Archive for August, 2018

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Arts Ed Conference and MICA

August 20, 2018

September 27, 28 – USM, Portland

The 2018 Maine State Teacher of the Year, Kaitlin Young, will provide an engaging keynote at the Arts Education Pre-Conference: At the HEART of Arts Education and provide seeds of inspiration to help you create action steps for your work at the school and/or community level. Attend as individuals or consider bringing a team from your school and/or community. The day will start and conclude with creative art and music making.

The Pre-MICA conference At the HEART of Arts Education will take place at the Abromson Center, USM, Portland on Thursday, September 27, 8:00 – 4:00. Registration is $50  and includes lunch and the opening session of the Maine International Conference on the Arts on Thursday evening in Hannaford Hall.

The Pre-MICA Arts Education conference participants will:

  •     learn skills to improve teaching and learning in the arts;
  •     collaborate among the arts disciplines: dance, media arts,  music, theater, visual arts and creative writing;
  •     network with other educators and reconnect with old friends;
  •     make connections between school and community, including arts organizations, artists, and other arts education supporters.

The conference will be a joyous occasion to learn together and celebrate who we are! We are educating the future, the next generation of artists, arts educators, and appreciators of the arts. To do that we need to:

  • Instill purpose/passion
  • Ensure High Quality Instruction
  • Provide relevant and real-world learning experiences
  • Empower our students to become the teachers of their generation.

THURSDAY AGENDA

OPENING – Welcome

Story of the South Berwick Lantern Festival

Carol Trimble Award Presentation

MORNING SESSIONS  

ART, MUSIC, and DANCE MAKING Attendees will select between Music/Dance session and Lantern making session.

If you choose the Music Making/Dance session participants will have the opportunity to learn:

  • Basic African drumming and singing

  • Simplified steps to an African dance

FOLI – The word used for rhythm by the Malinke tribe in West Africa. Foli is not only found in Malinke music, but in all parts of their daily lives.      FOLI: there is no movement without rhythm

If you choose the Visual Art – Lantern session participants will have the opportunity to learn:

  • How in some cultures light holds a symbolic meaning and is an integral part of traditions
  • Using your imagination and creativity to create a unique lantern.
  • Opportunities to learn from each other how to bring these experiences back to your  classroom and or community.

Bon Festival – In Japan this annual festival honors deceased relatives while people spend time with their living family members. At the culmination of the festival families place lanterns on the river to be carried away symbolizing the peaceful return to the afterlife.

Both sessions will culminate in a cross cultural experience and open MICA 2018 with a celebratory processional.

KEYNOTE – The 2018 Maine Teacher of the Year is Kaitlin Young who teaches music at SeDoMoCha School in Dover Foxcroft

LUNCH – Midcoast Music Academy performance

View 15 version of the Ashley Bryan film

AFTERNOON SESSION

Choose Your Own Adventure – participants will be guided through creating a plan to use when they return to their schools and communities. There will an opportunity to share so participants can learn from each other and go back to their individual schools and communities with new ideas.

CLOSING

Participants will lead MICA processional using music/dance and lanterns made earlier in the day to the opening of the Maine International Conference on the Arts reception in Hannford Hall. The opening keynote will follow.

The $50 registration includes the arts ed conference, the opening reception, keynote and performances.

MICA CONFERENCE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 8:00 – 5:15

Opening

Maine Artists Idea Lab: Five speakers using the fast-paced and engaging pecha kucha-style format will knock your socks off with their newest innovations. Speakers include:

Lucas Richman, Music Director, Bangor Symphony Orchestra
Rene Johnson, Executive Director, Theater Ensemble of Color
Erin McGee Ferrell, Visual Artist
Kaitlin Young, 2018 Maine Teacher of the Year
Jeremy Frey, Passamaquoddy basketweaver

20 Professional Development Sessions in 5 Tracks Running Concurrently:

LEVERAGING INVESTMENT. Learn to attract and leverage greater investment through corporate sponsorships, development planning, capitalization and more.

BUILDING CAPACITY. All you need to know on strategies for sustainability and increased impact, from an intensive on strategic planning with Julie Richard to a session on The Role of the Arts in Communities in Crisis.

VISIBILITY OF THE ARTS & CULTURAL SECTOR. Discuss ways to increase awareness of creative opportunities, as well as their value to communities and local economies. Participate in a new, two-part workshop by MICA 2016 superstar Matt Lehrman, Opportunity Everywhere, Parts I & II. Or attend a dynamic session hosted by DataArts/The Cultural Data Project on ways to connect your data to stories about your mission and impact, for more effective communications with key stakeholders.

ARTS EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING. Participate in sessions on fostering PK-12 arts education and lifelong learning programs, including Creative Aging and Traditional Arts.

PROMOTING CULTURAL TOURISM. Gather the information you need to enhance experiences and leverage cultural tourism. Hear from organizations on their successes creating experiences outside of traditional venues, or attend a Rural Community Arts Development session facilitated by Maryo Gard Ewell.

Pop-up performances throughout the day.

