Had a Tough Day

I had a tough day today. Let's face it, it happens. A series of little things made me irritable...I tried to hold it in, but to my surprise it showed in an unusual way. In the afternoon the Jr. High was workng in clay and the class was so smooth I choose to make a sculpture of my own. I worked on a small seated figure, finding focus and calm in my work. I felt my frustrations melt away and my mood felt kinder and more familiar. Several students wandering into the room at the end of the day responded to my sculpture, "who made that one, it looks angry"...."that figure's pose feels aggressive...who made it?"  How perceptive they were...I could see it too...how powerful the art of creation is and how directly it portrays our emotions, both joyous and sad. While it is not always beautiful, it does speak the truth. 

We did Good Work

Last night we passed a budget for the 2016-2017 school year. This is a big deal...a consensual decision, made by the whole PLS adult community. Money is hard to talk about and we did it well. As part of the Budget Committee I know how much time, care and research went into developing various options. I watched as PLAC listened, questioned and ultimately chose the recommendation that we presented to the larger body of Town Meeting. As facilatator my role was to observe and conduct...I enjoyed watching the flow of energy throughout the room....I felt proud as the community grappled with tough issues, coming to consensus and moving forward. We did good work last night.

Forgotten but Found

Last spring the kids and I planted many things...herbs, lettuces, strawberries and sweet potatoes. While we enjoyed the spring fruits and veggies, our pot of sweet potatoes went unattended throughout the summer. How surprised we were when someone noticed one of the sweets pushing through the top layer of soil. The pot was heavy but the bounty huge...20 or so beautiful sweets...roasted  and eaten by all. 

Performing is Brave

I've always been a behind the scenes, stage crew sort of girl...I'm in awe of performers, finding it very brave to put a piece of your soul out for all to see...Aidan spends many a lunchtime playing guitar in my room making his performance of We're Going to be Friends by White Stripes all the more special to me. Bravo! 

Art in the Violin Shop

Earlier this week I visited with my friends Julianna Bucanan and her mom Elizabeth Vander Ver Shaak at Elizabeth's shop Mt. Airy Violins and Bows. It is a magical storefront/workshop and if you are in need of a string instrument rental or purchase, the place to go. It's been a long time since I visited the shop and I enjoyed my tour of the expanded 3 story space. One of my favorite discoveries was a personal connection...as I entered the 3rd floor rental room I saw the above portrait of Eluzabeth. This artwork was painted by Elizabeth's son Gabe when he was 9 or 10. It was part of an extensive PLS art project done in collaboration with Bryn Mawr College entitled Picturing Women. Elizabeth was Gabe's chosen hero. This project holds a special place in my heart and it's exciting to see that the portraits live on. 

Oh What a Difference an Hour Can Make

On Friday afternoons Jane and I work together, offering the 15 students in her Group the choice of cooking an afternoon treat or working on an art project. This week we focused on cookies...as some students mixed Snickerdoodle batter others sewed felt cookies topped with glued felt chips or sewn colored beads. This activity, designed as a warm-up for a more extensive sewing project was initially really hard for some of Our younger students. Threading needles, tying knots, sewing in and out with little stitches and no tangles is a lot to think about! Oh what a good job they did...I celebrate their focus, perseverance, their willingness to try even though it was hard and their collective joy as hard became easy...Oh what the difference an hour can make! 

Debby makes everything a little bit brighter...

Our friend Debby Pollak joined us for Kids' Care 22, as we worked in 5 Mixed-Up groups to create 7 foot collages inspired by Romare Beardan's Block series. Life is always a little brighter when Debby is with us...mother of 3 PLS alumni, long time art teacher and my partner for Saturday Art, Debby's creative energy, generosity and exuberance are Project Learn at its best. Keep your eyes open for our finished creations at this weeks Town Meeting and then on display at Woodmere Art Museum throughout the month of November.