I wrote this article for EVA mag. It appeared in the Feb edition. (See picture)
Webster defines passion as intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction; a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept. For me, passion is the juice that flows through me and energizes me to accomplish great things. I am an accomplished studio fiber artist and teaching artist. People tell me that I have the energy of 3 people. I am passionate about many things in life. I would like to tell you about one of them.
My Teaching
One of the things that I am most passionate about is the empowerment of people with disabilities through art. I am a professional fiber artist with a background in occupational therapy. I believe that the arts encourage innovation and self-expression by opening boundless opportunities, creating meaning from chaos, nurturing the spirit and making the seemingly impossible possible. By engaging in visual arts, the learner is empowered to transform, creating confidence and self-esteem and developing intellectual skills. The arts inspire, encourage and connect us to both ourselves and the world around us. The arts awaken the individual to believe and follow one’s dreams. Participating in visual arts changes the lives of my special needs students.
I actively pursue this passion in two ways. First, I teach groups of adults with cognitive challenges throughout greater Knoxville. We meet every other week to create various art projects. These projects are specifically designed to target and develop a variety of skills. The participants really enjoy the opportunity to interact with each other and learn something new. The finished projects fall into two categories. Half the projects are for personal use by the class participants. The rest of the projects are made for giving. Some projects go to family and friends. Others support the community, like nursing homes, the Humane Society, and U.S. soldiers abroad. I feel it is very important for everyone to give back to the community in which they live. I believe everyone has something of value to offer others regardless of ability. And, as I teach my students, when giving to others you get back tenfold.
I also work as an artist-in-residence in special education classrooms throughout the area. When I am in the special education classroom, I design projects that support and enhance both academic and IEP (Individual Education Plan) goals. Besides developing such personal areas as coordination, sequencing, attention span, and sensory integration, the students work on traditional subjects such as math, English, geography and history though art. I have seen many miracles over the years. These include withdrawn and communication-challenged children lighting up and shining with excitement. I’ve seen attention span, communication skills, and self esteem increase exponentially. I’ve also seen students who were frustrated by an academic concept, suddenly experience the joy of comprehension. I enjoy the added benefit of enlightening teachers and parents to the wonderful creative skills that the students have. Many times I have heard, “I had no idea my child was capable of creating something as wonderful as this. I am so proud.” It is that kind of feedback that fuels my passion for this engaging work
If your organization would like to see more pictures and hear uplifting stories of the wonderful results occurring in art education and/or help sponsor this work in the community, please e-mail me re: your interest.
My Passion
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