ARTS EDUCATION SESSIONS

How do teaching, learning and assessment work together in a positive, productive standards-based Visual and Performing Arts classroom?

The use of “standards” and “assessments” in visual and performing arts (VPA) education have been discussed, planned for, and developed over many years. A panel of educators will share the work they have underway. Participants are invited to join the conversation – bring your thoughts, questions, and curiosity on why standards and assessments are used in the arts.

Facilitator – Jeff Beaudry – Associate Professor, Educational Leadership, USM – Overview of Summative and Formative Assessment and Moderator

  • Jen Etter – Music, York Middle School
  • Kelly Hrenko – Visual Art, USM
  • Michele Kaschub – Music, USM
  • Holly Leighton – Visual Art, K-12, RSU 67
  • John Morris – Dance, Teaching Artist   

Brian Evans-Jones and Kris Bisson

When Teaching Artists and Arts Teachers Connect, Students Win

During the past 4 years, teaching artists and arts educators in the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative have collaborated to provide meaningful, purposeful and authentic learning opportunities for students. Educator collaborations provide opportunities for learners that can surpass what a teacher, working alone, can offer. Hear the stories from these collaborators, bring your questions, share your experiences and imagine the possibilities in more Maine schools and communities.

Facilitator: Kate Smith, Central School, South Berwick Music Educator

  • Brian Evans-Jones, Writer Teaching Artist and Kris Bisson, Marshwood Middle School Music Educator 
  • Tim Christensen, Ceramic Teaching Artist and Lori Spruce, Brewer High School Visual Art Educator
  • John Morris, Dancer Teaching Artist and Carmel Collins, Lake Region High School Dance Educator  

Empowering Your Voice for Arts Education 

We often underestimate the power of our passion and voice for arts education.  Yet, we’ve seen students, educators, artists, arts organizations and community members find their voice, build their stories and messages, back them up with research and evidence, and become leaders and advocates for arts education in powerful ways. In this session, we will explore ways to empower our voices, use helpful resources that are just clicks away, and be on our way to making an impact with our hopes and dreams for the arts in education!

Presenter: Catherine Ring, Visual Art Educator, Arts Education Consultant, Co-Founder of the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative, Maine Art Education Association 2014 Maine Arts Advocate of the Year.

If you have any questions please email Argy Nestor, director of arts education, argy.nestor@maine.gov.

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In Today’s News

August 19, 2018

Ashley Bryan review

“Oh, When the Children Sing in Peace,” 2006, collage of cut colored paper on paper, from “Let It Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals,” 12 by 20 inches. Photo from Portland Museum of Art

Daniel Kany writes a review in the Portland Press Herald today. He starts by saying:

“At 95, Ashley Bryan, a resident of Little Cranberry Island’s village of Islesford for more than three decades, is one of Maine’s most important artists. The list of problems starts here: We don’t know him.

But we should.”

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE.

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In Today’s News

August 17, 2018

Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul

Tribute to Aretha Franklin who died in her home in Detroit, Michigan.

 

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Teen Night at the PMA

August 17, 2018

You Are the Masterpiece

If you’re a teenager, you’re invited to the Portland Museum of Arts (PMA) for a special event: 3rd Annual Teen Night at the Portland Museum of Art. The PMAs seven Homer High School Fellows have designed You Are the Masterpiece, a teen-centered night, complete with art-inspired photo booths, teen-oriented tours, pin-making, free food, music, and a raffle. The event is FREE and is this Saturday, August 18th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The PMA will only be open for teens at this time.

This night was planned by the Fellows with the hopes of inspiring and empowering other teens by placing them into PMA masterpieces. All teens (ages 13 – 19) are welcome to attend.

If you know of any young folks ages 13-19 that may be interested, we’d be very grateful if you could share this with them.

More info can be found on our website ( PMA: Teen Night ) or on Facebook ( Facebook: Teen Night ).

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In Today’s News

August 16, 2018

Perkins Reauthorization Becomes Law

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is thrilled to report the passage and long overdue reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act (H.R 2353). The passage is a key victory for music education as this version of the Perkins Act includes mention of a well-rounded education (established by Sec. 8101 of ESEA). Through enactment of this law, school districts will need to provide detailed information on how they plan to incorporate a well-rounded education into their career and technical education plan.

READ MORE.

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Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts

August 16, 2018

K-12 Teachers Sculpt Animals

Claudia Olds Goldie (right) assists workshop participants with their projects

On August 2 and 3, seventeen art educators from Maine and around the northeast relished an opportunity to become students again. Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts welcomed the teachers for a summer workshop on sculpting animals in clay. Boston-based artist and art teacher Claudia Olds Goldie led the participants through a variety of techniques and projects that can be adapted for all grade levels, class sizes, and classroom situations. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, participants learned how to create a menagerie of animals—wild, imaginary, and domestic—that can stand alone or evolve as sculptural pottery.

Local teaching artist Liz Proffetty generously hosted the Watershed workshop at her Neighborhood Clay studio in Damariscotta. Over the two days, the educators enjoyed hours of studio practice and individualized attention from Claudia. The group drew inspiration from animal illustrations, photographs, and contemporary and historical sculpture. Dragons, cats, birds, dogs, and rabbits populated the tabletops as the participants molded and shaped their creatures.

