Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Free On-line Paint Program: Sumo Paint

http://ezgod.sumopaint.com/web/#/home/

"SUMO Paint is an extremely powerful and versatile online paint program. Even a novice can create pleasing graphics. So, I believe SUMO Paint is something that could be used by almost anyone. I encourage teachers everywhere to make these tools available to learners in their classrooms

The site’s developers claim that SUMO Paint is “…the best and the most user friendly image editing and drawing application online.” There may well be no exaggeration in this claim. SUMO Paint offers advanced support for layers, and lists 20 features that include: Shape Tools; Clone Stamp Tool; Gradient Tool; Symmetry Tool; Smudge Tool; Magic Wand Tool. If these names make little or no sense, you can have a great deal of fun finding out by registering and logging in.

Files created in SUMO Paint can either be saved to your computer or to your SUMO account. You can share your art work in the SUMO Paint community and receive feedback. Many SUMO artists make their work available for other artists to “edit”..." http://paulhami.edublogs.org/2008/12/14/sumo-paint-online-resource/
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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Special Needs Class Makes NH Gifts


The class made 60 candy favors to distribute at a local nursing home in time for Christmas!


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Monday, December 29, 2008

Special Needs Class Makes Wreaths


We really enjoyed using vintage green fabric to make Christmas wreaths!


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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Musical Microwaves: Merry Christmas!


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Salt/Sugar Body Scrub: My gift to you

This time of year can be stressful.  A Body Scrub offers a mini spa treatment.  So indulge.  You deserve it!

Recipe:

Take some Epsom or sea salts (or sugar if you prefer), put them in a pretty jar, pour in olive oil (enough to coat the salt) and add a few drops of essential oil (I'm partial to lavender).  Stir, close, and enjoy.


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Monday, December 22, 2008

Innovative Center opens to Treat Autism




"New hope for North State patients and parents dealing with Autism.

The Cove is an innovative new treatment center set to open later this week. The center offers a variety of Snoezelen therapy options, which focus on stimulating the senses in a soothing environment.

Bubble tubes, calming music and a peaceful LCD lighting provide patients with a stress free learning environment.
    
The Cove is one of only a handful of Snoezelen centers in the United States, but organizers hope The Cove's success will spawn more centers and more research."

http://www.khsltv.com/content/topstories/story/Cool-New-Center-Hopes-to-Help-Treat-Autism/r3sNKutGaEi5RS4jCakNVg.cspx


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Friday, December 19, 2008

Relieve your Stress with Mandala Art

[Mandala+Art.jpg]"Mandalas are circular, usually symmetrical designs that create a center of focus. They can be made of paper, mosaic, sand, clay or just about any medium. Many mandalas occur naturally-such as flowers, the sun, sliced vegetables, snowflakes & pools of water. In the East, mandalas depict philosophical & spiritual insight & are used as a tool of meditation. In the West, the benefits of mandalas were first recognized by the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. He saw them as a symbol of "the inner process by which individuals grow toward fulfilling their potential for wholeness & resolving conflicts." Through his own work, he recognized them as an extension of the person creating them. This is why circles have come to represent wholeness or completion, & are a fundamental structure of our identity."

http://howtodo-health.blogspot.com/2008/12/releive-your-stress-with-mandala-art.html


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Thursday, December 18, 2008

A Million Mandalas For Peace


I am honored to have one of my mandalas chosen for the "Million Mandalas for Peace" project!
"A Million Mandalas for Peace welcomes Bailey Eariths contribution to the consciousness of Peace in the form of her Beautiful fiber art Mandala. Be sure to check out Bailey Eariths web site in the side bar under the contributing artists list. You can also reach her blog through her web site. Here is what Bailey has to say..."

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Artworks lift bodies and spirits

"...It's important, in hospitals, to surround the patients with serenity and beautiful things," said outpatient Virginia Fry. Environment for healing

Any trip to the hospital can stress out visitors, whether they are patients undergoing a routine checkup or family members pacing in the waiting room. The art that furnishes a room can create a more soothing environment.

"It's nice — as a family member or a patient — to take a break from the clinical experience and enjoy something beautiful," said Essick, who is in charge of every aspect of the art in each of Community Hospital's 13 facilities. ..."

http://www.montereyherald.com/news/ci_11161394?nclick_check=1


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Monday, December 15, 2008

Chic of theWeek?...ME!

Just got this e-mail and had to share it with you.

