I’ve been angry for some time about shootings that have killed innocent people. I know that I am not alone. The ones that are the most upsetting are the shootings that have taken place at schools. My heart aches for the teachers and students whose lives have been lost, injured, or altered. And, all the families and friends that live with the memories. And, the fear that many teachers and students have, especially just after a school shooting takes place.
I remember clearly the following:
Columbine High School, Columbine, Colorado, April 20, 1999, 12 students and 1 teacher murdered and 2 student perpetrators committed suicide
Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut, December 14, 2012, 20 students (between the ages of 6 and 7), 5 adult staff members murdered, and 1 student perpetrator committed suicide
Marjory Stonemason Douglas High School, Parkland, Florida, February 14, 2018, 14 students and 3 staff members
Robb Elementary School, Uvalde, Texas, May 24, 2022, 19 students and 2 teachers murdered, perpetrator was shot at the scene
The shootings in Lewiston on October 25, 2023 stunned me beyond anger. Every time there has been a mass shooting I find myself wondering what is going to stop this behavior and I ask myself, what can I do? How can we as a society get people the help and attention and education that they need before they take actions that kill others and many times themselves? Yes, the laws need to change but we know laws alone are not the answer nor is taking away guns from all people the answer.
The following data is from 2021 and was published by the Pew Research center in August 2023. There is much more on this webpage.
More Americans died from gun-related injuries, 48,830 people, in 2021 than in any other year on record.
54% of all gun-related deaths in the US were suicides (26,328), 81% involved a firearm.
During the pandemic gun murders increased 45% between 2019 and 2021 and the number of gun suicides rose 10% during that same time.
According to the BBC the US ratio is 120.5 firearms per 100 residents, up from 88 per 100 in 2011.
Please note: I grew up with guns in my home, they were used only for hunting. We had food on the table some years because of the rabbits and deer my father shot. I was taught to respect the guns in our home, they were always locked in a gun safe. When I was about 12 years old I took the hunter safety course and went on my first hunt with my father, sister, and brothers.
Today was the first session of the Maine Legislature. They started the session by honoring the 18 people killed in Lewiston. I traveled to Augusta to attend the scheduled rally in the State House. I’m guessing there were a thousand people there. When I arrived the line to get into the building and go through security wound around the State House, down the hill and across the entrance to the side of the street in front of the library. Many people had signs tucked under their arms with their hands in their pockets to keep warm. People were patient and on the quiet side, having small conversations. After 2 hours in the slow moving line we saw people leaving the building and the word passed along that the official rally was over, individuals were encouraged to go visit their legislators offices, and family members of those killed in Lewiston were telling their stories.
As I stood in line talking to strangers my mind wandered to all the teachers and students in schools across our state of Maine. I hope no Maine teacher or student has to go through a shooting in their school. I was grateful to have the chance to be there today but even though my attending didn’t really ‘do’ anything there was a small part of me that was there for all the teachers and students who were not there. I stood in line with the hundreds of others who care deeply about the lives of Maine people. I hope that we sent a clear picture and that the Maine Legislature can work together to do what is right for Mainers.
ARRT! – Artists’ Rapid Response Team banner
ARRT! – Artists’ Rapid Response Team banner
ARRT! – Artists’ Rapid Response Team banner
ARRT! (Artists’ Rapid Response Team) collaborates with 60+ non-profit, progressive groups to promote social change in Maine. This collective of approximately twelve artists meets monthly to create issue-oriented, socially-engaged banners and props. LEARN MORE!
For decades Martin Fletcher was a foreign correspondent reporter who told stories. I learned that while he was in Maine not long ago he appeared in an interview (2-parts) on the TV show 207. His reporting took him to places in the world that were devastated by war, hunger and many other challenges. He saw people in the most horrible of situations.
I was attracted to this story because of the title of his book however, it’s not what I initially thought that it was going to be. The book called Teachers – The Ones I Can’t Forget. Martin, now retired from NBC, includes stories that are about some of the people he met along his journey.
His stories and interviews are captivating and provide, to his audiences in their busy lives, to reflect on what is important in the moment. His wife stated that the people he met along his journey “left scratches on his soul“. Ten of his correspondent friends died in the line of duty and several others injured. He believes he was lucky to be out of harms way. And, felt that perhaps his luck was running out which was one of the reasons he retired. The Japanese people say: “you fall down 7 times and get up 8”.
