The Countdown is On!

Hello my amazing artists!  It is that time.  The school year is about to start and I have been working day and night to make sure we are prepared for another wonderful year.

Sneak peak into St. Monica's room.  There are few differences from last year.  Can you spot any?

I have a lot to share with you so here we go:

1.  I am so excited to be back!  This year I will be teaching at THREE schools!  I will be teaching 1st through 8th grade at St. Monica and St. Augustine, just like last year.  However, I will also be teaching half of the students at Washington Writer's Academy.  I am all over the place so if you need to reach me for any reason, please contact me via e-mail (found on the schools' website).

2.  Mrs. Clearwaters...who is that?  No need to sweat.  You still have your same ol' art teacher from last year (Ms. Presley)  but I got married this summer and have a new last name!  Yay!  I know that it will take some getting use to so if you call me by my old name on accident that is a-okay. I am try to get use to it also!

Mr. and Mrs. Clearwaters being happy.

3.  EXCITING NEWS:  Today an "angel" donated an LCD projector to the art room at St. Augustine!!!  No more walking around the room with an 8"x 11" printout to show artwork!  It will be projected on the wall for everyone to see nice and BIG!  I will show pictures as soon as I get it.

Angel - You will be receiving this card made with LOTS OF LOVE very soon.  

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Spring and Summer Classes

Don't miss out on all of the artistic fun this spring and summer!  The KIA offers a great selection of classes for various skill levels and age groups.  I took many of these classes growing up and can't wait to take more!

Find the Classes Here:
http://www.kiarts.org/page.php?menu_id=22

Young Artists of Kalamazoo County

Congratulations to all artists who made it into the Young Artists of Kalamazoo County Exhibition at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts!

1st Grade Mondrian Masterpieces

Our 1st graders from St. Monica and St. Augustine studied the artist Mondrian.  His clean lines and simple color palette make for some outstanding artwork.  Nice job 1st grade artists!

Creative State Michigan Report

I was just sent a report via ArtServe that includes how arts and cultural nonprofit organizations have helped Michigan's economy.  Look at the highlights!  Thank you for supporting the arts Michigan!

Highlights of the report (211 arts nonprofit organizations from FY 2009):

• $462,791,322 in annual direct expenditures (e.g. rent, programs, travel and salaries)
• For every $1 invested by the state, the arts and culture nonprofit sector contributed $51 into theMichigan economy.
• 12,667,492 people made visits to arts and cultural venues and events – of which 52% were FREE
• 1,841,368 school children experienced arts and cultural events – inclusive of 25,259 youth and school group visits.

St. Augustine Artists Create Amazing Abstracts

Our St. Augustine 3rd graders took on this project with heart and soul.  We discussed and figured out the differences between realistic and abstract artwork.  Students took their feelings and emotions and let it out in paint.  The results are nothing short of excellence.  Great job 3rd graders!

Japanese Ink Cherry Blossoms

Wow!  4th and 5th graders at St. Monica take on Japanese ink paintings with stride.  These cherry blossoms have been the talk of the school.  I have received so many compliments about these great trees.  I look forward to more amazing  artwork from our students.