Maine Artist: Angela Warren

Maine graduate, successful visual artist

Unlike other professions educators don’t often see or know the outcomes of their day to day teaching. Sure, the ah-ha moments are evident on our learners faces, and student questions often lead to student-centered learning that is exciting but the long term impact is not often known. We know that the arts teach so much more than is measured.

Stanford University professor Eliot Eisner created 10 Lessons The Arts Teach:

1. The arts teach children to make good judgments about qualitative relationships. Unlike much of the curriculum in which correct answers and rules prevail, in the arts, it is judgment rather than rules that prevail.
2. The arts teach children that problems can have more than one solution and that questions can have more than one answer.
3. The arts celebrate multiple perspectives. One of their large lessons is that there are many ways to see and interpret the world.
4. The arts teach children that in complex forms of problem solving purposes are seldom fixed, but change with circumstance and opportunity. Learning in the arts requires the ability and a willingness to surrender to the unanticipated possibilities of the work as it unfolds.
5. The arts make vivid the fact that neither words in their literal form nor numbers exhaust what we canknow. The limits of our language do not define the limits of our cognition.
6. The arts teach students that small differences can have large effects. The arts traffic in subtleties.
7. The arts teach students to think through and within a material. All art forms employ some means through which images become real.
8. The arts help children learn to say what cannot be said. When children are invited to disclose what a work of art helps them feel, they must reach into their poetic capacities to find the words that will do the job.
9. The arts enable us to have experience we can have from no other source and through such experience to discover the range and variety of what we are capable of feeling.
10. The arts’ position in the school curriculum symbolizes to the young what adults believe is important.

Eisner’s list, if fully realized, is embedded into every student’s ‘being’ who has walked through the doorway of the arts classroom. Periodically students future includes a direct connection to what they’ve learned and they make an arts discipline their main focus in life. They become successful artists, musicians, actors, and/or dancers. Many of them have stories to share. This is the first ‘student’ story on my blog Argy’s Point of View with the new format. This post includes an interview with Angela Warren who graduated from Bangor High School. If you know other Maine high school graduates whose stories should be shared please contact me at meartsed@gmail.com or add their information in the comments section at the bottom of this post. I’d love to share their story.

ALL ABOUT ANGELA

BACKGROUND

• When did you get interested in being an artist?

I first became interested in art when I was about 8. My mom was my first art teacher. She taught art classes to kids at a dance studio (where I also took dance) in Hermon, Maine. It was a nice large open space. My first drawings were of oranges and grapes using oil pastels. After starting my drawing and then going home, I couldn’t wait to return to the class the next day to see what I made. It was that moment that I knew I loved creating. I also really enjoyed all the crafts we did at home. My favorite creations were of a little lizard made of my mom’s old bathing suit, and a larger lizard, all held together with hot glue. One of my favorite adhesives to this day!! It wasn’t until high school that I became even more interested in pursuing art. 

• Who influenced you to create art? 

Yes, my mom influenced me greatly. She was a full time time nurse, but incredible at drawing. I remember she made these way larger than life size polar bear drawings for our school using a thick sharpie, they were so realistic and awesome. She was always doing crafts with us, and encouraging creativity and discovery. I was also influenced by my high school art teacher Ms. Elmore. She noticed a line drawing I made of earrings when I was a freshman or sophomore in high school and said my use of line was very advanced, and to not let that go to my head, lol. Obviously it probably did since I still remember it to this day 🙂 Also, Maine artist Nina Jerome came to our class in high school and taught us about her painting process, I’ll never forget that, and to this day I still sometimes use what she taught us (how to use a bright underpainting to make the other colors pop) in my paintings. I’m sure there is more but that’s what comes to mind right away. 

•  What was your art education like in K-12?

