Happy February!
Every year, my school hosts a three-day immersion program for students in which they select a topic that they would like to study more in depth, becoming “immersed” in the work. I host an art fusion of sorts each year. This year, my students explored
Art & Kindness.
The students in my program (3
rd
- 5
th
graders) created small, hand-sewn, heart-shaped pillows for residents at nearby assisted living facilities. We visited the facilities to paint with watercolors alongside the residents before gifting the pillows. Students also created metal-stamped bracelets and necklaces using letter beads with inspirational words for themselves—an act of self-loving-kindness. We passed out and posted messages of love and appreciation around the school.
We gathered donations for the Tri-County Animal Rescue in our neighborhood, a 100% no-kill shelter. We made sweet, little bandanas for the adoptable dogs to wear, saying things like, “
Pick Me,
” or “
Take Me Home.
” It was important to talk with my students about using our special talents and gifts to help our community. Artists can use their gifts in many ways to make a difference and feel really good doing good things.
In this month, I encourage you to spread some good vibes and loving kindness through art making. I suggest considering what sort of community service projects your students could be a part of. Could there be a beautification project with your city? Who in your community could use some artistic gifts of love and joy? Is your art club able to fundraise through art sales to donate to a local charity or foodbank? Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17, 2019. Find out more about the organization
Random Acts of Kindness
and ways to teach kindness in your classroom.
There is still time to participate in the FAEA
K-12 Student Art Assessment and Virtual Exhibition
. The purpose of the program is to serve as a statewide assessment for visual art and promote the achievements of students enrolled in visual art classes throughout Florida. Submissions are due on March 12, 2019. Uploading and submitting work is easy!
Check out the extraordinary events planned for the
National Art Education Association
’s
annual convention in Boston this March! Florida educators will plan to get together to celebrate our national and regional award winners!
Lark Keeler
FAEA President
