual teaching time. Susanne and I have spent many hours planning curriculum, gathering supplies and brainstorming about projects and activities for our students. We have enjoyed the quiet, cool hours spent in our classroom, organizing, cleaning, labeling, and laminating - making a vibrant space where creativity is inspired. Yet, throughout the summer we have greatly anticipated that noisy surge of energy present in a classroom where children are exploring, learning and creating. On Wednesday of last week we finally met our energetic third graders. Of course we had a concise, obligatory discussion of "classroom expectations" and then we got busy! It is always a good idea for new art students to experience "success" at the first attempts of artistic exploration. This not only builds confidence in their own artistic skills but also their confidence in our ability to instruct them. This particular activity of drawing and designing hot air balloons always delivers! At first glance, to capture the alluring brilliance of these floating beauties can seem impossible - down right intimidating. But on closer examination the students learn that hot air balloons are mostly a simple combination of circles and rectangles. The rest, the exquisite, colorful designs are whatever the student artists dream them to be - dots, zigzags, stripes and swirls, lightening bolts, hearts, flowers and cars, the solution is theirs to imagine. This is why children need Art. They need the freedom to create a solution that is always right. They need practice in recognizing that compliant parts often form the more daunting whole. It was a productive first day and as imaginations engaged and the feeling of success grew palpable in the room, we knew our school year had finally begun!
We hope you are having a hot and happy summer! Did you know that this past spring ArtPart started their rain barrel project? Yes, it was quite fun to see how the efforts of many people in our community came together in such a creative way! It all started last September when the United Way, ACE Hardware Stores and Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Co. launched a series of rain barrel workshops at the Tennessee Aquarium. Forty rain barrels were produced for Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy. We decided to sale the rain barrels in order to raise money for the continuation of art at CDESA. The 5th grade students helped us paint and market the rain barrels. They wrote and researched about rain barrels and produced their own hang tag. The students spent many hours painting the barrels and learning about the benefits of rain barrel usage. You may have seen us at the Chattanooga Markets over the past few months. The school has been busy creating sustainable art by decorating these water-saving barrels.
The project to paint the barrels was loads of fun on many Saturday mornings. We owe a great deal of thanks to Kate Leonard who just graduated from Chattanooga Christian School (CCS). She rallied many high school students & friends to come and paint in their free time for this project. Kate volunteered in the art classroom, as well and saw first hand the great need for art in the lives of the students at CDESA. She wanted to help fund the efforts of ArtPart because she believes so strongly in the value of students learning creatively. Kate is a real go-getter who knows the power of change and how it can start with the action of just one person!
Now for the best part....You can own your own rain barrel for less than you could purchase one in a store and help support CDESA's art program! We still have rain barrels left to sell! Please contact us at today to find out how to get yours! You can email us at artpartchatt@gmail.com.