K-6 there wasn’t an art program at the time in Hermon Maine, so my mom stepped in and taught a lot of art classes to local kids. It wasn’t until high school that I could really focus on art. I was very excited to take Kal’s art class, I had heard awesome things about it. She was a dedicated, nurturing, and a serious art teacher. I remember her summer homework being hard, we had to maintain a sketchbook all summer, and throughout the year. I learned basic drawing skills in that class, and really enjoyed the still life drawing assignments with fabric and bones. I loved the art history we learned as well. I took art all through high school every year, and then AP art my senior year where my concentration I think was nature and landscape. I loved it, the classroom was a place where we could be ourselves, talk and laugh with friends, it was a very positive and well rounded experience. 

• After high school did you have formal education in art?

Yes, I went to a liberal arts college where I wasn’t sure what I was going to study, but enrolled with a scholarship in art, music, and theatre. I began to again excel at my art classes, so I just kept pursuing it, and then decided I would graduate with a BFA in painting and printmaking. After college I took two years off and prepared for graduate school in art, and went to Maine College of Art for my Masters of Fine Art. 

From the collection: Gulf of Florida Nature Series

• What kind of art do you create? Share some about your images, where your ideas come from, what influences you?

I create colorful abstract paintings inspired by nature and light. I’m always influenced by nature, light, flowers, water, trees, and also the feeling of bliss that you get when being outside. I get a lot of my ideas walking around outside, hiking, biking, being on a boat, or sitting on the beach. I watch how light peaks through trees, and shifts on water and how clouds change shape. I lived in the Caribbean for 3 years and now the Gulf Coast of Florida, so my current work is influenced by living in these places. I’ve also been inspired to paint the sounds in music, and the peaceful feeling of meditating of breathing in yoga.

Angela set up at an art show selling her work

• WHAT KAL ELMORE SAYS

Angie was a delightful student! She always had a smile and a kind word. Angie always loved color and paint and was always receptive to comments and suggestions. She is an extremely talented artist and it makes me happy to see her following her dreams. And I also love that she is sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. 

• What is your message to young people interested in pursuing a career in the arts?

Do what you love and makes you happy. You can start any path you want, whether it’s pursuing an education, or taking some classes here and there, just let your own journey guide you. I definitely value my art education and know that it has given me a strong foundation and network to get me to where I am today. Also be prepared for many ups and downs- success, rejection, frustration, doubt, joy and more.

FOLLOW ANGELA

You can see more of Angela’s work at her website https://www.angelawarrenart.com/ and follow her on instagram https://www.instagram.com/angelawarrenart/ and facebook https://www.facebook.com/angelawarrenart. Where can readers see your work: link to website, facebook, twitter, Instagram, other?

SHARE

Feel free to share this story with young people. Angela is an inspiration that might plant seeds for future artists. Don’t hesitate to reach out to her through her website if you have more questions or better yet, if you know a young person who finds this interesting encourage them to contact Angela. Leave a comment below and share your student stories with me at meartsed@gmail.com.

Ya Gotta See This

Natasha Mayers Story

Over the last four years filmmakers Anita Clearfield and Geoffrey Leighton captured the story of Whitefield artist Natasha Mayers beautifully. Last evening almost 150 people, from all over Maine and way beyond, gathered online for the premiere of Natasha Mayers: an Un-Still Life. After viewing the 34 minute film folks joined Natasha, Anita and Geoffrey on zoom for the opportunity to celebrate and ask questions with the three of them! The film is delightful and so was the gathering! Kudos to all involved in organizing the happening.

It is always fun to see who participates in online events and especially wonderful to see among the attendees a few old friends – Nancy Salmon, Corliss Chastain, Christine Higgins, Elizabeth Watson, Deb Fahy, Rob Shetterly, and Catherine Ring. Educational and community tools are being developed to accompany the film by Kal Elmore, Nancy Harris Frohlich, Catherine Ring and myself. Natasha Mayers and Rob Shetterly will be providing the keynote at the spring Maine Art Education Association conference on April 3. More information will be provided in the future about this annual event, this year being held online.

CHAT BOX COMMENTS

Below are just some of the comments from the Zoom chat box. They provide an idea of how much participants enjoyed and appreciated the work that Anita and Geoffrey did, how well Natasha’s story is captured and how important her story is to the state of Maine.

