Conclusion of High School Placement

    This week I concluded my 8-week placement at Fossil Ridge High School with my mentor Chelsea Ermer. I decided to conduct a short survey across all of my classes which included one section of Drawing and two sections of Studio Art History. I received an overwhelming amount of wonderful feedback from my students. The survey was printed for each student (so I could have at least a snippet of their handwriting in a world that exists virtually most of the time) and appeared as follows:

    The students shared with me very detailed information about themselves, the classroom environment, my performance, and kind/constructive additional comments. I was incredibly pleased to see that my personal goals for the classroom were duly achieved and well received by my kids!! My students were very vulnerable and open in their responses, something I have been promoting and nurturing since I arrived at Fossil. The classroom environment + their relationship with me was placed at the top of my list from day one.
    Throughout this quarter, the students have learned a great deal about themselves. I was overwhelmed with joy to read the amount of students who responded with an extreme level of confidence and self-awareness for the first question. For example (from my studio art history class):

"I learned that although I don't have that much artistic ability, I was still proud of the work I created. I also learned that sometimes jumping straight to the project and just trying to learn as I go works better than planning everything out." 

• This student is PROBLEM SOLVING + finding their own rhythm in creating artwork in terms of the creative process!!

"I learned how to have more fun while making art."

• This class is aligned to fulfill either an art OR humanities credit. Many students were nervous that they had no art experience, but it did not matter! These projects were geared towards understanding how humans created through antiquity, and just exploring and learning about those processes in a low-stakes, high engagement environment.

"I learned that it's important to take risks + try new things because you might discover new things that you'll really like."

• I always encouraged my kids to have fun with the material, but know that if they absolutely hated it, there are others out there. You will find what materials suit you--and maybe you will find your mojo in something else! That's okay!!

​"I learned about how to make art with a deeper meaning. It doesn't have to show a story to everyone but it can show one to the artist."

• I am a HUGE advocate for the healing capabilities of making art. These kids have a lot on their plate and are simply trying to stay caught up in school. It is an honor to me that students can find relaxation + comfort in my class while still feeling challenged to create work that is meaningful. The self-doubt that comes with art making washes away once the creator realizes that the true value in art is the personal connection within oneself. 

"I learned that I don't actually suck at art. I learned that I have a specific art taste."

• Sometimes all it takes for a kid to gain some confidence is the fact that SOMEONE believes in them + sees the effort they are putting in. It is so important for students to find the space + comfort to establish their own personal style. This brings confidence, a sense of belonging, and the feeling that their art is THEIRS, irreplicable. 

"I learned to let myself express more, and do more of what I want/the first thing that comes to mind. Not overthinking it."

• I loved this response. It's important that students have the confidence to TRUST themselves and their instinct. This is a life skill that they can carry with them. Diving into adulthood can be a scary time, and being able to trust your gut + make decisions is very important.

For example (from my drawing class):

"I learned about how to make art with a deeper meaning. It doesn't have to show  a story to everyone but it can show one to the artist."

• This was a huge struggle for me in college. I had a lot of trouble when I didn't get the approval of my artwork from my professors. It made me feel like I had to be a people pleaser to get a good grade. Realistically, what matters is that the art is meaningful to the creator. If you are trying to reach a specific audience, yes it is important your purpose is conveyed to the audience. But at the very core of art making, it is about enjoying the process and finding joy in creating.

"I learned that I am capable of doing more than I think I can as long as I try."

• I always tell my students that I don't have a specific result in mind. What I am looking for is that they are taking risks, putting in the effort, and not being afraid to fail and try again!

"I learned that it takes practice and patience for your art to come out the way you want it to."

• Couldn't have said it better myself!

"Always take inspiration from other artists. Be risky. Do NOT compromise your vision."

• I was SO happy to see this feedback. In our negative space lesson we looked at some awesome contemporary artists, and I knew that really resonated with the class! It is always incredibly fulfilling to get feedback like this to know what I'm teaching is really working for the kids. :)

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For my reflective art piece this week, I decided to choose one of the quotes from my students and turn it into a motivational poster. I think it would be a great idea to continue this process of turning their own thoughts + inspirations into posters they can look at everyday!