Classes

Fine Art Photography

Five days of after-school instruction, two off-campus photo adventures, one final gallery show.

Fee: $1000 (cameras and prints provided by partnering schools)

Grades: 7-12

Reflections

Grades: 7-12

“Reflections” is a 5-day creative expression experience that engages students through reflective writing, portrait-drawing, mask-making, interactive dialogue, trust-building exercises, and performance. This workshop-style standard-aligned language and visual arts education program addresses isolation and depression in teens, using writing and art as PREVENTION. The Reflection Project is a safe haven for self-exploration, designed to help youth connect, build resilient communities, and give voice to the younger generation. Social-emotional curricula and learning targets are established through ongoing dialogue with partnering teachers and administrators. My goal is to increase outcomes such as school attendance, confidence and proficiency in art and writing, while simultaneously increasing self-esteem, self-expression, and overall wellbeing. This is achieved by validating students’ personal stories and utilizing their direct and intuitive life experiences as the backbone for all class content.

The Reflection Project was created in direct response to the ongoing epidemic of school shootings and teen suicide in the United States. It has been adapted to the current Coronavirus pandemic that has youth feeling disillusioned and teetering on a very dangerous edge of hopelessness. As an educator and teaching consultant, I feel called to provide creative, collaborative environments for young people to explore and celebrate the unique beauty held within each one of us. My long-term vision has been to develop new models of empathy, dignity, and inclusivity as an alternative to what is being offered in so many of our schools across the country. By bringing a cross-section of young people together for this purpose, we will be collectively empowering the next generation of future leaders with the self-confidence, strength of heart, and clarity of mind and that they will need to see them through.

Click here to watch a video of High School Reflections: 2019

Curriculum Summary

Each day will consist of a short reflective journaling session on a particular topic, followed by a creative arts and crafts session that supports each student’s narrative.

Day 1: Mask Making - How other people see you

Day 2: Mask Making - How you see yourself

Day 3: Portrait Drawing - Who you really are

Day 4: Rehearsals - Preparing for Performance

Day 5: Showcase - Performance and Class Pledge

All my art programs create a safe space for young people to share their stories for the purpose of transformational healing. Students create lasting bonds with each other, and it is this resilient community factor that often prevents depression, self-harm, teen suicides, and “voicing through violence” – such as mass shootings. Through our showcases of creative works, students learn that they are not alone and this strengthens their conviction to carry on, embrace their futures and each other.

I am available for curriculum development, teaching consultation, community organizing and partnerships. This is one of many classes I offer and I look forward to co-creating with you! For more examples of my offerings, please visit: https://www.heartisan.foundation/

Fees:

Individual 1-day workshops: $350 (materials included)

Full 5-day residency: $1500 (materials included)

*Negotiable based on population’s income levels and available resources

Requirements: Basic classroom with movable tables

Standards: Writing

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Speaking & Listening

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Standards²: Writing

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5

Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6

Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

- Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

- Anchor Standard 5: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.

- Anchor Standard 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.