• Wicked awesome! Natasha and filmmakers fantastic job for a Maine Artist Icon!
• Natasha, Geoff and Anita well done on all levels! There were so many great parts to think about. Loved the idea of incorporating war symbols with Maine symbols. Was moved by the story and the art around the buoys. The filmmaking was outstanding!
• Great Film! Natasha you’re  inspiring. You have such great way of encouraging non-artists, I enjoyed seeing that. Important work!
• Natasha, you are so beautiful and bring joy and pride to your Whitefield peeps!  Kudos to the filmmakers for the insights, the humor and fantastic graphics!
• The amazing thing to me was how many more examples of Natasha’s work could have been included. It must have been very challenging to decide what to leave out.
• I am so happy to be here and to have seen this amazing film about you!  I love it, I love you! Keep the faith and we will meet one of these days.
• That was a beautiful film all! You are amazing Natasha! I loved all your work and sharing art with so many.
• Bravo Natasha! Your work is an accessible voice of love and passion!
• The visual effects are incredible…how did you do them? Too big a question, I know…but Bravo…perfect for the subject and artiste extraordinaire! The film work beautifully matched Natasha’s amazing work! 
• Bravo for one of the most joyful films I’ve seen about one of the greatest most fun activist artists I’ve ever had the  pleasure to know. Great going Geoff and Anita!!
• Courage Forward – you are it, Natasha.

Humor. Anger. Love. Outrage. Grief. Hear Natasha’s inspirational call to activism! The good news is that if you weren’t able to attend the premiere last evening you can access it at THIS LINK on Vimeo for FREE until Sunday evening. This film is so honest, thought provoking, creative, and humorous! It provides so much food for thought and it lands at just the right moment when we’re trying to make sense of the world. After March 25 the film will be available once again at no cost. I encourage you to make some popcorn tonight after your week at school, curl up on the couch, watch the film, and consider how you might use this in your classroom.

Now, more than ever, people want to see truthful, creative role models like Natasha Mayers, who Maine Senator George Mitchell called a “state treasure.” Natasha Mayers: an Un-Still Life presents an artist who has remained true to her passion for over 50 years, following Natasha as she takes on social, economic, and environmental justice issues with humor, irreverence, and a keen aesthetic that enlightens while it entertains. Using a non-traditional approach, the film’s animation and special effects reflect Mayers’ own art-style.

I’ll provide updates in future blog posts about the ongoing opportunities that will take place across the state. If you’re interested in learning more please email me at meartsed@gmail.com.

MAC Teaching Artist Roster

7 new artists

Seven Maine Artists Added to Arts Commission’s Teaching Roster

Maine Arts Commission’s roster provides additional resources for teachers and schools

AUGUSTA, ME, February 8, 2018—The Maine Arts Commission is pleased to announce the addition of seven new artists to its online Teaching Artist Roster.  Selected by the Arts Commission through an application process, teaching artists provide greater access for teachers, schools, and community groups to area artists who are trained and knowledgeable in classroom requirements throughout Maine. The following teaching artists have been recently listed on the roster:

• 

  Nicole Cardano

  Nicole Cardano, an actress who teaches elementary and middle school improvisational skills as well as theatre productions and show choir. She lives in Seal Cove.

• Emilia Dahlin, a musician who teaches students to explore literary devices in songwriting to create powerful imagery and foster a strong sense of authorship. Emilia resides in Gorham.
• Rob Duquette, a musician and songwriter whose lessons teach themes of resilience, compassion, kindness, gratitude, and a sense of purpose. Rob is from York.

• 

  Emilia Dahlin

  Kal Elmore, a printmaker who collaborates with teachers to develop lessons that help students experience a new media, a new technique, and/or a different way of thinking about visual art. She is from Old Town.

• Russell Kaback, a musician and a storyteller who writes songs that tell the story of his grandfather’s life as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor.  Through lyrics and song, students make a lasting connection with the experience of a concentration camp survivor from the Nazi era to the present. Russell resides in South Portland.
• Dana Legawiec, an actress whose recent teachings involve grade 3-5 students in mask, improvisational, physical theatre, and yoga. She is from Bowdoinham.