"Dear Bailey,
Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that you have been chosen as our featured Chic of the Week, this week of December 15 - 21, 2008. I was interested to read about your work - very cool stuff.
We are excited to have you in the Chic Entrepreneur Community. Thank you for paving the way for other female entrepreneurs to succeed with sass, class and their own personal style. Check your-successful-self out on The Chic Entrepreneur website homepage this week at: www.chicentrepreneur.com Enjoy your week in the spotlight. You are indeed a Chic Entrepreneur!"
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Introducing Passion Works Studio

I would like to introduce you to Passion Works Studio. Their mission statement is: "Inspiring and Liberating the Human Spirit Through Art". Located in Athens, Ohio, they help mentally challenged adults create beautiful, quality artwork that is turned into products and brought to market. Please check out their web site and be inspired at the possibilities!

http://passionworks.org/


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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Gift Giving That Gives Back



"This holiday season, with budgets stretched thin, we thought it made sense to find gifts that give twice: Presents with a ripple effect from your pocketbook to your neighbors, your community - or to the world. It might be a museum membership to delight family, jewelry or crafts that sparkle and boost an artist's income, tickets to a garden show that will educate and enlighten - and support local green thumb.

We've made a list (and checked it twice) of gifts that offer double happiness - for those receiving now, and those receiving later.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A gift for you: Eckhart Tolle --The Power of Now

Please enjoy this 4 part video of Eckhart Tolle discussing "The Power of Now".

http://unityonline.org/eckhartTolle/eckhartTolleVideo.html


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Monday, December 8, 2008

Whole Brain Thinking

"Do we still have unimaginable potential just waiting to be
unlocked? When you examine the functioning of the human brain, the
answer is a resounding, "Yes!"

In education, the left side of the brain is promoted much more than the right. Much attention is paid to arithmetic and word skills, while art and music receive little, and intuitive
development doesn't get any."

http://anacoana.blogster.com/whole-brain-thinking-210908120606


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Thursday, December 4, 2008

Brain Waves Are Window Into Autism Language Woes

"Researchers meeting at the Radiological Society of North America conference in Chicago this week are revealing new conclusions today about brain waves in autistic children.

Most cases of autism are diagnosed around age 2, when behavior can be observed.

But when doctors can look at brain waves and find a unique mark of autism in those brain waves, children can be diagnosed by age 1, and that could mean better treatment.

Dr. Philip Alderson, spokesman for the Radiological Society of North America, says researchers found a different brain wave response in autistic children.

"That suggests that that part of the brain that was seen to be different is a part of the brain that is, in these particular autistics, not normal. It could point you to something that would help you further investigate that part of the brain and get to the thing we'd all like to get to, which is some of the cause of autism."

The authors of the study, whose conclusions are being announced today in Chicago, say autistic children seem to have a split-second delay in processing sounds."

http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/3410605.php?


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Wednesday, December 3, 2008

International Day of Disabled Persons

At Bailey Fiber Art Studio, it is our passion and our commitment to help people with disabilities maximize their potential. Through art we help them develop skills, give back to society, and socialize. We currently have a class for adults with special needs in Alcoa, TN every other Tuesday. Please contact us to join this class or host your own.


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Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Special Education Day

Today is "Special Education Day". I am working on a project with A.L.Lotts as part of an ongoing state-wide study by VSA-TN. The study examines learning through collaboration between teaching artists, art teachers and special ed teachers. At A.L.Lotts, we will be creating critters/creatures along with a special critter house and book. Watch for updates.


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Monday, December 1, 2008

Special Needs Art Class - 11/25/08


Today we made Christmas ornaments from old greeting cards. Everyone got to make as many as they wanted. An ornament was donated to the church where we meet.
Next class---wreaths!

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Friday, November 28, 2008

My interview with Madcap Logic



"Bailey Earith, first found joy when she discovered fiber art. A broad term that covers quilts but is more than that. Her creations involve beads, vintage buttons, feathers, hand-painted fabric, manipulated fabric, cords, yarns, and found objects.Her work is viewed and collected globally.

However, she continues to find, and share joy. As an Artist In Residence with the Tennessee Arts Commission, she uses art to reach kids with disabilities...."



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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Gratitude: Commit Random Acts of Art

I found this neat posting. I invite you to leave your "random acts of art" experiences on my site.

"Gratitude is a practice of giving thanks, appreciating others, and acknowledging the wonders of life. It's time to make a gratitude adjustment and carry out random acts of art - a commitment to compassion in action through creative imagination.
In Buddhism, a powerful expression of compassion in action is..." http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-healing-arts/200811/gratitude-commit-random-acts-art#new
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Monday, November 24, 2008

My Gift to You: World Peace & Prosperity Activation Recording

I lovingly invite you to take a few minutes for yourself and listen to this EnergyRICH® World Peace and Prosperity Activation Recording. It is very powerful and meaningful. It was gifted to me and now I gift it to you. Enjoy!

http://www.energyrichcoach.com/audio/specialcall11032008.mp3
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Friday, November 21, 2008