One of the stories in the book is as follows:
As Fletcher walked through the feeding station, jotting notes to himself for the story he would write, a boy who was about six years old began to follow him. Although clearly suffering from starvation, with a distended belly and only patches of hair on his head, the boy kept “a respectful distance” and refused Fletcher’s offers of water, a granola bar, and a sandwich.
Eventually, Fletcher asked a guide what the boy wanted.
“He wants your pencil,” the interpreter said.
“My pencil? That’s all? But I’ve only got one,” Fletcher replied.
The guide spoke harshly to the boy, who ran away “throwing one last beaten glance over his shoulder as he disappeared among the starving and the sick,” Fletcher wrote.
“That experience has haunted me ever since. Why didn’t I give him my pencil? What, I couldn’t find another one? But in the moment, trying to record the drama around me, and with only one pencil, I didn’t see any farther than my notebook.”
The heart warming part of this story for me is that all the profits from his book go to Artolution. Looks like an amazing organization. aWhat they do…
“We provide collaborative art-making experiences to our participants in vulnerable communities, strengthening mental health, social inclusion and livelihoods. Artolution programming is led by inspiring local Teaching Artists.”
I’m fortunate to be collecting stories from the citizens of my town. Mrs. Mildred O’Jala was the oldest at 102 until she passed away over Thanksgiving. Grateful that we taped her life story in October. She was alert, articulate and happily showed us the basket of mittens and hats that she made for the elementary students and the church Winterberry Fair. The fair was held last Saturday and you betcha, I was there to purchase one last hat created by MIldred’s careful hands. The stitches absolutely perfect! Mrs. O’Jala may be gone from earth but her stories will live on. I’m certain that her hats and mittens will keep many heads and hands warm for years.
I’ve been thinking about the importance of stories as we plan the Sestercentennial (250 years) celebration for my hometown of Union. I know that many businesses are using stories to promote their product in an indirect way. This one is truly memorable and I just had to share. How do you use stories in your classrooms?
Veterans Day, a day to pause and consider what today means. Americans are deeply divided and everyday it seems like there are more challenges in bringing people together. In my mind it’s simple: invite people with differences to the table, provide the opportunity to express their beliefs and determine how to compromise so the world can move to a more peaceful place. And, collectively tackle essential problems like food shortages, the homeless (unhoused, unsheltered), alternative sources of energy, and other important topics. The outcomes of the conversation: action. We need to take care of people and the environment and our world! I realize that I’ve simplified it and that it is not so easy.
Maybe it’s the teacher and/or the artist in me. While disagreeing, being angry, exchanging strong language, middle school students arguments most often are settled within minutes. Listen to each side of the story while students are listening to each other. Listening so a student feels heard while working the problem through as they stand in the corner of the room, the hallway, a moment between classes, and sometimes the administrators office. Focus on how the altercation can be solved, encourage creative solutions. In severe cases a repercussion is issued, parents are called informing them of the situation. Yes, yes, I know that its not always that easy. When you think about the scene, it’s kind of amazing what teachers do in these scenarios. Perhaps governments should watch, listen, and learn from the examples of teachers.
As I pause today, my point is that a situation with students is the closest to fighting in a war or defending a country I’ve ever come. I heard some stories from my father who fought in WWII that have helped inform me. I’m more ready to learn now and sadly my dad is no longer on earth for him to be my teacher. I’m reading books to help me fill in my lack of experiences (and the times that I was sleeping in my high school history class). The first hand accounts of individuals and groups are definitely enlightening but at the end of the day I don’t have the experience of hiding from the enemy in a fox hole, coming face to face with the other person both with guns in hand or moving out of an area because the enemy has reconfigured their position. I agree with the old Native American phrase: “You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.”
My father, George P. Nestor, was part of the Big Red One, First Division, Army. He fought in Africa, Sicily, landed on Omaha Beach (1st wave), up through France, Battle of the Bulge and was wounded in Germany. He returned home and rarely talked about his service. He was a proud of being an American coming from Greece when he was a small child.
