mary jane dodd
i was invited to teach at our county teen arts festival this week... almost 2000 kids come through over the course of 2 days... this photo is from my first workshop (there were 3 a day - 45 minutes each with 15 minutes in between... riiiight)...
see how neat and orderly everything is? it's like when you have your first child... and just like having your first, they are the only group i got pictures of...
because after that, all bets were off!
i thought it would be sensible to limit the class sizes to 15...
that was sensible...
but it didn't happen!
really, how do you turn away the kid who wants to learn but didn't get to sign up because she was being critiqued?! except it wasn't just one child...
i taught about 120 kids...
at the end of the first day, i was cleaned out of the materials i had purchased for 2 days...
i wanted to show them something they could do, they could afford and that might keep them experimenting... something they could teach their friends...
we made wrapped beaded bracelets... i taught them a weaving technique and they were excited... (and i was excited that they were excited because i was worried that no one would sign up... i even brought a book with me just in case...)
it was an incredible experience and i want to thank sandy at the monmouth county arts council for the opportunity... i would love to do it again...
the kids were wonderful and, as always, helped me to hone my skills and kept me learning... i thank them sincerely...
if this sounds like something you might want to do, join your local arts council... you never know what kind of opportunities might present themselves!
and on a more serious note, i would like to mention the loss of one of our own from this blogging community - judy glende... a beautiful, caring creative who no longer suffers but will be terribly missed...)
8 comments:
Wowser! That is a lot of kids. But it sounds like a great time and a wonderful way to share your talent.
Maire..... LOL- you brought a book! Looks like you were quite successful! No surprise there :o) 120 kids- whoah!
What a great way to pass on your knowledge and talent!
MaryAnn
I bet those kids did have a blast! And I bet you are tired! That sounds like something I would love to do.
And Judy will be missed by so many. So very sad.
Wonderful!! You couldn't have selected a better project to get them interested and perhaps find a new creative outlet.
If you do it again, let me know. Perhaps I have stash that you could use in the classes.
Kids and dogs, my favs
xx, Carol
What an awesome thing to do...and how rewarding! I too have some stuff I could send if you do again...
MD-well that is amazing - 120 kids - now that is sharing the love around - and yes they would have been excited - kids still have that exurberance and love to learn about art. And good on you for being out there and doing it. B
Mary Jane,
That is wonderful! Wow, a 120 kids...that is a lot to handle. You must be an excellent instructor! I think the most I've had in one class was about 12 for a kids beading birthday party and my head was spinning the whole time! I know you've taught some beading classes at your local bead shop and now this, too. I bet you are a wonderful teacher, Mary Jane. It sounds like teaching jewelry-making agrees with you!
xoxo,
Erin
120 kids!!! ???
WOW!!!!!!!!! Maire, you're the bomb!!!! :) AND my hero!!!
I've been asked to teach a couple classes, and unfortunately have been unable to, due to work, etc etc etc. PLUS, it terrifies me to think about teaching!! I"m SO impressed with you!!! GOOD GOING!!!
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