Harmony: Gift from a friend


As I mentioned, my goal is to bring peace to the world through art. My good friend Janet Edkins gave me this beautiful card that is hand beaded with the Japanese symbol for "Harmony". I will enjoy it at my desk until the beadwork finds its way into one of my art pieces (probably in the near future). See more of Janet's gorgeous cards at: http://janetedkins.jaydesigns.net/

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

My Interview at "Layers Upon Layers"


An interview I did with Layers Upon Layers: Mixed Media Art blog has just been published. Lots of pictures and thoughtful answers about art and my creative process. I hope you will read it (its short and sweet). Feel free to comment. http://www.layersuponlayers.com/

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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Autism: Making Education a Positive Experience

"...an increasing number of parents and educators want to ensure all children receive a positive educational experience. As no two autistic children display precisely the same autism symptoms, it becomes impossible to create a standardized program that creates positive experiences for children with autism at school. Therefore, it is likely that in order to receive the best possible education an autistic child will need to undergo an ever-changing educational strategy throughout their entire learning career. ..." (Excerpted from http://www.126126.info/autism-and-school-aged-children-making-education-a-positive-experience/)

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans’ brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about managing autism and school successfully. http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/?source=is
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Wanted: Art Supplies

In the spirit of "ask and you shall receive," I could use some specific items for my Special Needs Art Class. If anyone has bricks (25) or Used children's cardboard books (25) they'd like to get rid of, We would be happy to accept and repurpose them. Thanks for your support!
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Special needs art class



Today we made colorful turkey centerpieces. There's always room for more at this party. Contact me to join.
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Thursday, November 13, 2008

World Kindness Day

Today is World Kindness Day. Since I am commited to bringing peace to the world through art, I tought I would share exactly how this works.

Our philosophy:
The world is full of turmoil, anger, and strife. These negative energies are very draining and destructive. It is our mission to combat these negative forces with positive energy.
Each work is created in a peace-filled, uplifting, positive, joyful environment.
This inspiring energy becomes infused into the art piece.
Those who view the finished art, experience a sense of joy and serenity.
They then carry that positive energy out into the world
where it is multiplied.
I invite you to share your ideas for spreading kindness by clicking on the comments.
"Dare to be bold, different, and always kind."

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Marmot Quilt


This quilt started with a photo of a Marmot that I took out west. I trasfered the photo to fabric then used hand dyed fabrics to extend the photo beyond its frame. This replicates the view from a wide angled lens. Isn't he cute?

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Thursday, November 6, 2008

Is art Therapy?

"...Engaging in the creative process, the arts, is healing and should be integrated into healing environments - into hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, doctors’ offices, the VA, residental centers, long-term care facilities (nursing homes), home care, and hospices.
When you engage in a creativity activity, aka the creative process, you become your own therapist. The therapy (which you facilitate) is to access that space that is intuitive, invisible, intangible, healing, and brings you comfort and pleasure by creating a tangible object..." (Quote from Marti Hand)
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The science supporting creativity in healthcare

The Benefits of Integrating Creativity in Healthcare

A growing body of research demonstrates that creativity and spirituality can heal by changing a person’s physiology, attitudes, emotional states, and perceptions of pain. Engaging in creative work has been shown to lower blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. Creative acitivities rouse the hypothalamus to activate the autonomic nervous system, which balances vital signs and hormone level. Engaging in the creative process stimulates the amygdala in the brain to release endorphins and other neurotransmitters, thereby, reducing pain and triggering the immune system to function more efficiently. Creative interventions shorten hospital stays and decrease the use of pain medication. In addition, by engaging in creative work, patients and family caregivers experience reduced stress and anxiety levels, and a heightened sense of well-being.
Scientists are taking a closer look at the effects writing, painting and listening to music have on the body. ... http://martihand.wordpress.com/creativity-in-healthcaremarti-handarts-in-healthcarehealthcarenursing-3/
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Monday, November 3, 2008

Buy My Art at VSA Charity Auction


My friend Claire Presnal with Rebecca Claire photography and I have several items up for auction to support the VSA. The VSA supports artists with disabilities and brings art opportunities to special ed classrooms. See items #59-75. http://news.vsaartstennessee.org/2008/10/auction.html is where you go to bid. Now the only trick is that they aren’t able to post photos on their site, so they asked me to post images of my auction items on my own site. They have the links for my work and Claire’s listed, but here are active links for you to click. To see Rebecca Claire Photography’s auction items http://rebeccaclaire.com/album_designs/vsa/VSA.html or Bailey Fiber Art’s auction items http://baileyfiberart.com/VSAAutionitems.aspx. This is a great group, and to learn more about the VSA visit their website http://vsaartstennessee.org/index.htm. Bidding is open until midnight on the 14th, which as we all know, is going to sneak up on us. This is their first ever on line auction, so please help support this great arts program!

