I am a 7th generation Vermonter, whose ancestors have lived in this state since 1750.  I am a professional artist and cartoonist, and since 1995 I have been the president of the Northern Vermont Artist Association. 

   I have been the art teacher at the Browns River Middle School since 1981.  I have two BA degrees, one in History, and the other in Fine Arts, as well as an MA in Art Education.   

  My hobbies are collecting 19th century photographs, researching my family tree, and restoring and playing old fiddles.   

     The  BRMS EXP's are: ART, FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, and COMPUTER and GUIDANCE (which share a quarter).  The students are rotated between the EXP's every quarter, so that, by the end of each year they will have had all the EXP classes.  

   5th and 6th graders have two 40 minute and one 60 minute EXP class per week each quarter.  7th and 8th graders have one 40 minute and two 60 minute classes per week each quarter.  The EXP's fulfill the Middle School Philosophy of offering students a wide variety of "hands-on" types of learning opportunities.  And, of course, they are lots of fun!  

 The new art program has the following features:

1) All of the new art units  revolve around art history themes.  We will begin with Prehistoric and Ancient with the 5th grade, continue through Medieval and Renaissance in the 6th grade, cover Asian and French Impressionism in the 7th grade, and finish with 19th and 20th century art in the 8th grade.

2) All of the "Hands-On" art skills are covered, including Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Print-Making, Computer art and Mixed Media.        

3) All assessment rubrics are built around the VT. Standards for Art.

    Exploratory classrooms contain materials and equipment that are potentially unsafe if used improperly.  Thus, in order to maintain student safety, we EXP teachers must have a low tolerance for student non-compliance in our classrooms.  Although I run a "tight ship" in my classroom,  you may be assured that I treat all students with courtesy, fairness and respect.  At the beginning of every quarter I explain to all students that in the Art Room we:

1) Use all materials properly  2) Take responsibility for cleaning up our messes, putting away materials and storing our unfinished artwork.  3) Treat classmates, teachers, and the artwork of other people with respect. 4) Stay on task and ask for help when needed

      I assure all my students that I grade on EFFORT, rather than on TALENT.  Some students have natural artistic abilities, and some do not.  What I look for are students who a) stay on task, b) ask for help when needed, and c) put in their best effort.  A student who does those three things will do very well in art class, regardless of how much artistic talent he or she may have!     

    All art assessment rubrics are built around the VT. Standards.  Two or three standards are assessed in each unit, so that, by the end of the student's four years at BRMS, they will have been assessed on all the art standards.  The rubrics are posted in the art room, and are available via email to those who request them.  Report cards are created on the computer using the school's E-GRADE program.  

   Students will be storing their artwork throughout the quarter in their portfolios.  At the end of the quarter, they will select what they consider to be their best piece to be included in a school wide student art show that will take place at the end of the school year.

   I am always looking for student artwork to hang up both in the art room and in the  hall.  The artwork doesn't have to be made in art class.  I encourage students to show me artwork they have made at home.

   In addition to the 2-D student art work on display, a visitor to BRMS may also admire the large wall murals made by our 7th graders that hang throughout the building, as well as 3-D artwork in the display case across from the art room.

  1) In art class we will be using paints and inks that do not wash out of clothes!  I do have smocks available, and I do urge students to wear them, but, as we all know, accidents do happen!  If your child knows he or she will be doing something messy today in art class, they probably shouldn't be wearing their best clothing...

2) Students this age are often shy about sharing their artwork.  I encourage students to bring their work home, but all too often they throw it away instead! If your child is in art class, remind them to bring their work home so you can admire it!

    As you might expect, tight budgets force us art teachers to be "pack rats"!  I am always in need of the following items:  Water based paints, paint brushes, large shirts or aprons I can use as smocks, newspapers, magazines or books about art, clean cans or jars with lids, drawing paper, easels, canvases or canvasboards, frames, bookcases, desks, tables, office chairs with castors, colored pencils, and any sort of drawing tools.  If you have any of these items cluttering up your house, bring them to me before you bring them to the dumpster!

    Because of the unique way the EXP schedule is configured, we EXP teachers have fewer opportunities to meet with parents on the designated parent conference days.  Nevertheless, I do like to hear from parents, and I welcome any and all helpful hints, constructive criticism, profound observations, or positive feedback you may have to offer!  If you have any questions or concerns, please make it a point to talk to me so that we can prevent any unfortunate misunderstandings or misconceptions!

    Does your child like to make art at home?  Do you feel your child has an artistic gift?  Please, let me know!  Although I am only able to meet with students three classes a week for nine weeks out of the year, the art room is available both before and after school for students to come in and work on art projects (as long as they let me know they are coming beforehand!  Students are also welcome to bring home drawing paper if they have none at home. 

     All the art units are "open ended", which means that there is no limit to how far a student may take them, depending on the student's enthusiasm and abilities!