What’s it really about? In my opinion it’s about empathy and trust. Veterans Day is an opportunity to teach, learn, and practice empathy. Where do we learn to be empathetic?! As we go about our business today I will be thinking about my freedoms, about people who don’t have the privileges I do, and considering how to practice empathy and build trust. I am remembering that I live in a free country because of people like my father who were willing to volunteer, stand up and fight for our freedoms. If you don’t agree that we live in a free country I suggest that you visit a country that isn’t free and perhaps you’ll have a different view. I am well aware that the freedoms I have are not experienced by all who live in the US. My recent readings have helped clarify that for me. Go Back to Where You Came From by Wahajat Ali. I encourage you to read the book.
I hope that you have time to pause today and reflect through writing, making art, going for a walk, and/or communicating with a neighbor, friend or family member. Simply saying hello and smiling at someone you didn’t know when you woke up today could make a difference in the world. Even if it’s only for a moment, it could be the one moment that will help you and/or others.
I finish this blog post with something that came across my desk this week. A segment of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech from January 20, 1961.
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
It is not a surprise that the arts are playing a part in helping to heal and supporting Mainers during this time to make sense of the tragedy in Lewiston. As we learn more details we are also learning the ways that the arts are a vehicle for helping us to ease the pain and process the event. Below I’ve included some that have come to me through multiple avenues. I invite you to share some of what you are involved with or are aware of by “leaving a comment” at the bottom of this blog post or by emailing me at meartsed@gmail.com. I have been making cards and sending them to those who I know personally that have been impacted by the event. If you know of someone who could benefit from a handmade card please email me. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the victims and to all the educators who are there for students. Please remember that whatever you’re doing is enough and the right thing.
Turner Art Teacher
Miia Zellner, an art teacher from Turner, Maine, attaches a heart cut-out with a message of positivity to a tree in downtown Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. Zellner wanted to show her love and support for the community in the wake of Wednesday’s mass shootings. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro
James Taylor
Known as the Battle of the Bridge, last weeks football game featured cross-river rivals Lewiston High School and Edward Little High School of Auburn. James Taylor was there to sing an acoustic version of the National Anthem before the kick-off of the game.
L/A Arts – the Arts agency for the cities of Lewiston and Auburn
An open call for artworks to individuals and organizations at the local, state and national level to express your thoughts in the form of a postcard. We call upon all mothers, fathers, and children; teachers and their students at all levels; artists, whether novice or seasoned; wordsmiths; dreamers, thinkers, feelers and doers of all ages and backgrounds. Share your hopes and your fears, your remembrances and your well-wishes.
These postcards can be addressed directly to the victims and/or their families, the immediate community of Lewiston impacted by the tragedy, or more broadly address growing concerns over the horrific frequency of gun violence across the nation.
The leaves had just started to turn their brilliant colors as I followed the windy road west to Rangeley from my home in the mid-coast. It was a warmish and beautiful day. I haven’t traveled to western Maine in a few years and surprisingly during my 13 years working for the state (Maine Department of Education, 7 years and Maine Arts Commission, 6 years), I didn’t visit the Rangeley Lakes School. (I say surprisingly because during those 13 years I visited about 450 schools.)
Sonja Johnson and Maryam Emami
I’ve know Rangeley art teacher Sonja Johnson and English teacher Timothy Straub for many years. More recently, I met Maryam Emami, graphic arts and history teacher and the 2023 Franklin County Teacher of the Year. I was excited to visit the Rangeley Lakes School and to learn more about Maryam and Sonja’s collaborative project. I shared my recently published book, Catching Fireflies, that I’ve co-authored with poet Jean Feldeisen. I learned about the community project that Sonja and Maryam have had underway for almost 10 years called Words of Wisdom. Students have made beautiful black and white photographs and collected stories from almost 100 community members. We discussed ideas on how they can move forward to complete this comprehensive historical and artistic project this school year. The lessons learned in creating Catching Fireflies have been many and I was happy to share them.
Along with the collaborative project I had a chance to learn about some of the recent engaging curriculum work Maryam had underway with students. You’ll find descriptions below of two units plus Words of Wisdom. It was fun for me to talk with students as they worked in the classroom space and the hall gallery they were creating with the completed work.
