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.

Ashley Bryan

Visit with the artist

Artist Ashley Bryan is a Maine treasure and visiting him in his Maine home and studio is an enormous treat! Music teacher Kate Smith and I had the opportunity in 2018 just before the school year got underway. Ashley was such an inspiration and continues to be, at age 97. Ashley is a writer and illustrator of dozens of children’s books. This Maine Arts Commission video provides you insight on Ashley. You can read the blog post I wrote after our visit in 2018.

Office of the Secretary of State

Shenna Bellows

Many people believe that we shouldn’t dedicate one day or one month to something as important as Black History. That may be true but I also note that there are a lot of educators and organizations that take the time to recognize, learn and celebrate the history of black people during February each year. The month sheds light on the importance of what black people have done throughout history. The events of the past year have moved us to a different place and hopefully we are making progress in learning, understanding, and truth and will continue to do so every month. I’m not in the position to measure and nor is it our jobs as educators to do so but it is our responsibility to recognize where we are and incorporate an understanding into our curricula.

Painting of Frederick Douglass by Rob Shetterly, Americans Who Tell the Truth

Shenna Bellows was elected in December by the Maine Legislature to be the 50th Secretary of State. Shenna is the first woman to hold the position and she brings to it a wealth of experience and understanding. Earlier in February Shenna was the guest on a webinar sponsored by Midcoast Women. They provide opportunities for women in the midcoast to find and strengthen their individual and collective voices. Shenna said that when she was a young girl she started carrying a copy of the US Constitution in her pocket, she was so enthralled with it.

Shenna contacted Maine painter Rob Shetterly and invited him to display some of his Amercans Who Tell the Truth AWTT paintings in her Augusta office in recognition of Black History Month. If you’re not familiar with Rob’s paintings he has created over 250 paintings of Americans who are “Truth Tellers”. The portraits and narratives highlight citizens who courageously address issues of social, environmental, and economic fairness. AWTT offers resources to inspire a new generation of engaged Americans who will act for the common good, our communities, and the Earth.

Painting of John Lewis by Rob Shetterly, Americans to Tell the Truth

Message from Rob

The exhibit in the Office of the Secretary of State is about the people and the art and the history of the United States. The intent of the portraits is several fold: by painting historical figures as vividly as I would a contemporary person, I’m trying to convey that each one is in a sense as alive right now as they were in their era. The issues of racism and  Constitutional values are still urgent, what they had to say is as relevant now as it was then. And the importance of a good portrait is that it can honor the person as  words sometimes fail to do. Partly that’s because of the time necessary, the commitment, to create a living person. That is, if I say the name Frederick Douglass to you it elicits a different response than if I show you a portrait which conveys his character and courage. I think this year because of Black Live Matter and Covid, we are realizing how deeply entwined racism is in our history and culture. The portraits are of people who need now as much as ever to be our teachers. It’s important to choose teachers who tell us the most truth. The office of the Secretary of State are where laws are meant to be enforced equitably. The portraits acknowledge the struggle of the past and the present to rout out racist law.

Painting of Frances Perkins by Rob Shetterly, Americans Who Tell the Truth

Shenna has the portraits of Frederick Douglass, John Lewis, Frances Perkins and Sojourner Truth in her office. You might be wondering why Shenna wanted these paintings in her office. Shenna was kind enough to share her reasons along with answering several questions that provide the Maine Arts Education blog readers Shenna’s thoughts on ‘truth tellers’ and the messages that the paintings portray.

What inspired you to want to hang AWTT portraits in your  office?

When I served in the Maine Senate, I sat at a desk with a portrait of President Lincoln behind  me. That portrait inspired my work in the Maine Senate, but I was also mindful that in the Legislature, we were surrounded by portraits of white men, and I thought that sent the wrong message about who can lead, especially to children who came to tour the State House. When  it came time to decorate the office of Secretary of State, I wanted portraits of those great heroes who have shaped social justice and especially voting rights. As the first female Secretary of State, I wanted to be sure women were included.

What message do you want to communicate with the AWTT paintings in your office?

The Office of Secretary of State is committed to racial and social justice, and we’re taking the lessons learned from some of the great heroes of civil rights to carry their work forward. I also want to send a message that some of the greatest heroes in advancing justice in our country have been women and African Americans.

Painting of Sojourner Truth by Rob Shetterly, Americans Who Tell the Truth

Why did you choose the ones she did? Are there any personal stories that connect you specifically to these portraits?

The portraits I chose are my some of my own heroes. When I was a kid growing up in Hancock, I had a copy of the Bill of Rights on my bedroom wall. I was committed to the ideals laid out in that document, but it’s taken me a lifetime to continue to learn some of our country’s hard history. In 2003, I went to work for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Washington, DC, and I was assigned to work on building a national campaign to engage activists in calling for reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act.  That was the beginning of my professional work to advance voting rights, and it also marked the beginning of my deeper learning and inquiry into the work of heroes like Hon. John Lewis, Frederick Douglas and Sojourner Truth. In 2009, when I was at the ACLU of Maine where I was Executive Director, the Frances Perkins Center gave me an award as a future woman leader. I received a glass hat modeled in the shape of the one Frances Perkins wore and a copy of her biography. Her work inspired me when I went on to chair the Labor and Housing Committee in the Legislature.

