First Impressions

I had the great delight to visit the Speed Museum with my Mother to view a collection of Impressionist paintings. The collection was hung on serene deep blue walls. How lovely to visit and share our thoughts on art, life, and our impressions of great artworks. On tuesday, my dear Mother celebrates her 84th birthday. I feel so fortunate to be with her. Hope each of you are off to a good start today. Leave good first impressions wherever you go!

to teach art

an apple comes to life, colored pencil, prismacolor

Today, I teach an after school classic drawing - art class to a dozen children.  I enjoy guiding them, listening to them and encouraging them to look and to draw.

Pencil, a student's still life, a fall gourd, some sunflowers, a small pumpkin.

To teach art is like sharing a secret, or giving someone glasses to help them see.  My class gives me the opportunity to stand back, to guide, to listen and to observe budding artists.  Amazed at with only a pencil and paper what one can do, to teach art.  Take an art class and learn to look, to listen and to do.  Surprise yourself with what you see and what you are able to draw.

orange soda bottle - a student's work of art

If you are an artist, teach or volunteer to teach a student or a class and be inspired to encourage others to create.  As a teacher, I feel like a Momma bird, flying to the class, bringing worms for each of the little birds, hungry to learn, eager to fly and "draw."

sharing talents

Sharing an illustration from a Class field trip to the Zoo!

Today, I volunteered at our elementary school to greet the new students coming in to register for kindergarten.  I took polaroid pictures of them, some smiling independently and some clinging to the legs of parents.  Many of the children created drawings using their imagination, sharing crayons.  Each of us bring our talents to life each time we use them to help others. Creativity is all around us and sharing our talents is part of making this world more peaceful.  

I came home to find this note in my mailbox from my dear Mother, and I thought that is was a strong message to share.

"We are the makers, creators, artists, with the potential to make the world a better place, to heal its scars, to sustain and enhance its life."   ( Pope John Paul III )

We are called to participate in the work of Creation sharing our talents.  I hope that I have inspired you to think of some ways to share your talents to help those with whom you live, work, pray and play.   Focus on sharing your talents and feel at peace.