Graphics Arts
Retail Design: Part 1. The Logo-Create a fictitious company. Begin by naming it. Once the name has been selected everything else falls into place. Think of who your audience is and the company’s personality. The logo design will be most effective when the spirit of the store is clearly thought through. Keep in mind that you will be using the logo for a broad range of applications. The typographic symbol is usually, but not always, the expression of a unified design for advertising and manufacture. It must be original and simple in form, have a very high degree of memorability, and be easily recognized and noticeable. A symbol either brings letters together to make a new form, or illustrates the product or does both. A symbol is something completely different and of higher importance than a monogram (a sign of identity usually formed by the combined initials of a name). A faulty symbol is far worse than none at all, and a bad symbol can be disastrous to a product.
Humanities II
Historical Exhibit: Students curate artifacts which can include music, visual art, videos, digital media, information about important individuals from the time/culture, and cultural/historical items in their exhibit. Artifacts should be cataloged and given museum tags. And, students should be able to act as a docent to visitors to the classroom exhibit. When designing your exhibit, consider incorporating a mix of artifacts, documents, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations to engage visitors and provide a comprehensive view of your Empire’s history and cultural heritage. The Empires are the Inca, Songhai, Ayuttyha, and the Ottomans.
Words of Wisdom
Sonja and Maryam plan to publish a book with the information below that students have collected from almost 10 years of community members. The information supports the beautiful black and white photos students took and developed. These are older community members, at this point some of them have passed away. One student is the child of a student from 10 years ago when the project first got underway.
what is your full name including nickname
how old or young are you
where do you live in rangeley
what is your connection to rangeley how did you get here how long have you lived here
what was/is your occupation
what do you enjoy doing now
describe your family background
what are some of your interests/hobbies
Last piece: please share with us any additional details about your life or anything else you would like to share with future generations.
There is nothing more wonderful than learning about teachers collaborating in an impactful way. The information is of course, authentic and somewhat raw. I spent a few minutes reading through the answers, looking into the eyes of the portraits. I couldn’t help but wish this project could be carried out in every school in the state. This is a gift to the students who participated in so many ways. They’ve had a chance to learn about the individuals (in some cases relatives), to learn the history through the lives of community members, and to reflect on who they are as young people because of the people who live in their own community. Very, very powerful work! I look forward to holding the book in my hands in the future.
I’ll let you know when the project is complete. Good luck to Maryam and Sonja and to the students as they move to complete this gift to the community!
If you’d like to purchase my book Catching Fireflies it is available at THIS LINK.
They’ve done it again! Today the Union of Maine Visual Arts (UMVA) journal was published and it is jam packed with amazing articles; something for everyone! The fall issue, Materiality has a variety of thought provoking articles written by artists, writers, and educators.
Maine Arts Journal Fall 2023 cover (Rosamond Purcell’s studio, Somerville, MA, with a detail of Wall, mixed-media installation, photo: Veronique Plesch, May 2018).
Introduction by Veronique Plesch
For this issue we invited our contributors to reflect upon the many ways in which their work engages with the notion of materiality, considering the different stages of the creative process, starting with their choice of medium and how tools and materials interact, all the way to the tangible objects they produce. The topic proved inspiring: the responses address the centrality of the choice and handling of the medium. We read about materials’ possibilities and limitations, about how one might attempt to control them or instead submit to them (some materials seem to remain indomitable while others readily—willingly?—cooperate in allowing the artist to reach their goals). Contributors discuss the importance of tools to obtain certain desired effects, while they also marvel at the resulting unexpected and welcome surprises. The process’s dynamic nature is made clear by how often notions such as fluidity, transformation, transmutation, and metamorphosis are mentioned, suggesting that materials have an agency of their own. As we read through the issue, it becomes clear that materials are more than a driving force in the creative process: they are true partners, at once inspiring and motivating, starting point and goal.
This issue includes a piece written for the education column, Insight/Incite by Maryam Emami. Maryam is the 2023 Franklin County Teacher of the Year, has been teaching graphics and social studies at Rangeley Lakes Regional School since 1995. The article includes a variety of images that Maryam’s students have created.
If you’d like to learn more, become a member of UMVA, and support this fabulous organization you may do so at THIS LINK. UMVA hopes that you will subscribe to AND support the journal by becoming a member of the Union of Maine Visual Artists by clicking here. You can subscribe for free by clickinghere.
If you’re interested in writing for the journal please contact me Argy Nestor at meartsed@gmail.com or go to THIS LINK.