• 

  Rob Duquette

  Tom Luther, a musician who teaches piano and multimedia art. Tom applies traditional composition, improvisation, generative, and interactive techniques in his teaching, drawing freely from his experiences in numerous musical forms.  Tom is from Union.

“We are really proud of the learning opportunities that each artist on the roster provides to our schools and communities in Maine,” said Argy Nestor, Director of Arts Education at the Arts Commission.

In addition to overseeing the teaching artist roster along with many other arts education programs and services offered by the Arts

Kal Elmore

Commission, Argy organizes the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI) Mega-Regional Conferences. Maine educators from PK-higher education are invited to participate in this year’s professional development opportunity at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in South Paris, Friday, March 23 at 8:30 – 3:15 p.m.  The workshop facilitators are Maine arts educators who will have dynamic ideas to share.

Since 2011, MALI has provided opportunities for hundreds of educators with inspirational workshops, presentations, and webinars at the school, district, regional, state, and national level. More information and event registration for the 2018 MALI Mega Regional is available here.

Russell Kaback

The Maine Arts Commission currently administers the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative as part of one of its five priorities, fostering PK-12 lifelong arts education programs, in its five-year cultural plan, Fortifying Maine’s Creativity & Culture. To learn more about any of the Maine Arts Commission’s arts education funding opportunities or programs, please contact Argy Nestor, Director of Arts Education at argy.nestor@maine.gov or 207/287-2713.

Dana Legaweic

Tom Luther

The Maine Arts Commission supports artists, art organizations, educators, policy makers, and community developers in advancing the arts in Maine. For more than 50 years the Commission has encouraged and stimulated public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and cultural programs of our state; has worked to expand the state’s cultural resources; and encouraged and assisted freedom of artistic expression for the well-being of the arts, to meet the needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of the state. Additional information is available at mainearts.com.

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Congrats Student Artists!

Congressional Art Awards

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 700,000 high school students have competed for the honor of having their work shown in the U.S. Capitol.

The competition is open to all high school students. The overall winner of each participating district will have the opportunity to have their work displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for the entire year, beginning in June. In addition, winners will be flown to Washington, D.C. for the official opening of the show in June.

Congratulations to the following students who are being honored this year, 2015

DISTRICT ONE		DISTRICT TWO
WINNER		WINNER
Self Portrait  acrylic		The Widow  white charcoal
Djordje Jevtic    Grade 12, Scarborough High School    Art Teacher: Erin Landry-Fowler		Liam Reading     Grade 12, Bangor High School     Art Teacher: Kal Elmore
FIRST RUNNER UP		FIRST RUNNER UP
Self Portrait  graphite		Airport  ink pen
Anna Kinee    Grade 12, Brunswick High School    Art Teacher: Allison Price		Youjin Choi     Grade 11, Foxcroft Academy     Art Teacher: Jane Blay
SECOND RUNNER UP		SECOND RUNNER UP
After the Music is Over  charcoal		Mirror’s Reflection  charcoal
Olivia Potter     Grade 10, Morse High School     Art Teacher: Heather Monsen		Maxwell Clarrage     Grade 11, Lewiston High School     Art Teacher: Nathaniel Meyer
HONORABLE MENTION		HONORABLE MENTION
Living in a Bottle  photography		Inside the Yellow Room  gouache
Kailey Coleman     Grade 12, Noble High School     Art Teacher: Ginny Vakalis		Jingfei Zhou     Grade 12, Gould Academy     Art Teacher: Lauren Head
HONORABLE MENTION		HONORABLE MENTION
Lips  acrylic		Pores  photography
Haleigh McKechnie     Grade 12, Thornton Academy     Art Teacher: Jennifer Merry		Riley Hemmings     Grade 11, Hebron Academy     Art Teacher: Jeanine Eschenbach
HONORABLE MENTION		HONORABLE MENTION
The Bermuda Triangle  digital		Menenius  digital
Lily Munro     Grade 10, Brunswick High School     Art Teacher: Colleen Kearney-Graffam		Meghan McDunnah     Grade 12, Mount Desert Island High School     Art Teacher: Charlie Johnson

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Congressman Bruce Poliquin  are delighted to announce the winners of the 2015 Congressional Arts Awards in Maine’s Congressional districts.

