Technology in Art

I am currently working on a paper for one of my classes in Educational Adminstration on the use of technology in education, specifically within the Art Program. As I am writing, I began to think about how lucky I am as not only an educator, but as an art educator. I could not ask for a more perfect subject matter than art to fulfill this wish. Art lends itself to the world of technology, in my opinion, more than any other subject. Students who are creative and talented are always looking for ways to push the bar in their work.

Why should I not do the same? My students deserve to use all this knowledge that they have and incorporate it into their talents. We have gamers, photographers, and multi-media artists. Why should we not find ways to incorporate their knowledge of these computer systems, use of mp3's and I-Pods, even cell phones into the curriculum. Whether students are asked to blog on an artist, download how to video off of u-Tube, learn the aspects of creating programs for interactive video, or take quizzes using the Internet on their cell phone...the limits are endless. The hard part is taking the time to implement these things and realize that change can be good.

Yes, this involves a lot of study time on a teacher's behalf, but as far as I can tell...well worth it. And yes, it means I may even have to learn to text on my cell...right now it isn't pretty. But I am sure with practice I too could text with it in my pocket with the best of them!

To get students to love and appreciate what I teach is the most important goal I have... If that means that I need to push the envelope when I teach...then that is what I will do.

Edgar County Student Show

I am very proud of our students at this year's Edgar County Student Show. The show is made up of the area high school art students. The judge for this year's show was artist and educator Jamie Willis. Our students did an outstanding job and received the following awards:



2-D Design
1st- Jordan Wilken
2nd- Courtney Taylor
3rd- Brandon Roberts

3-D Design
1st - Kelli Phillips
3rd- Brittany Steen
Honorable Mention Craig Jones

Judge's Choice Award: Kelli Phillips


Congratulations to all students who participated to make such an exciting exhibit:

Morgan Willoughby,Cici Bowman, Zach Batson, Sam Richmond, Josh Harris, Cerra Downs, Sarah Lueken, Selena Hall, Mercedes Mitchell, and Jack Kendall

Student Photography

This is work from our talented Photography Students! They worked very hard first semester to produce some wonderful pieces. Thanks to their enthusiasm, we have had a tremendous jump in enrollment in this course for next year. At current count we are expecting almost 50 students. Last year was the first year for the course. With this enthusiasm for the arts and photography we will be looking at including a Photography and Graphic Design II course for the following year! Fantastic!

taking a break

The advanced art students seem to be a little burnt out right now on portfolio building, so we took a day out and created quick marker sketches of a planted tree. These were then watercolored. It is so interesting to see just how different each student thinks and reacts to subject matter.

Field Trip to EIU

Several students attended a field trip to Eastern Illinois University on Tuesday. Our first stop was at the Art Park which is where the majority of art classes are located while the new Fine Arts Center is being built. Jeff Boshart, head of the sculpture department met with the students and gave them a wonderful tour of the art department. Many of the teachers talk to our students about the projects that their students were working on as well as what is involved in their programs. After the tour, students were able to go back in to the classrooms at their own pace where they were able to talk to students and view artwork. Many of the instructors were my former instructors and I was so pleased to see them. I felt like they went above and beyond to work with my students and answer questions, show them how certain things work such as their kiln room, and put an amazement and excitement in my students. They are truly amazing teachers!
We then traveled to the Tarble Art Center for a tour and activity. The art education students from EIU use this program as part of their practicum hour work. The work that my students created was based on the work of artist Ben Whitehouse. His work revolves around continuous time and color in landscape. The college students did a nice job with the students. I am hoping to see several of them in the future for observation hours.

Advanced Art Class- Shannon

Each week, I am going to try and share with the work and ideas of one of my advaced art students. This week it is Shannon. Shannon is a senior here at PHS and the following are her thoughts and ideas in regard to her work.

"My work is not like many other students work here at PHS. I have never ending ideas and thoughts. I like to do things that will make people ask questions or that will protray a certain emotion. Sometimes, I like to send a message through art and I would like those who look at my art work to feel something from what I have done. Everyone has a different idea about how objects are seen. For me, I see things out of the ordinary.Someone once told me that those who love art are not afraid to be abstract, but those who love science and math always have to have perspective. When I use color I tend to use earth tones, I feel they can send a message better than anything else because you always see them. But, the colors I have had great intrest in lately is black and white. The main reason is this semester Mrs. Phegly asked us to pick a theme, I chose emotions. Emotions can be seen through anyone. You may be sad, loney or confused, but people get this way for different reasons. Black and white helps you see exactly what mood your going for. It lets those who are looking at your artwork really focus on the image, rather than all the color or lines in the piece."

Indianapolis Home Show

Recently, I was lucky enough to take a group of art students to the Indianapolis Home Show. I had never been to a home show and frankly it was not at all what I expected. There were buildings full of designers and decorators...perfect for my students who have shown an interest in the arts in regard to home design, decorating, and photography. I listened as the girls discussed what they like and what they didn't like. They talked about color schemes, arragement, proportion, mural paintings, and images on film. I was so excited to see them excited about the many ways that the arts can influence a career choice.