Here’s an unusual setting for me:

I’m teaching eighth graders in Pella, Iowa. I spent two days working with art classes at Pella Christian High School. The school had commissioned me to do a large pastel, and rather than shipping it, I drove it out. I had a great time with the kids. The first day I did a charcoal drawing with the help of the students. I’d call up a terrified volunteer and hand them a piece of charcoal. Then I’d direct them: “Fill in the dark of this tree shape” or, “Erase out this area to bring some light into the clouds.” The idea was to help the kids approach a landscape in terms of shape and form. At the end of each period I’d finish the drawing for the class. On the second day I worked on a oil painting for the high school. I did a little each period while we talked as a group about the purpose of art etc.

From Pella we headed to Chicago to visit family and relatives. I spent a day with humanities and art classes in a high school where my Mom teaches. I showed them my website and worked on a painting a little each period. (I’m donating the paintings to the schools.) Part of my motivation was simply to let kids know that it is possible to be an artist. When I left home for The Art Institute I had never met a working artist. Not one! People told me to be practical- get a graphics degree, or here’s my favorite: get your teaching certificate so that you have something to “fall back on.” Sorry, teaching is a noble profession, and no one should “fall back” on it. Kids deserve better.

I had a great time working with the kids. They asked great questions and really engaged in the process. I also developed a great appreciation for the teachers that I met in the schools!

I leave you with a couple pictures of rural Iowa. There is beauty everywhere! (Just click on either photo to see enlargements.)

Posted by Aaron: May 1st, 2008 and filled under: Field Notes .
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