Rabbit sculpture made during the workshop

“Learning from experts allows art teachers to bring their craft and their student’s craft to the next level,” shared workshop participant Lisa Gilman. “I learned so much from Claudia. Her mastery of clay is beautiful and she is very open about her processes. This will directly impact my teaching!”

Watershed originally recruited Olds Goldie to lead a figurative sculpture workshop for teachers in 2017. She returned this summer to cover sculpting animals at the request of last year’s workshop participants. In addition to being an exceptional teacher, Claudia is an accomplished artist. She has received numerous fellowships and grants, and shows her work nationally. She teaches sculpture at Dexter Southfield School in Brookline, Massachusetts, and is an instructor at Harvard’s University’s Ceramics Program.

The workshop is part of a series of workshops for K-12 educators hosted by Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts and supported by a generous donor. Learn more about the Center’s programs. 

If you have questions please email Claire Brassil or call the center 882-6075.

“Skin Deep” by Claudia Olds Goldie

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Art for Healing

August 15, 2018

Interactive Webinar from NAEA

The National Art Education Association is providing an interactive webinar on Wednesday, August 29, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. called Art for Healing in Difficult Situations. This webinar is FREE for NAEA members and $49 for non-members.
A growing number of children are experiencing traumatic life events during their childhood. How can we, as arts educators, help?
Visual arts can provide an outlet for children to express their feelings, communicate their needs, and reach out for support. Join us for this timely webinar as three art educators share their teaching experiences, strategies, and art projects for helping children alleviate stress and heal. 
The presenters include:
  • Donalyn Heise, EdD, Artist, Educator, Author from Austin, TX
  • Adrienne D. Hunter, Med, Art Educator from Pittsburgh, PA
  • Beverly H. Johns, Professional Fellow, MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL

REGISTER HERE!

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ECET2 Spot On!

August 14, 2018

Gathering at Colby College

The ECET2 – Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers – conference held last week at Colby College was outstanding. ECET2 Maine is an educator community and two-day event and based on the ECET2 national model offering a unique opportunity for teachers from across Maine to connect with other practitioners to gain leadership skills, share innovative classroom practices, and be “celebrated” for their work on behalf of Maine’s students.

Allan Monga speaking with Sydney Chaffee

There were three Cultivating the Calling speeches that provided seeds of inspiration. Hearing educators stories is motivating and validating. One was provided by the 2017 National Teacher of the Year, Sydney Chaffee. She has been moved by her own students stories and by Maine’s Poetry Out Loud champ Allan Monga.

The breakout sessions were terrific, presented by thoughtful educators sharing their ideas and practices. The Colleague Circles provided time to discuss challenges and successes and it was made clear that we share so much across our state in schools/districts.

Colleague Circle presentations during Gallery Walk

Participants could add their “Why I Teach” to a wall and I’ve included some of them in this blog post. You can see that the arts were well represented.

The conference closed out with a Shark Tank where three teams pitched their ideas. Five hundred dollars was given to the most convincing idea which was decided by participants votes on Twitter. And, of course, the door prizes were super!

A great big thank you to the planners – once again they did an outstanding job providing an opportunity that was “spot on” for educators!

There were at least 5 participants who said they will be working on having an ECET2 event in their communities. Watch for the information as it becomes available on their website or Facebook.

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In Today’s News

August 13, 2018

Ashley Bryan

Bob Keyes article in the Maine Sunday Telegram provides the latest news on Ashley Bryan. His show opened recently at the Portland Museum of Art and it is fantastic. At age 95 Ashley is working on a number of books and is planning on one being completed within the month. It is a book of collages based on Christina Rosetti’s poems. He’s also working on a larger project based on his time during WWII when he served in the segregated Army. Seventy four years ago he was at Omaha Beach.

I was very excited to read that he is working with Maine composer Aaron Robinson who happens to be a former student of mine. They are collaborating on an African-American requiem for chamber orchestra, choir and spoken voice.

He’s calling it “A Tender Bridge: An African American Requiem,” based on a Bryan quote: “I always confuse the past and the future, the way I mix up death and life – they are connected only by a tender bridge. This is why stories are at the heart of civilization.”

Plan to take your students to the museum for the show and watch for information on the performance of one of Ashley’s books scheduled for the end of October.

READ the entire article.

“Oh, When the Children Sing in Peace,” 2006, collage of cut colored paper on paper, from “Let It Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals,” 12 by 20 inches. Photo from Portland Museum of Art

 

 

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The Arts and USM

August 10, 2018

In today’s news

Rendering by Scott Simons Architects

The University of Southern Maine announced Wednesday that an anonymous donor has contributed $1 million toward its new Center for the Arts project which will be located on the Portland campus.

The Center for the Arts will feature a 1,000-seat concert hall – about half the size of Portland’s Merrill Auditorium – as well as a recital hall, black box theater performance and an art gallery.

READ MORE in the Press Herald.