Explore archived journals (from the past 10 years) at THIS LINK.
In 2010 Congress passed the House Resolution 275 which designates the week beginning with the second Sunday in September as National Arts in Education Week. This is a week to shed extra light on the power of arts education. Young people and adults come together to tell the story of why the arts are essential for all ages and share the benefits of engagement in the arts.
Suggestions on how to PARTNER with others to celebrate.
Come up with a plan to ADVOCATE with your colleagues.
Create a SOCIAL MEDIA campaign to pass the word on about the value of arts education.
This week is an opportunity for you, your students and your community to recognize the importance of arts education. Celebrate in your classroom, your school, and beyond!
I know what you’re doing is amazing! Take a moment to let others know and THANKSSSS for your great work. YOU ROCK!
Here we are, Labor Day weekend. I know that many of you have returned to school, some with students and some waiting until Tuesday for learners to come rushing in. I’m confident that with the changing of seasons gradually upon us that your school year is going to be spectacular. I love seeing messages on facebook, instagram, texts, and in emails from friends listing the number of years that they’ve taught. It signifies so much pride in teaching. Like hanging your college degree framed on the wall of your classroom, or better yet outside the door of your classroom. The message it sends: I’m proud of my degree in education and proud to teach in this classroom/school. Teaching is the noblest of careers and we all aware that today, it can be challenging.
This weekend, I was together with some friends who are retired teachers. We discussed how easy it is to forget the impact we’ve made on students. Recently they bumped into the parents of former students and they gushed about how fantastic they were and the difference they had made in their child’s lives. I pulled out my portfolio recently and read some letters and cards from former students. My emotions rose and because of the tears streaming down my cheeks I was forced to stop. Rewarding feeling? You betcha! I hope that you are saving the notes that you receive!
My School Year
My time and responsibilities have shifted. I’m grateful to be continuing my involvement with education, in many different ways. I return to substituting, continue to blog, communicate with educators in Maine, the US, and around the world. My connection with HundrED continuously provides ‘food for thought’. Reading educational material and listening to podcasts keeps me updated on research and opinions. One of my favorite podcasts is The Growing Band Director with Kyle Smith who teaches at Westbrook High School. I’m preparing for a keynote that I’m giving at the New England League of Middle School (NELMS) conference in March so I’m thinking about it often. I serve as the editor for two Maine publications, if anyone is interested in writing please let me know. I enjoy visiting classrooms and communicating with teachers. I especially like to connect to learn more so I can write blog posts highlighting the amazing work going on in classrooms. Reach out to me if you’re interested.
My art making has become important to me. In a few days I’ll post about an exciting collaboration that was just published. I’m thrilled to be part of a planning committee in my town for our Sestercentennial – 250 years! We’re helping to bring arts education residencies to Union Elementary School. One with dancer and musician Chrissy Fowler from Belfast Flyer Shoes. She’ll teach the students, K-6 contra dancing and we’ll have a school and community dance. The second with musician and music educator Scott Dyer who is writing my town’s history as a musical. He’ll be working with all the students to learn and perform the history for the school families and greater community. It’s all very exciting.
My commitment to quality arts education for all students become stronger every year! We all know the power of the arts to engage student learning and to appreciate what makes us each human. If you’re a teacher of visual and/or performing arts education you have the power to make a huge difference in a positive way for young people. The arts are an avenue to helping students make sense of the world. They are a necessity not a luxury, not only for the ‘talented’ ones but for all students. They deserve the best from you and everyone with a stake in our children’s success must see arts education as their cause. Access to and opportunities to an excellent arts education is critical and at the heart of excellent education.
Please know as you start (or continue) with your school year that I am excited for you and jumping for joy and wishing you the very best school year. I am grateful that you’ve chosen education for a career! Happpppy New School Year!
Argy Nestor
Arts Educator, Blogger, Artist, Connector meartsed@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/view/anestor/
Argy’s Blog
The purpose of this blog is to share stories about people and places; and to celebrate the amazing work (and play) that students, educators, and organizations are doing in and for arts education. In addition, the blog has a plethora of resources and innovative ideas. This forum gives blog readers the opportunity to learn from each other. It is essential that we listen, learn, and collaborate in order to build on teaching practices for the benefit of every learner in Maine and beyond.