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Friday, October 31, 2008

Charity Art Auction


Good morning!

Please check out this wonderful charity auction of artwork. The VSA supports artists with disabilities and brings art opportunities to special ed classrooms. Bailey Fiber Art Studio has donated several items (see #59-66). Good luck and happy bidding. Thank you for your suppport! http://news.vsaartstennessee.org/2008/10/auction.html

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Color is Good! (so is humor)



Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.
My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high,
I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot.
My doctor said eating right doesn't have to be complicated and it would solve my physical problems. He said just think in colors...
Fill your plate with bright colors... greens, yellows, reds, etc.
I went right home and ate an entire bowl of m&m's.
Chocolate: good for what ails you!

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Special needs art class 10-28-08


Today we made Holloween Placemats. Scary! Class meets every other Tues morning in Alcoa. Contact Bailey Fiber Art to participate or request your own class.

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Special needs art class 10-14-08


Today we made water color greeting cards. Everyone had fun. Contact Bailey Fiber Art if you'd like to join us.

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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Art in classromm improves performance

“It’s time to stop thinking about the arts as fluff. They make schools better places to learn, they raise student achievement”. (Nick Rabin and Robin Redmond.) Research shows that art is a valuable tool for engaging students and improving performance. The arts improve children’s overall academic performance; shows that children actively engaged in art education are likely to have higher test scores than those with little to no involvement. Students develop skills needed by the 21st century workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, teamwork and more. Art teaches children to be more tolerant and open. Art allows children to express themselves creatively and improve self-confidence. Art keeps students engaged and they are less likely to drop out when they reach the upper grades...(for complete article http://nyteachers.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/painting-a-better-educational-picture-for-our-childrens-future-by-linda-gotrieb-orbelina-rubio-and-selene-gatzonis/)
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Classes at Migun-TN


I am very excited to be able to offer you information about classes that may be of interest to you!

I will be teaching a series of classes at Migun TN (by Fresh Market - Farragut). Each class will offer a different learning experience and project. Each class (ie date/time) stands alone. Someone can take the same class multiple times to make additional items and explore additional techniques. Participants will be able to forward their spiritual journey through creativity in a supportive environment. Each class is offered at the nominal fee of $25 and includes all materials. As an added bonus, students will receive a pair of beaded earring from Bailey Fiber Art Studio upon completion of 4 classes.

Schedule is as follows:
Dream Catchers 11/13 11-1, 1/9 11-1
Mandalas 11/14 11-1, 12/11 11-1
Journals 11/21 11-1, 12/4 11-1, 1/16 11-1, 1/22 11-1
Spirit Dolls 12/5 11-1
Energy Talisman 12/12 11-1, 12/12 6-8pm

E-mail me to register.


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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The power of the language of art

Ever wonder how art can transform lives? The AchieveKids 3rd Annual Art Show can show you how even kids with the greatest difficulty in communications can speak with eloquence through their art. Set for Friday, October 24th, at the Decathelon Club in Santa Clara...http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/power-language-art----achievekids/story.aspx?guid=%7B4F5A65F8-902F-4BE8-A5A8-DD53D7BA9275%7D&dist=hppr
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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Autism Speaks: "Crop Out Autism"


Hi, Bailey!

I’m finally recovered from our weekend’s festivities – the “Crop Out Autism” event was tiring and yet exhilarating all at the same time!

Thanks so much for your donation of that fabulous pin – I loved it so much that I battled to win it in the Silent Auction!!! It was close, but I managed to dominate the bidding. Rest assured that your effort was enjoyed and very much appreciated.

We don’t have a final count yet, but it looks like when all the numbers have been tallied that we will have about $5000 for Autism Speaks. We are proud of that number – pretty good, we thought, for a first attempt. Danielle and I want to make this event an annual affair and already have ideas for making next year even better!

Thanks again for your donation!
Jan

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Friday, October 10, 2008

Art class for adults with Cognitive Issues

I am starting a class in Alcoa for Adults with MR-DD. It meets every other tues morning from 10 - 12. We will be creating using a variety of techniques and materials. It promises to be lots of fun.

If you know of someone who would like to join this class or would like to hold a similar class at your location, please e-mail me and we'll make it happen!
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Energy Mandala: a discussion


I promised an ongoing discussion of my works ...here is the first installment.
You will recognize this piece as the company logo. It is an energy mandala. It uses hand-dyed fabrics in jewel tones. As with all my mandalas, it has a strong core and radiates out. There are many french knots in contrasting colors that are barly visible in the photo but add wonderful texture to the piece.
Manadalas center the spirit/energy for both the artist and the viewer. I'd love your comments!

