May 21, 2013

PRAYING FOR OK



In times like these...we feel helpless.  We look at the images of the schools destroyed, and think that it could have just as easily been us!  What can we do?  How can we help?  There are ways to give through different trustworthy organizations...and that will help in time.  Right now though...people are walking around dazed & confused....still in shock. Some are still looking for their loved ones.  Some are by the bedside of those clinging to life...or struggling with horrible injuries.  The only thing I know to do is pray.  
***********************
At the end of my first year of teaching....I was in a city far away from everything & everyone I knew....my classroom was destroyed by a tornado....my mother had 3 strokes at the age of 47.  A year later...as my mother was just getting back to a new normal...my father was diagnosed with cancer & died 4 days later.  

Why do I share this?  Horrible things happen!  Things we don't get...things we don't understand...things we think & feel should not happen to us!  

The situations/circumstances were beyond what I could understand or deal with.....but not beyond God.  
There is a song... 

I KNOW WHO HOLDS TOMORROW

I don't know about tomorrow; 
I just live from day to day. 
I don't borrow from its sunshine 
For its skies may turn to grey. 
I don't worry o'er the future, 
For I know what Jesus said. 
And today I'll walk beside Him, 
For He knows what is ahead. 
Many things about tomorrow 
I don't seem to understand 
But I know who holds tomorrow 
And I know who holds my hand. 
Every step is getting brighter 
As the golden stairs I climb; 
Every burden's getting lighter, 
Every cloud is silver-lined. 
There the sun is always shining, 
There no tear will dim the eye; 
At the ending of the rainbow 
Where the mountains touch the sky. 
Many things about tomorrow 
I don't seem to understand 
But I know who holds tomorrow 
And I know who holds my hand. 
I don't know about tomorrow; 
It may bring me poverty. 
But the one who feeds the sparrow, 
Is the one who stands by me. 
And the path that is my portion 
May be through the flame or flood; 
But His presence goes before me 
And I'm covered with His blood. 
Many things about tomorrow 
I don't seem to understand 
But I know who holds tomorrow 
And I know who holds my hand...


Prayers are what got me through....and continue to move me forward.  Prayers are what I have to give for the lives impacted by the tornado.  I can not wrap my arms around those hurting right now...but God can.  Please pray with me!!! 

The Winners Are....

 As part of the workshop, they had the students bring in a piece of art to be judged.  I'm not use to "judging" high school art at all...and I don't enjoy selecting only a few as the "winners".  Each piece had something special/interesting about it....but I had to pick the top three.  

1st Place
This young man does amazing pencil work!  He is going to an art school next year for graphic design.  I wish the picture was clearer...the eyes of the goldfish are olives!!!  He called it..Too Drunk To Fish! ha ha

2nd Place
I love the colors & shapes created in this work.  She uses watercolor, and then outlines the shapes with black and white gel pens!  She wants to do a series on fairies.

3rd Place
Ok...I'm all about the fun in art, and this piece brings it!!! Do you see the spork baby?!? HA!  LOVE IT!  


How fun are these kids?!?!?! They are turning out some very interesting work with strong points of view!!!!! 
If any of ya find my site...please know I LOVED spending the day with you all...and think you all are truly amazing artists!!!  










May 19, 2013

Wilson County Workshop


Lebanon High School (new building...1st school year open)





The group wasn't huge, but we had a whole lot of fun!!!!  There were teachers and students from one elementary school & three high schools in Wilson County.  We had a great morning of art making.  
I did a mixed media lesson with the theme of The Elements. 
I'm use to working with elementary age...and teachers, but the high schools are not my norm population.  I LOVED 'EM!!!! They were so much fun!
 Below you'll see the works created by those in attendance.










May 16, 2013

More 4th Grade Weavings


Another group of amazing 4th grade weavings!!  
Here is the link to all the weaving projects on my blog!
http://artwithmre.blogspot.com/search/label/Weaving




May 15, 2013

The Last of the Franz Marc Inspired Paintings: 3rd Grade



Here are the last images (this year) of Franz Marc project.  The kids really loved working on them.  It was one of the only large pictures we worked on all year. Since I only see some of my students once a week...and some once every other week.....it is important to keep the size of their art manageable for the time we have together.  This project took two class times, but it was worth it!