In today’s Behind the Brush, we’re looking at those people who dedicate their lives to encouraging the new artists of the world. For more in our Behind the Brush series, click here.
I absolutely love the work these art teachers are doing, and they’re so cool, I had to share them with you.
1. The YouTube channel for Blick Art Materials.
The image on the left is not glass art, but it certainly looks like something Chihuly could have done. Back in high school, I remember being mesmerized by videos of Dan Chihuly at work, and wishing I could do stuff like him. Alas, glasswork was not in my skill set. However, this project looks like something I could handle. Using clear polyester film and paint, the people of Blick Art show step-by-step how you can create faux glass art like this. Check out the video here. Think that’s cool? Check out their other videos, which include everything from tips for using oil paints to how to paint with wool to create beautiful felt.
2. Tricia Fuglestad, Dryden Elementary’s collaborative teacher.
What most impresses me about Ms. Fuglestad is how extensive her website is! Complete with a regularly updated blog, lesson plan ideas, and more, her website is a goldmine for anyone looking to bring art teaching into the 21st century: her school has funded iPads, which she takes full advantage of in class, encouraging students to create art on them (not unlike the more recent works of David Hockney). Also a leader in inquiry-based learning, she has created Fugleflicks, videos created in collaboration with her students that teach art concepts to other students.
3. This art teacher who really hates glitter and just needs to vent a little, OK?
OK, so you won’t find any lesson plans on here. But you will find a lot of hilarious stories and recollections from a very hardworking (and often times, very frustrated) art teacher. If you ever want to know what your student’s art teacher is really thinking, this might be a good place to start. Check it out here.
4. School of Doodle, an empowering online art school for girls.
Featuring art lessons taught by artists, performers and musicians like Marina Abramović, Kim Gordon, and John Baldessari, the school will encourage teen girls to use their imagination to create art, music, and more. The online school will be completely free and also give its users the opportunity to share their artwork on the site. Girls who use the site will also be able to learn online credits that go toward field trips, live chats with their teachers, and art tools. The site’s still got a Kickstarter going on, so if you want to help fund this project, head to their site. Oh, and if you do, you can get doodles by women like Yoko Ono, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Silverman, and more.