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Blidget: Get a feed of this blog

Good morning all. I have just designed a Blidget of this blog. It lists the titles of all entries and shows all pictures. User can simply scroll down and click on the headline to read full story. It can easily be inserted into your blog as a gadget or added to your web site with HTML. http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/bailey-fiber-art-studio
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Thursday, October 9, 2008

12 Keys to emotional health

Here are 12 tips from the experts for reducing stress, managing negative emotions, and improving your emotional wellness.

Collect Friends (perfect for the art experience)
Enjoy Solitude (Perfect for the art experience)
Get Fit
Seek Pleasure (Perfect for the art experience)
Find a Passion (perfect for the art experience)
Plan for Problems
Seek Constructive Criticism
Take Healthy Risks
Manage Success Well
Don't Go It Alone
Write It Down
Protect Yourself from 'Energy Vampires'


For complete article see http://www.medicinenet.com/emotional_wellness/article.htm
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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The power of art- an Energy Talisman Class

According to the American Art Therapy Association, art has the power to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. Art therapy is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness and achieve insight. (exerpted from stjoenews.net)

I believe that empowering my students in these emotional areas through the creative process is one of the gifts I can offer to increase peasce and harmony in the world.

I will be holding an energy talisman class for non-artists at Migun in Knoxville, TN on 12/12/08 from 6-8 pm. Cost: $25 (which includes all materials) Email me for details or to sign-up BaileyFiberArt@aol.com.
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Monday, October 6, 2008

What is Mental Health

Mental health refers to the state when a person is mentally fit and fine. Mental health gives a person ability to enjoy life and live life with his own ideas. Mental health is very important to achieve goals in life. From perspectives of the discipline of positive psychology mental health may include an individual's ability to maintaine a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve his/her goals. Mental wellness and wellbeing is generally viewed as a positive attribute. This definition of mental health highlights emotional well-being, the capacity to live a full and creative life, and the flexibility to deal with life's inevitable challenges. An example of a wellness model includes five life tasks — essence or spirituality, work and leisure, friendship, love and self-direction—and twelve sub tasks—sense of worth, sense of control, realistic beliefs, emotional awareness and coping, problem solving and creativity, sense of humor, nutrition, exercise, self care, stress management, gender identity, and cultural identity—are identified as characteristics of healthy functioning and a major component of wellness.
--exerpted from healthforworld.blogspot.com
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Monday, September 29, 2008

Art in Special Education – Ten Tips for Success

Article by Anne Vize
Published on Sep 26, 2008

Art is a fabulous subject to share with special needs learners. It is a vehicle for developing literacy, numeracy, communication, creativity, higher order thinking and social abilities in a positive and enjoyable setting. Give art a go with your special needs learners, who may have a hidden talent.

Art activities in special education
There are many satisfying and enjoyable tasks you can share in the art program with special needs learners. Some require a significant amount of preparation, but others can be done simply, cheaply and easily. As with many teaching situations, there are some tips to make your life easier.

Tips for success in teaching art... http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/8574.aspx
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Monday, September 22, 2008

Adendum to "Meditation: Creating an energy talsman"

Whole Brain Thinking

Do we still have unimaginable potential just waiting to beunlocked? When you examine the functioning of the human brain, the answer is a resounding, "Yes!" The human brain includes right and left hemispheres. These operate in different contexts as they perform different functions. In most people, the left hemisphere is primarily detail-oriented, while the right hemisphere is visually oriented.

The right-brain provides these functions: Dealing with thoughts in their natural, symbolic form. Artistic ability - visual imagery. Memory. The experience of emotions. The dream state. The reception of intuitive impressions. Right-brain development can include artistic and musicalability, which can be used to make your immediate surroundings look and sound beautiful. Quality of life can be enhanced enormously with moreright-brain attention. Imagine, the luxury of living in a world where communities are designed to calm your senses and inspire you with the sights, sounds and smells of a beautiful environment.

Your spiritual connection is developed through the right sideof the brain. Meditation provides inner peace and the development of intuition, which, in turn, provides necessary insights into your life's path. As right-brain activity is enhanced, your normal functioning becomes more whole-brain, and both hemispheres begin to be used in balance.

To operate in the right brain means to grasp concepts withoutwords, feeling them, knowing them, letting the left-brain logic wait until our sense knowingness has had the chance to become more than it was before.This was exerpted from an article written by Owen Waters, author of"The Shift: The Revolution in Human Consciousness" http://anacoana.blogster.com/whole-brain-thinking_210908120606
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Looking at beautiful art can act as a painkiller

Beauty is truth, the English romantic poet John Keats once wrote, but according to the latest scientific research it is also a painkiller.
Looking at a beautiful piece of art has long been said to have the power to heal emotional wounds but the new research also claims it offers a distraction from physical pain.
Click here for full story.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/09/17/sciart117.xml
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Autism: 'supercharged' mind?

