Our high school is home to over 2,000 students within Metropolitan Atlanta. The extremely diverse socio-economical backgrounds of our school population allows for a true "melting pot" of art students in my classroom. I cater to a range of individuals including English Language Learners, Speech, Resource Services, Talented and Gifted, and Homebound. I teach Visual Composition, Drawing/Painting, and Ceramics. I am also the mother of young triplet girls.
I believe in the power of art to affect change in a person, to uplift a community, and ultimately, to transform the world.
My students deserve to feel safe, and to have the means for creating their "Visual Voices," in order to discover their fullest potential as artists. As their teacher, I want to give them every opportunity afforded to me.
Our Art Department has grown significantly since I arrived as a student teacher during the economic downturn of 2008. I have consistently watched the weight of current affairs become internalized struggles within the students, and their art becomes their release. I am impressed and inspired by them. In my classroom, we seek to explore new mediums and fresh techniques.
My Project
I am teaching my students about the importance of visual journaling. I want to give them a safe experience to express all that they need to say, want to say, or may be shy about sharing for a variety of reasons. By having a range of materials to explore layering, stenciling, water solubles and collage, those journaled words become embedded into a unique work of art. Students will transform themselves through their artistic exploration. Visual voices will be awake and aware, and students will gain confidence to trust that their art is necessary, relevant, cathartic. Visual journaling can change their lives.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Shepard and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
