Art is Music and Family

 Ahhhhh, beautiful violin music. I have been lucky enough to have shared the journey of learning to play with our 2 children.  Both are wonderful musicians, although I rarely get to hear thier live performances anymore.  When I do it is such an experience mixed with love, pride, sentiment and memories.  I am very happy that I can now access a variety of violin recordings via the computer, and remember the moments of struggle accomplishment the children and I both experienced. It was a lovely journey. 

Art is at School

Exciting News!

            Grafton High School  Juniors Kelly Cassel and Beatrice Moore have arranged a chance for you to buy fabulous artwork created by GHS Art students and Teachers.  This weekend, well Thursday through Saturday that is, you will have the chance to pick out a great, original, hand created gift for yourself or a loved one.  Before, at intermission and after the fabulous spring GHS caberet show, “Now Showing”, works of art will be available for bid in the GHS lobby.  Wow!  Want a $75 award winning and mounted photo for, get this, starting as low as $20?  Or Hey, what about work by your very own daVincca Gorra-Patek and Michaeldricollo?  When is the last time you had a chance to hang an original in your home?  Stop by the Grafton High School lobby between 6:00 and 10:00, Thursday thru Saturday to find your treasure.  ART! GOTTA HAVE IT!  All proceeds go to the art department scholarship fund. 

         May 10 - 13, 2012. 
Grafton High School
1950 Washington Street
Grafton, WI 53024

Art is Rome

 It has been exciting that some art students are signing up for the trip to Rome I have planned for them next summer.  I think this will be such a great chance for them to broaden their horizons.  Since I have been lucky enough to have traveled a lot in my adult life, and provided many opportunities for my own children to travel, I believe in the unparelleled value of the experience.  I have planned many art-related activities for the students, including some classes.  We will experience the culture that is still prominant in the art world today.  We will also see the important artistic and cultural sights.  And, get a chance to go to Pompeii (I've never been there).  I know the students will become better artists because of this chance to immerse themselves. 

Art is Music and friends

 I am just listening to Bob Dylan, Live 1964.  I was in gradeschool, and sincerely don't remember hearing this on the radio, but it has such a familiar or maybe intimate sound.  I guess when I think about the singers I love, the quality I love the most is the intimacy.  It is like you are there, and they are singing to you.  Personally.  That is why I love my dear friends so much.  It is our shared personal experiences.  I am very lucky to be part of their lives, and lucky to have them in mine.

Art is food, or is it?

 Wow, just when you think you have it all figured out.  Somebody, usually an artist, come along to shake up your vision of what you think the world is al about.  Is this art is food?  Is this food is art?  Oh well, you decide.  But I sure enjoyed viewing this and the other ensembles by this artist!  Have fun, I'm hungry and think I'll go get some bread!

Art is Family

 Between my three sisters and me, our most celebrated family member has to be our grandmother. The photo pictures the three brooches I made as holiday gifts for my sisters, featuring a beautiful image of Belle.  Belle Rose came to the United States from Poland when she was 7 years old.  To say that her early life was hard is an understatement.  She ran away at 12 years old to join a dance troup, sending money home to her mother and siblings.  Her father soon died, and she returned to get a steady job to help support her mother and four younger siblings.  She had one child, our father, who married an only child, and then had four daughters within five years.  Our grandmother, 4"10" tall, was always bigger than life to us.  She was beautiful, strong, and always worked in what we considered a very fancy store.  We were blessed and lucky to have her as our role model and savior.

Art is Work

  I just love hearing these two students argue over which one I love more.  "No! Marcia Loves me more!"  These are my own sketches of D. and Haily.  Their daily argument sure makes it fun to come to work.  They are both talented art students.  I will really miss them next year.

Art is emotions

 Do we all feel we have multiple personalities sometimes?  Some days it is like joy is holding hands with sorrow, and success with failure.  Oh, wait a minute, that is every day!

Art is Students

Back with the craziness of the students.  They seem to be in my room from 7am - 5pm.  Today, this student (my sketch of her ) asked me if I wanted to "hang out" this summer.  I was touched, because she really means it.  There are sweet moments with high schoolers.  Guess we have to remember these.

Art is Nature

 After an art week away from school, observing both the vastness and minute details of the natural world, I am back in the full swing of things.  We completing the hanging of our K - 12 district art show today.  The art shows have made us dizzy this year, as there have been 7 since January, with only (hopefully) one more to go.  The students have done a great job this year, and it is wonderful to have them featured so well. 

Hello Spring Break, Art is Friends

 My wonderful friends Melissa and Elizabeth encouraged my communion with nature for a relaxing and soulful spring break.  I can't be thankful enough for their artistic eyes and approach to life.

Art is ABCDEF Gorey

This is the cover of the Gashlycrumb Tinies, one of the first books I read by Edward Gorey.  It encouraged my collection of superior Alphabet Books!  Several are pened by Gorey, as he enjoyed playing with the genre.  But I now have an honorable collection, including many artists and writers.  I will write more about my collection later. 

Welcome

Edward Gorey

Welcome to my blog.  I wanted you to see an image created by one of my favorite artists!  I love his use of line.

In the future, I will be posting some of my own work, the work of my students, trips and other activities to do with Art is Life.