Children who develop autism have "supercharged" brains that are so clever and sensitive that they make everyday experiences utterly overwhelming, new research claims.
According to a theory developed by Swiss neuroscientists, the condition is not caused by a brain deficiency but by a system overload which causes the world to seem frightening and overly intense.
Husband and wife team Kamila and Henry Markram of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, believe the idea could explain the erratic nature of the condition.
"Our hypothesis is that autistic people perceive, feel and remember too much," Kamila Markram told the New Scientist.
Click here for the rest of the story.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/health/2976839/Autism-is-caused-by-a-supercharged-mind-scientists-claim.html
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Meditation: Creating an energy talsman

"If you want to get in touch with your inner voice, you must quiet your conscious mind. For some people, this involves a mind-relaxing activity such as running, walking, or fishing. Other people must sit quietly for a few minutes. Do whatever works for you in order to let those inner messages surface. Try meditation, which has been scientifically proven to increase mental clarity and thinking ability and integrate left- and right-brain functioning. Meditation also can improve physical, mental, and emotional health." (Bali Sunset)

We are offering a new class. Participants create a talsman that represents their personal energy source. The process of creating the talsman quiets and centers the spirit. Afterwards, the finished talsman serves as a reminder during stressful events of this positive energy flow. Perfect for retreats!
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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Promote empathy thru art ed

...The approach is integrated with art, drama and music so that, "children develop emotional literacy and the ability to find the humanity in themselves and one another". The social climate of classrooms change when students develop a sense of how others feel, both fellow students and teachers who have feelings too. Aggression is reduced by empathy. "Children change from the inside out, developing intrinsic motivation and intrinsic pride instead of reward-driven superficial, fleeting satisfaction". ...Various special interest groups also recognise the importance of teaching empathy-those concerned with (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), autism, English Language Learners (ELL).

I have exerpted this article here. See link for full article. http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=2&aid=15&dir=2008/September/Monday15
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Monday, September 15, 2008

Purple

According to the "ColorAnswer Book", purple has an aura of mystery and intrigue. It also says tha people who gravitate to it are "intuitive , imaginative, and highly creative, with quick perception of supernatural ideas. Purple people have a greater sense of the intangible. They don't have to see it to believe it."

Purple is my favorite color. It is my neutral. It finds its way into almost very piece of my work. This post introduces a new line of posts...Over the next weeks/months, I will highlight a work and discuss my thought processes in creating it. Your comments are welcome.
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Beyond the Surface: The art of color

Just found this site today. Lots of great info re: the use of color... http://paulturounetforum.com/2008/09/13/the-art-of-color/
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Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Down Syndrome Quilt


Republican Vice Presidential nominee, Sarah Palin has a son with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a genetic defect caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. Persons born with this syndrome have varying degrees of mental retardation and specific physical characteristics. They often have heart and intestinal defects. There is also a positive aspect to Down Syndrome. People with Down Syndrome are generally very happy, loving, and caring individuals.

In 1995, nationally-known fiber artist, Bailey Earith created a quilt to celebrate contributions of people with Down Syndrome. The project entitled "The Down Syndrome Quilt: In Celebration of All That We Are", features a quilt and companion book. The quilt contains 118 squares, each contributed by or for a person with Down Syndrome. These squares came from across the country and were assembled by Bailey in her studio. The companion book contains photos and letters describing the contributions of the individuals represented on the quilt. The stories are poignant and heart-warming.

According to Rebecca Anastasia, who helped coordinate the project, "The Down Syndrome Quilt is a magical melding of old and new. To initiate this project of old-time craft...Bailey posted a note requesting quilt squares to several electronic bulletin boards." Down Syndrome organizations picked it up and the project was born.

The quilt and book were unveiled in Washington, DC at the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention. Since the project was developed over the Internet, this was the first time many of the participants were able to meet. The quilt and book traveled the country for 2 years before being retired. Due to renewed interest, the quilt is being brought out of retirement.

The quilt and book are available for display. Bailey is available to lecture on the history of the project and stories from the quilt. Interested parties can see our web site (http://www.baileyfiberart.com/) regarding either of these opportunities.

