New Beginnings turning STEM to STEAM

Having not presented work on this blog for quite sometime has been a personal example of the need and the purpose of this blog, that is, to " model the role of art in times of socioeconomics transition "

Rather than discussing the personal reasons for the long delay in blog posts I want to get going on the things that are happening that hopefully are of importance and value to you and your family.

With many area of interests being worked on one of my most passionate areas of interest in modeling the role of art in these most critical times is that of what's going on in the education system.

With STEM (STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education. ) being a huge focus in national education goals I would like to offer some thoughts on STEM and the movement to turn STEM into STEAM. (STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering Art and Math education

My personal thought on STEM has been that there is a very fundamental element of STEM model that is missing. With lots of study and research I found that I am not alone and other individuals in different organizations feel the same way.

So the missing fundamental is ART, including the many disciplines of art, visual, music, dance, sculpture crafts etc.

Those of us adding the "A" to the model are not arguing against STEM but want to see the model more balanced.

In thinking of an example of a master of STEAM education and life application I can think of no better example than Leonardo da Vinci. Truly a master at integrating science, technology engineering, art and math.

In study after study over decades of examples it has been found where schools have good arts programs the other areas of education also excel. Ultimately it is up to individuals to choose their own balance and for parents to assist their children in doing so. It is my sincere desire to share with parents and youth ways to integrate the "A" into custom tailoring an education model that is best for the individual and to also create lifelong activities to enrich one's own best holistic lifestyle.

I do not believe there is one set way to integrate the "A" into one's lifestyle and education but see more opportunities than one could possibly participate in. There are some basic fundamentals that can form a basis for further exploration and development.

Thinking back to my own childhood and that of my own children I could only think of how visual education began. Teaching a child math usually began with showing the child an image of say apples and adding or taking away. The numerical symbols meant little to the child but the apples sure did. As we progress to adulthood we use text and audible information at a great level to learn and communicate much more than the visual representation used as a child.

Going back to the child, were not the deepest thoughts of a child drawn out through a child making a drawing or painting and then explaining what the he or her was thinking

While looking at the drawing and showing it to we parents?

My point in discussing children's use of visual art in learning is not to redundantly discuss what you already know but to lay a foundation for one of the life enriching activities I promote to individuals of all ages.

My number one "A" activity is to incorporate visual art into all areas of interest, concerns and problem solving. I promise you in presenting information and telling a story be it a favorite movie or a serious documentary on the federal deficit before a word is spoken or a frame of video of video or film is shot, a visual storyboard is developed.

So then my number one " A" activity is to keep and develop a sketchbook. My personal goal and objective in keeping a sketchbook is to first have fun and enjoy doing so. To use it as a means to capture a moment and disconnect from the pace of the day. To record a thought needed in the present or safely stored for future reference.

To learn more on how I apply the fun parts of integrating the "A" into my lifestyle activities please visit my blog "An Easel A Brush And The Bus

http://easelbrushbus.blogspot.com/

New Art Classes April 2015 Pioneer Crafthouse

One Month of Art Classes for Parent and Child

 Explore art with your child. These Parent-Child classes are unique. A child attends with a parent, grandparent, special caring adult or caregiver

The classes teach imagination, observation and problem solving skills, the children and adults experiment with materials and tools, making discoveries and expressing their ideas and feelings through drawing, paintings, sculpture, and other media.

. In this class children will be introduced to a variety of artistic mediums including tempera, watercolor, printmaking, sculpture, and homemade art materials. Each week children will have the opportunity to engage art-making with different mediums.

classes are offered in two groups. children between the ages of 5 to 10

and children between the ages of 10 to 17

(for requests for other age groups please contact for special arrangements)

This special KSL "deals offer includes one month of classes. Each class is held once a week and lasts for 2 hours. A materials list will be provided and students may purchase their own supplies or purchase for a nominal fee at time of class.

The cost of registration includes one parent/caregiver and one child. Parents and children should come dressed to get messy.

Classes are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Other times may be scheduled as need arises.
Please contact me at wasatchart@gmail.com for additional details.
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One Month of Art Classes
Keeping a Sketchbook
(Adult) ages 16 and above)

This class is purposed to teach an individual more than how to keep a sketchbook. Most importantly it is a method to help individuals find and take a few minutes each day to disconnect from their routine and find their creative mind set if only for a few minutes.

Keeping a sketchbook is an amazing tool for looking back and remembering pleasant moments and better managing the not so pleasant moments. A glimpse of a sketch can amazingly take one back to remembering the exact moment and the day the image was created.

Sketching can be a form of art therapy that quiets your left brain while allowing your right brain to express itself. This act can lead to a relaxing, meditative state.

Sketching daily will sharpen your observational skills. Your sketchbook Offers a relaxing and informal place in which to work. Your sketchbook is your private oasis, their is no right or wrong and their are no expectations of a polished work of art. It is the process that is important.

The classes include the first week in the studio reviewing and experimenting with various mediums. The next three classes will be at various locations in SLC. All locations will be easily accessible by Trax or bus.

A materials list will be provided and students may purchase their own supplies
The cost of registration includes one individual for four classes. Classes will be held Weekday evenings.
Please contact me at wasatchart@gmail.com for additional details.