Pingree congratulates Djordje Jevtic, an exchange student from Belgrade, Serbia, who is attending Scarborough High School, for his winning artwork, “Self Portrait,” a distinctive work in acrylic.

“I’m always amazed by the quality of work that Maine students submit to this competition,” said Pingree. “I’m excited that Djordje’s work will represent our state at the Capitol—it shows a lot of talent. Winning the competition should be a great memory of Maine for him to bring back home,” “My thanks and congratulations go to all the students who participated this year, the art teachers who inspire them, and the Maine Arts Commission for coordinating this wonderful event. ”

Poliquin acknowledged Liam Reading, a senior at Bangor High School, as this year’s winner for Maine’s Second District for his white charcoal piece, “The Widow.”

“I continue to be amazed by the extraordinary talent and work of our Maine high school students,” said Poliquin. “Congratulations to Liam, and everyone who entered the competition, for sharing their artistic gifts.”

For information about the Congressional Art Competition please contact Julie Horn at the Maine Arts Commission, at 207-287-2790 or julie.horn@maine.gov

Field Trip, Bangor High School

AP art classes

The following information was provided by Kal Elmore, Bangor High School art teacher.

Every year a special field trip experience is planned for the Advanced Placement Art classes at Bangor High School. This year’s field trip was stellar!

The day began with a stop at Jim Linehan’s studio in Bangor. We arrived at Jim’s studio bright and early (8:20 AM in fact). Jim graciously allowed us to see the studio space and his work – current work as well as some work from years past. Linehan is preparing for a big exhibit this summer and is working purposefully toward this goal. The artist discussed his process, where he gets his ideas and motivation, and other topics of interest to the students.

The next stop was Lord Hall at the University of Maine. After viewing the installation by Dudley Zopp, Department Chair Michael Grillo led a discussion of the work. Grillo also talked about the programs offered at UM and gave students a tour of the art classrooms in Lord Hall. The group also toured the Sculpture building before having lunch at the Union.

After lunch, Susan Groce gave a tour of the studio spaces in the new Wyeth Center – drawing, painting, and printmaking studios are large and well lit.

This is when the classes were split – Kal Elmore’s AP Studio Art class went to the printmaking studio to do a mono-printing workshop. Susan Groce showed examples, described the process, explained how the space would be used, etc. The ten students quickly got to work and each created three mono-prints using the different techniques described.

The AP 2-D class learned about the history and photographic styles of Pin Hole and Holga photography with Michael Grillo, including a photo shoot around the University of Maine campus with pin hole lenses and Holga cameras. After the photo shoot these students toured the New Media facilities with Owen Smith​ and got an opportunity to see 3D printers, laser cutters, digital sewing machines, and vaccuum forming machines with Sean Taylor.

This was a great opportunity to partner with the UM Art Department. The day was informative and interesting. All students had the opportunity to learn about art and post secondary options.

As a follow-up Kal has a colleague who is a Geospatial Educator that joined them on the trip. She created this presentation that I think you will find interesting http://bit.ly/1wlbyO7.

 

 

Artwork at the Capitol in DC

Congressional Art Awards announced

Congressman Michael Michaud and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree are delighted to announce the winners of the 2014 Congressional Arts Awards in Maine’s Congressional districts.

Congressman Michaud congratulates Jessica Chen a senior of Bangor High School for her winning artwork, “Floating,” which is a pastel. Congresswoman Pingree then announced that Elena Laustsen, a junior at Oceanside High School East in Rockland, as winner of the 2014 Congressional Art Competition for Maine’s First District with her color pencil drawing, “Salmon.”

“This year we had another impressive batch of submissions from some of Maine’s talented students,” said Michaud. “Congratulations to Jessica and all of the runners-up for their outstanding work. I can’t help but smile with pride every time I walk into the Capitol and pass the artwork on display from our district.”