What inspires you to take action?

My parents inspired me first. We were poor. I grew up without electricity or running water until the fifth grade. But my mom ran for the planning board to save a bald eagle’s nest and won. My dad protested the nuclear arms race and helped create our town’s recycling center. My parents demonstrated the importance of acting upon one’s values to make a difference. People who choose justice and truth sometimes at great personal cost inspire me to act.

What gives you  courage?

Love and friendship give me courage. When I’m embarking on something that is very difficult, I look to the people I love and respect and the hard choices they have sometimes made to advance justice, and that gives me courage.

If you were to choose a “truth-teller” for an AWTT portrait, who would it be?

Chief Clarissa Sabattis, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. I met her through the Holocaust and Human Rights Center where we collaborated on a project to lift up Maine’s black and brown heroes. I then watched her present to the Maine State Legislature on amendments to the Indian Land Claims Settlement Act. She is an amazing leader.

How does being Maine’s Secretary of State enable you to advance the cause of justice?

The Maine Secretary of State oversees Maine State Archives, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions. With Maine State Archives, we can lift up the history of traditionally marginalized communities and restore access to archival documents to Maine’s Wabanaki tribes. With the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, we can reform the laws surrounding license suspension to ensure we’re not criminalizing poverty. We can also advance credentialing and licensing at the BMV to ensure equal access, especially for immigrant and refugee communities, people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable communities. At the Division of Elections, we can work to reform our voting laws to make voting as convenient, accessible and secure as possible for all Mainers. At every level of the Department, as Secretary of State, I can promote representation in hiring and appointments and inclusion and equity in our policies and service to the public.

This is one of two blog posts about the AWTT paintings on display at this time in the Capitol Complex.

an Un-Still Life

Film Premiere

We are thrilled to announce the film premiere of  Natasha Mayers: an Un-Still Life

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 7:00–8:30 p.m. Virtual, via Vimeo & Zoom Video Q&A Tickets available through Eventbrite–FREE for all and all are welcome! Artist. Trickster. Activist. Natasha Mayers: an Un-Still Life follows Maine’s “most committed activist artist” in her quest to engage with the questions that face people-of-conscience today.  Humor. Anger. Love. Outrage. Grief. Hear Natasha’s inspirational call to activism; join her and filmmakers Anita Clearfield and Geoffrey Leighton at the virtual film premiere! 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.  Once the film has premiered, those of you who contributed to the Indiegogo campaign will receive your premiums — Thank you for your patience!

Ashley Bryan

I Know a Man

I Know a Man … Ashley Bryan celebrates the life and works of an extraordinary Black artist whose life sends audiences across all races and ages a message of joy, kindness, peace and inclusion.  Ashley Bryan has visited many Maine schools to share his stories. He was born in 1923 and has written and illustrated many children’s books. Most of his subjects are Black American. He was the U.S. nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2006 and he won the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his contribution to American children’s literature in 2009. Ashley Bryan’s “Freedom Over Me” was short-listed for the 2016 Kirkus Prize.

A documentary of Ashley’s life is underway but help is needed to tell his story to the world. You can contribute at Kickstarter by going to:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/818742863/ashley-bryan-film-outreach-and-distribution

Take a look at the trailer by CLICKING HERE. Part of it is filmed at the Ashley Bryan School on Islesford Island (off of coast of Maine).

Please take a look at this Kickstarter, consider a contribution, small or large, and let your friends know about it.

All contributions are tax deductible as the project’s sponsor, the Union of Maine Visual Artists, is a 501(c)(3) not for profit educational organization.

More info on Ashley Bryan and the films

I Know a Man … Ashley Bryan (2016, 73 min) and Ashley Bryan’s World (2016, 32 min) are two important new films by Richard Kane and Robert Shetterly that can help spark needed conversations about race and racism in our country. In a media environment where Black males are often portrayed in a negative light, or only portrayed in connection with tragic news, I Know a Man … Ashley Bryan celebrates the life and works of an extraordinary Black artist whose life sends audiences across all races and ages a message of joy, kindness, peace and inclusion. We need your help to tell his story to the world   http://www.mainemasters.com

Ashley, now 93 years old, is a spiritually deep, creative wonder whose experience in an all-Black battalion in World War II exposed him to the  carnage of war and the reality of institutionalized racism. In response he dedicated his life to art — creating beauty and joy, spreading love and peace.  During a recent radio interview Ashley spoke about how the smallest kindness offered to another acknowledges them as a valued human being and can begin to make the world a better place.

He does this every day with his person and, so powerfully, with his art — magical puppets and sea glass windows made from found objects inspired by his African heritage — and his paintings, poetry, stories and illustrations found in over fifty children’s books, many published by Atheneum Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.