me arts ed

JC Stone Sculpture Symposium, Jefferson, ME

I stopped half way home tonight at JC Stone in Jefferson, right on route 17. Driven by this spot thousands of time, never realized what a treasure exists there!

I had received an email from Lisa Gilman, art teacher in Winthrop late last week, asking me if I knew that there was a sculpture symposium going on in Jefferson?! I hadn’t heard a word about it so I followed the link and found a wonderful blog filled with terrific pictures that tell the story! She followed up with a couple more emails raving about the work and her visit on Sunday.

When I drove around back of the office near the road today, I was delighted. As I got out of my car I spotted the back of a sculptor who looked like he was pondering his next move. He turned and took off his dust mask…. the dust piled up on his face with thick rings layered around his eyes. He smiled and shook my hand as I mentioned that the word on the street was that there were amazing sculptures formed and I just had to stop. I could see that information was accurate!

Sculptor Paul Kozak was working to finish his sculpture. It is an amazing piece and I am sorry I didn’t have my camera along. He answered my questions as the wind swirled,  the dust blew and the  whining of tools was not far away. I imagined the great opportunity for students to visit with their art teachers to learn, imagine and take in the entire experience. Over time, as the blocks of stone turn into sculptures, it is magical to watch.This stone came from a quarry in Jonesboro.

I mentioned I’d like to communicate about the event next year before it happens so folks are aware and can plan a visit with students. Paul told me that I should talk to Cathy of J.C. Stone to learn more about future plans and how to get student and teacher visitors to be included. I left my contact information, so as I learn more I will let you know.

Before departing I asked what the next steps for the remaining sculptures would be. Two have already been transported away, one sold. Paul was hoping to complete his work tomorrow but he didn’t know for sure. This was fairly new to him, he worked as a theater teacher in New Mexico in the past.

As I started my car to leave, I felt like time had stood still as I watched Paul put his dust mask back on and walked back to the original  spot and ponder his next move. Darn, I thought to myself, I should have asked him what he was thinking, planning, imagining at that moment!

Please take a moment and check out the JC Stone Sculpture Symposium blog and the wonderful pictures.

Jump on this opportunity!

The National Education Foundation (NEA) has established an exciting new partnership with the US Department of Education.  This initiative, which we’re calling C2i, for Challenge to Innovate, is a call to action to all public school educators to identify and solve education’s most pressing classroom problems.

C2i is a web-based, open invitation to all public school educators that will be housed on the Department of Education’s Open Innovation Portal. The best ideas will receive cash awards from the NEA Foundation and may be selected for further development.

The NEA Foundation recognizes educators as adopters, adapters, and creators of both educational processes and products, and as agents who must organize, manage, and assume risks in solving problems.  Educators engage in―and lead―this creative process in their classrooms, schools, and communities.

Accept our challenge. Post your problem. Help us solve and share it and become eligible for additional funding and support.

I see this as an opportunity to take action on an idea that you are passionate about and who knows it might even land you a $1000.00. Let us know if you post so the Maine arts education community can go there and support your idea.