The runners-up and honorable mentions also all hail from Bangor High. Siblings Abbey and Morgan Kidder received first and second runner-up, respectively; while Nick Fournier and Shirley Yuen received honorable mentions.

“The quality of work that Maine students produce for this competition is always impressive—and this year was no exception. I’m very proud to have Elena’s lovely study of a salmon represent our District at the Capitol. It says a lot about the wildlife and natural places that make our state unique,” said Pingree. “My thanks and congratulations go to all the students who participated this year, the art teachers who’ve fostered their talent, and the Maine Arts Commission for coordinating this fantastic event.”

The judges also recognized the work of four other First District students—1st runner-up Caitlyn Duffy of Gorham, 2nd runner-up Veronica Jones of Readfield, and honorable mentions Elizabeth Brown of Manchester and Theresa Gervais of Chelsea. And from the Second District – 1st runner-up , Abbey Kidder of Bangor 2nd runner-up Morgan Kidder of Bangor, and honorable mentions Shirley Yuen of Bangor and Nick Fournier of Bangor.

The 2014 first place winners, Elena Laustsen and Jessica Chen will be joined by four runners-up from each congressional district when they meet with representatives from the Congressional Offices at a Blaine House reception held in their honor. This event is the culmination of a close partnership between the Maine Arts Commission and Maine’s Congressional offices. Both of Maine’s congressional delegates support this program enthusiastically and have provided their full support throughout the process.

CONGRATULATIONS to proud art teachers Holly Smith, teacher of Elena Laustsen, Sarah Dolley teacher of Caitlyn Duffy, and Linda Phillips, teacher of Veronica Jones and Theresa Gervais, Kal Elmore, teacher of Jessica Chen and Shirley Yuen, and Eric Hutchins, teacher of Morgan and Abbey Kidder and Nick Fournier.

 

Art Exhibit-Bangor Mall

Doing it right!

Thank you to Kal Elmore for providing this great blog post describing the opportunity for students, teachers, and the public!

It was March 17 and it was cold outside. At 9:00 AM, all was quiet in the area in front of Macy’s in the Bangor Mall. By 10:00 the 28 wooden panels were on site. Then the magic really started! Art teachers started showing up and suddenly the area was alive with art work, staplers, and happy chatter, ooh’s, and ahhh’s. By noon, 56 art teachers had hung the work of over 500 students!!!!! The art is more fabulous than ever! All viewers are amazed by the colors, textures, and shapes on view. Drawings, paintings, photographs and collages from students pre-K to grade 12 delight the eyes!

But this is more than an exhibit. It is an event! Art teachers connect with each other about students, art, process, and product. Ideas are shared. Work is complimented. News is shared. There is news of programs cut and budgets cut.  This is more than an exhibit. This display is how we advocate for our students and the opportunities they may have. All art teachers must join the battle for recognition. What we do IS important. WE know it, but we have to share that information with others.

DO come by to see the exhibit! While there, DO take note of families of students who are proud to have their work on display. DO take note of random passers-by who are curious about how works were created. DO engage viewers in conversations about the work and the learning demonstrated. Do spread the word. The exhibit will be up until Friday night, March 29. The magic does not end there, but the exhibit does, as 56 art teachers will show up on Saturday morning to take the work down……. to remove the 28 wooden panels……. to take the panels back to the barn where they are stored…….. to take the work back to the schools where the work will be returned to students who are lucky to have such fabulous art teachers who take the time to promote their work.

It will not be quiet in front of Macy’s at the mall but whatever is there will not be as colorful, interesting, or meaningful as what was there for 2 weeks in March – in honor of Youth Art Month. A BIG thank you to all art teachers who helped to organize this exhibit – and all who took the time to help promote arts in education this month and always.

On my way south from Aroostook county last Friday night I stopped to see the art exhibit at the mall and it is FANTASTIC! I was able to listen to the conversations including the ooh’s and ahhh’s, speak to young artists and their proud families, and smile while considering the impact that art makes in our world. Please send me information about your exhibits and performances so they can be shared in the meartsed blog! Of course, I took photos while there that I have included above.

Dominique Comeau – grade 12, Bangor High School