a new adventure

Around these parts, Labor Day not only marks the unofficial end to summer... but it also marks the start of a new school year. Like many of their friends, my boys headed back to school yesterday. And today was my turn. But this time, I head back as a teacher... not a student. (Wait, what?!)

This fall, I find myself teaching art to primary through middle levels (1-8 in grade levels) at the boys' school a few afternoons a week. I find myself both excited and super nervous. While I've often found myself in the art instructor role over the years... first as an art-bin toting babysitter, and then a craft instructor at a local arts and crafts store, and then as a parent.... this feels like uncharted territory. And I'm not quite sure what to expect. This will be the first time that art is part of the school day, and not an after-school activity. This is the first time many of these students will be exposed to art as an art form and not as a craft form. I want to teach them so much about art theory and process, techniques, masters... and I don't want to disappoint the parents who have their own set of expectations. I want the students to explore the field I love, look forward to their time in the art room, be open to new ideas...learn new things. {Oy, the pressure!}

I've spent the summer preparing... reading books, scouring Pinterest and blogs, taking deep breaths. In college, I considered majoring in art education, and later in life I considered going back for a degree in art therapy. But for various reasons that all fall under the umbrella of "life" ... it wasn't meant to be. But somehow, here I am... fulfilling the role I always pondered.

We will start with the basics. What is art? What do you want art to be? We will cover the art room rules... respect, acceptance, etc. And then we will be off. EGAD.

Wish. Me. Luck.