Elementary Art Teacher :)

I have officially been offered a teaching position in the Swallow School District in Hartland, WI! I have gotten a great impression of the school and culture through my time spent there, and the people that I've talked/worked with. It's a bit unreal to imagine that this year I will be going back to school not has the college student or student teacher, rather the teacher.  So, with that being said,  I intend to shift the focus of my blog back to the elementary art classroom, with a sprinkling of what I'm up to outside of the classroom as well! As for now, I am cleaning, organizing, and arranging my classroom and mind. I spent two days last week purely cleaning and organizing. This weekend I worked on signs and other materials to set the students up for success in the classroom. Next week is purely curriculum and staff development. I have began organizing my curriculum combining what I've done the past, some unit lessons that the previous teacher passed along to me, and many new lessons. I believe the easiest way to organize all of these ideas in my mind is to set up a monthly "theme" or unit which the entire school will study.  Less than two weeks until the first day of school, will I be ready?!  If any teachers have any advice for me as a new teacher, don't hesitate to share- thanks!!

New Space

So, living without internet has really put a kink in my blogging. As the summer comes to a close I hope to catch up on my "art and ideas." I have finally settled into an apartment for the upcoming year, big change as I have moved five times in the past year. I have set up a studio space, no longer the traveling "studio in a box." Also, I have been attempting a lot of DIY creations around our apartment, which I plan on posting because I was inspired by other blogs and www.readymade.com (amazing!)  I relocated to a new apartment to still stay in the city, but also to be a bit closer to my new teaching position in Hartland, WI...more to come on that, too.

Midwest Renewable Energy Fair

This past weekend I attended the MREA Energy Fair in Custer, WI. It was awesome! The workshops offered were so great, it was hard to pick which to attend at any given time. Check it out here: https://www.midwestrenew.org/energyfair and consider going next year, it's truly inspirational if you have any interests in practicing sustainability. My favorite workshop was titled "Ultimate Downsizing"... here's the little printed blurb, "Hear the stories of several Wisconsin folks who choose to live in tents, hunting shacks, camper trailers, and experimental shelters whether for a month, a season, or several years. Why they do it and practical advice to inspire your own minimal shelter." The workshop featured Amber Westerman from http://www.amberwesterman.com/blog.  Her story was incredible. She also gave this great book resource: http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/books/ to check out other small, sustainable shelters.  I could not stop thinking about the possibilities of this simplistic life style... as soon as I returned home, I started to research online and stumbled across this blog about tiny homes: http://tinyhouseblog.com/. Enjoy! Cheers to you, Wisconsin.

pizza on the grill

It's easy as pie! Roll out and grill the dough for 10 minutes  on one side until it's nice and crisp; flip it over to add sauce (tomatoes, vino, garlic, red onions, herbs)...toppings...cheese... and grill for another about 10 minutes.

Trampled by Turtles, tonight!

Check out  Trampled by Turtles tonight @ Milwaukee's Turner Hall, 9pm....  best bluegrass around!

I'm a busy bee!

I've been getting ready for the big earring event coming up at Patricia's in Whitefish Bay, WI. check it

Hummingbird Art Boutique: Gallery Opening

Tonight, April 9th from 6-9 PM there will be an art opening at the Hummingbird Art Boutique on Oakland Ave in Shorewood, WI.  Come to check out recycle-based art by local artists!