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Monday, September 8, 2008

Joy of Found Objects

COLLECTING: I believe that collecting the "stuff of art-making" is part of the creative process. It is a lot of fun and very energizing and inspiring. Just this weekend, I found pounds of silk and some wonderful organic beads! I love working with found objects.
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Importance of Art in Life

"I have been immersed in the visual arts in Atlantic Canada for approximately 40 years. From a personal point of view, the arts are central to our daily lives and as essential as any other necessity of life required to have a quality life and achieve fulfilment." --Bernard Riordon, director and CEO of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery
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You Gotta Have Art: Patients Benefit From Creative Expression

American Art Therapy Association website: You Gotta Have Art :Patients Benefit From Creative Expression By Carol Strickland; Special to The Washington Post, Tuesday, April 8, 2008
As health-care costs skyrocket, a down-to-earth approach to healing is emerging, complementing high-tech medicine with high-touch arts.The approach is based on the assumption that incorporating music, visual art, writing and performance into clinical care can increase feelings of well-being and even improve health -- an assumption that medical researchers are beginning to recognize the need to test with evidence-based studies. Growing belief in the healing value of the arts was on display last month at a symposium at New York's Museum of Modern Art titled "The Value and Importance of the Arts in Health Care." Participants -- physicians, hospital administrators and artists -- were as upbeat as if they were promoting a miracle drug: Integrating the arts into health care is in vogue, said Leonard Shlain, a laparoscopic surgeon in San Francisco, "because it works."The Society for the Arts in Healthcare, which sponsored the symposium along with MoMA and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has seen its membership rise. As of 2006, the society estimated that more than half of 2,500 U.S. hospitals that were surveyed offer arts-based programs, said Anita Boles, the group's executive director.Carol Herron coordinates an arts in medicine program at Texas Children's Cancer Center in Houston that involves visual artists, musicians, dancers, mimes, writers and puppeteers."We do children a disservice if all we do is treat the disease," she said. "We need to treat the whole child and the whole family."And at New York University Medical Center, using art to reduce stress has become a priority, according to Marianne Hardart, director of creative arts therapies."There's not anyone it doesn't work with," she said, including adults, adolescents and younger children.Not all institutions are willing to incorporate approaches of this kind, though, Hardart said. "In medical settings geared toward physical and chemical interventions, we're often considered an adjunct instead of an integrated piece."That's partly because the research supporting these programs is slim.Some of the documented benefits - based largely on short-term appraisals of small numbers of patients - include enhanced quality of life, patients' increased cooperation with painful procedures and helping staff understand a patient's point of view. Mounting evidence from the few early empirical studies also report reduced fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain and stress, which may boost the patient's immune system.Letting Go of the PainTracy Councill, who developed an art therapy program called Tracy's Kids at Georgetown University Medical Center's Lombardi Cancer Center, recalled an art project by an 11-year-old lymphoma patient who had been in isolation for months following painful bone marrow transplantation. When he came back as an outpatient, "he made a clay sculpture of a sarcophagus with a mummy-looking thing," she said, which he glazed "with a lot of red to look like blood." This grisly object, she explained, served as "a displaced way of putting that aggression for all the stuff he'd been through into art -- a good way for him to be finished and let go."Artwork can help medical staff perceive fears that patients sometimes can't express verbally. Matthew Gerson, vice chairman of the board of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, which funds Tracy's Kids, described a 12-year-old patient awaiting bone marrow transplant who made a puppet he called Dr. Bones. In the course of dramatizing a story, the child revealed his terror that his own bones would be removed. The art therapist was able to correct the misconception.As part of a rehab team at NYU, art therapist Alice Landry works with adults who have suffered brain or spinal cord injury. A project such as woodworking or jewelry, she says, "creates a metaphor for them rebuilding themselves." Her patients demonstrate not only emotional but functional gains. After four weeks, a multiple sclerosis patient who initially couldn't pick up a bead was stringing beads and adding clasps, she said.Fabien Navidi-Kasmai, 15, diagnosed with a form of Hodgkin's lymphoma when he was 11, illustrated his five-day course of chemotherapy at Georgetown: "I drew a picture of me getting hit by a truck," he said in a phone interview, "then I'd get up and get hit by a train. I'd get up again and be hit by a plane. It really helps to get those feelings out on paper." The lure of the art studio made him drag himself out of bed. "Unless you've been through it," he said, "it's difficult to grasp the concept that art has the power to make having cancer a good experience."Uplifted SpiritsAziza Shad, medical director of the pediatric hematology oncology unit at Georgetown, said the facility was designed around its open art studio. "The focus of our clinic is the art therapy program."As soon as they sign in and before blood is drawn, children race to the art table. They forget they've come for examination, as they laugh, chat, draw or do clay work. Shad believes strongly in the program's benefits: "Those children who participate in the art therapy program do so much better physically."Karen Robinson, who lives in Washington and whose son Max was 5 when he received a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, found the Georgetown clinic welcoming: "We knew that this was home," she said. "It helped us mind, body and soul."Another Tracy's Kids program has opened at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's National Medical Center. Max Coppes, executive director of the center, said that once the art studio was installed, children began grabbing their IV poles and rushing over to work on their projects. "My prediction is, this will become a huge success," he said.Besides providing feel-good activity, the arts can enhance a hospital's physical environment. Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston spent more than $1 million to spruce up a 200-foot-long hallway its patients used when going to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for treatment.Estrellita Karsh, who originated the project (she is a former medical writer and the widow of the famed photographer Yousuf Karsh), said the passage used to be "traversed by very depressed-looking people, hunched over with their shoulders down." After installing a mural of 149 birds carrying medicinal sprigs, the corridor was renamed "the Bridge of Hope." "Nobody," Karsh said, "goes through with their head down now." One 3-year-old girl, bald from chemotherapy, used to be prodded along to her treatments. Now, the girl points to "her" bird, a scarlet ibis, and talks to it: "Are you a good girl?""There's no question there are numerous facets to caring and healing, and the physical environment is a critical one," said psychiatrist Gary Gottlieb, Brigham's president. "It has been shown that people's optimism, their mental outlook and their mood affect outcome in the treatment of chronic diseases and a number of cancers."Anecdotes and EvidenceSome educators are schooling medical students not only in the art of medicine but also in the broader arts: drawing, art history and poetry. Edith Langner, faculty director of the Arts in Medicine Project at Columbia University Medical Center, takes second-year med students to MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she hones their observational skills. Looking at portraits trains the students to examine patients' faces, she says.Yet resistance persists. Many doubt the humanities belong in medical education, and when they are included they're often marginalized rather than fully embraced. The field of art and health care, as William J. Ivey, former chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, put it, is "anecdote-rich and evidence-poor.""If, on scientific examination," Ivey said, "our anecdotes and intuitions turn out to be correct, we can then -- with the evidence required -- move forward in policy areas."Even a physician such as Coppes, who is convinced of the value of art therapy, explains, "I'm an academic, so if something is not demonstrated in a double-blind, randomized study, it doesn't exist."Karsh, the medical writer, remains adamant in her faith: "Anecdotal accounts always seem to precede scientific corroboration," she said.
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Thursday, September 4, 2008

