Art is for grown-ups too!

Hello! It’s March, traditionally the month that marks the transition from winter into spring, but climate change is mixing that up. Sadly, reckless and selfish adults who don’t care for the earth or our children are running the show. In the meantime, those of us who care can envision a better future. As adults we hold a lot of responsibility. This month’s newsletter is focused on adults. Adults who share their talents and inspire us. Adult learners who challenge themselves. And an adult who had to abandon plans. (It’s me. I had to scrap well made plans.) Adulting aint easy, but it can be fun. Let’s get into it…

Pictures & Words

Peter H. Reynolds, author and illustrator of over 100 children’s books, came to visit Maya Lin School. He was so much FUN! He brought a burst of joy and laughter to the school. With encouragement from my friends at Alameda Arts, I shared my books with him. As you can see in the photos below, a small group of enthusiastic teacher fans, grew and grew until half of the lower school staff jumped in the photo. We’re ALL fans of Peter. H. Reynolds. How nice that he turned out to be as wonderful as his books.

Art in School

How do artists get serious about play?

Last month 2nd grade started studying four artists for our Influence Project. We set it aside for February break. Then, unfortunately, I was out sick for another week. By the time we came back two weeks later, the momentum was lost. I had to move on despite all the hard work we put in. They took excellent notes and started envisioning, perhaps we’ll get back into it at a later date?

Letting go of a well made plan is tough. But it was the right thing to do. Experience has taught me it’s ok to let go when needed.

Workshop News

One of things I enjoy almost as much as teaching my students, is teaching other educators.

I’ve had the privilege of working with IDEAL Bay Area on a program called Our Changing Planet (OCP). OCP helps teachers connect to local eco-systems by introducing them to artists, scientists, and thinkers looking for solutions to climate issues. OCP is a hands-on, minds-on training. We do a lot of art making, envisioning and collaborative work. Started in 2019, OCP has grown and changed over the years. At its core remains care for the earth, hope for the future, creative joy and a deep respect for teaching and learning.

Recently I got to co-facilitate a different type of training. We introduced after school educators to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, ART and Math)

Don’t worry, I did not do any math teaching!

We gave participants a ton of resources; books and project ideas, to help move their programming into a more inquiry based, student-centered practice. We did a lot of making together.

When educators make art they have fun, and they can feel vulnerable. Making helps develop greater empathy and understanding for students.

Making together also builds a sense of community. Participants in the STEAM training talked about how much they learned about their colleagues, and how much they learned from each other.

If you or your organization are interested in Our Changing Planet or developing a STEAM or arts-integration training, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Last month I was supposed to be doing an intergenerational collage workshop and book talk at Bay Farm Island Library in Alameda. Unfortunately, that flu had me down and this was another plan I had to let go of - at that time.

Fortunately, we’ve moved the workshop to May 9th. If you’re local, please come join us! I’ll share some insights about the book and guide participants in a collage making activity.

Earlier this month I did a Creativebug LIVE. I got to talk about the book and then we did a collage project inspired by the quilts of Rosie Lee Tompkins. You can watch the LIVE anytime (it’s free!) and do your own collage project. If you do, don’t forget to upload a photo fo your finished project to Creativebug.

My class on Creativebug.com Inspired by Picture Books, is a daily practice that will spark your imagination with prompts based on a new picture book every day. This is a class for curious creatives of all ages. It’s available any time and can be self-paced.

Thank you for taking time to read. Please forward this newsletter to anyone who might enjoy a monthly dose of creativity in their inbox, or send them over to constancemoore.com to join my list.

I truly appreciate your support.

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Before you go…

Here’s something lovely I associate with the month of March. The song Aguas de Marcos by Elis Regina & Tom Jobim. Have a listen!