me arts ed

Post Baccalaureate in Art Education

This past week I had the opportunity to spend the day visiting Maine College of Art (MECA) in Portland. I was interested in learning more about their teacher training program, Post-Baccalaureate in Art Education. Michelle Zelkowitz, Chair of the Art Education Department and Coordinator of the Post Bacc program had a full schedule for me and served as my guide. My day was delightful!

I arrived as a group of 1st and 2nd graders from the Many Rivers Program at Hall Elementary School were gathering in the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at MECA as part of the Adventures in Art program.  They were involved in the Token/Response game led by the art teachers in training. I have only seen the game played with middle school students and was impressed with how well the children responded. The MECA students were knowledgeable about the subject matter and skilled at engaging the students in a meaningful way with the planned activity.

The children learned about collaborations and each had a chance to put a piece of recycled colored plastic strip (from a bag) into art work that reminded me of a giant hooked rug. One of the girls had put a house symbol next to the piece and when asked to explain why she said “because I would want this to be in my house forever.”

The students had a more in-depth extended learning opportunity to create art using paint and paper and they even made their own chops. When I listened to the MECA students explain the multi-step lesson I was fascinated by the attention the children exhibited. The follow through to creation was evident. More amazing was that there were about 40 children and 16 adults in a fairly small space. The theme of collaboration was apparent throughout the lesson ending with stating the first word that came to mind about each others art work. The word was painted onto the art work.

As I traveled throughout the day with Michelle as tour guide, I had the opportunity to meet many of the MECA staff including the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, Chris Whittey. Michelle is one of the program directors and she works closely with Kelly McConnell who is one ball of energy!

After a yummy lunch in the cafeteria we drove to King Middle School, one of the three middle schools in Portland, to visit an English Language Learners (ELL) self contained classroom. It was great to see the MECA students flexibility as they shifted their attention to older students.

Michelle and Kelly

Back at MECA I had a chance to visit with 9 of the 11 MECA students in the Post-Bacc program and learn more. Through the collaborations with the ICA the art education students facilitate an exploration of the current contemporary art exhibit which gives them experience in a museum setting. They also work in the school setting to develop dialog among students on contemporary arts and design and relevant art activities for children.

The students shared impressive portfolios. I was humbled by their articulate passion and desire to do well as art teachers.  I wish them all well as they complete their program this Spring and enter into the special world of being an art teacher.

My day ended with a tour of the MECA classrooms where I yearned to be in the studio taking classes once again.