Autism Support at Midwestern State University

In February, the professor of special education was brainstorming with teachers and a graduate student in her special education class about starting a program at MSU that would help high-functioning autistic students attend college. Today, just six months later, she sits in a house near campus where three such students will live and attend MSU with the help of several live-in special education graduate students.

Click here: Corpus Christi, TX KRISTV.COM Midwestern St. has autism support program
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Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Color affects emotions

Studies have shown that the colors we surround ourselves with affect our mood.

Blue - Serenity and Calm
Gray - Invisibility
Green - Nurturing and Earthy
Orange - Energetic and Creative
Pink - Open Heart
Purple - Unique and Special
Red - Powerful and Confident
White - Fresh Outlook / New Beginnings
Yellow - Cheerful and Happy
Black - Blending In

At Bailey Fiber Art Studio, We have the pleasure to work with color all day. Then we offer those colors to you. Our web site (http://www.baileyfiberart.com/) has lots of pictures...See what colors speak to you!
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Down Syndrome Quilt Displayed

The Down Syndrome Quilt, that was made in 1995, traveled the country for 2 years, has been brought out of retirement. It was exhibited at the Open Doors Show in Knoxville, TN on 8/24/08. Due to the overwhelming response it received, Bailey Fiber Art Studio is making it available to private organizations and public venues who whould like to display it.

Several support groups also inquired about having a quilt made to celebrate their specific diagnosis focus.

Feel free to contact Bailey@BaileyFiberArt.com if you are interested in either of these two projects.
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VSA Young Soloist Show @ Dollywood

VSA has sponsored a performance that will be held on Oct. 10th at 10am at Dollywood.

The performance will feature our Young soloist winners who are young people who have competed in instrumental and/or vocal music. These finalists will represent the State of Tennessee in an international competition. At this performance, the performers will share their stories of living with a disability, the role of the arts in their lives, how to others can apply for this scholarship program - and of course perform. The performance will be an hour. However, the schools are welcome to spend the rest of the day as they like in the park.
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VSA arts Hosts Conference on Universal Design for Learning

VSA arts Hosts 2008 Educational Conference on Universal Design for Learning

VSA arts discusses the latest trends in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how it relates to arts education at its 2008 conference "The Contours of Inclusion: Universal Design for Learning for Arts in Education" on Sept. 19 in Washington, D.C. Keynote speaker Dr. Tracey Hall from the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) will frame UDL principles and practices, and attendees will learn to apply UDL to arts curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Click here: VSA arts Hosts 2008 Educational Conference on Universal Design for Learning - MarketWatch
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Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Art Project @ TN School for the Blind

An article describing my lastest artist-in-residency, "Candy Mosaics", at TSB in Nashville was just published by Advance for Occupational Therapy. For more about what I am doing in special education classrooms, please see my web site: http://www.baileyfiberart.com/
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