Creativity is a big dose of curiosity laced with courage.
One has to be curious about the “what if”….and courageous enough to try it.
Whether it is mixing two paint colors together or burning holes in a piece of cloth or boiling up some tree bark to see what color dye/ink it will exude….creativity involves experimentation, trial and yes…error.
As a teaching artist, it has been my privilege to guide and encourage people of all ages to play, to expand, experiment and create. Since the mid-1960s (see photo of my first “school”) I have steadily dedicated my life to a career of creating community through the arts, using textiles as a pathway to heal and create positive change alongside pursing my own voice within the textile arts.
For over 45 years, I have been a teaching artist - on the state arts council rosters in Maine and New Hampshire, Young Audiences Roster in Connecticut and Massachusetts and Arts For All Rosters in ME and MA. I have taught workshops and guided residencies from New Jersey to California.
The pillars of my art education programs are:
· To teach weaving using readily accessible materials and tools.
· To create programs that raise self-esteem and strengthen community connections.
For decades I have shared my love of weaving, teaching learners of all ages and abilities how create everything from useful objects such as small bags or group projects such as large collaborative tapestries. These collaborative tapestries hang in school classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, hallways and administrative offices. They tell stories, link to school curriculum, illustrate the natural environment or celebrate local history.
· Co-founder of ART AMBASSADORS (1986-90) cross cultural educational programs for schools and communities that was designed to expand awareness of the former Soviet Union.
1964 Neighborhood Summer program with my friend and collaborator Katie
· Co-founder of CLEAR LINES/COMMON THREADS an inter-disciplinary program (1996–2000) for young adults using poetry and weaving as vehicles for artistic expression and personal growth. This project was a collaboration with poet Mimi White of Rye NH (Poet Laureate Portsmouth NH 2001)
· NECAP (NEW ENGLAND CONSORTIUM OF ARTIST-EDUCATOR PROFESSIONALS ) I am a founding member of this professional organization which is a group of NE state arts educators and administrators who provide training for teaching artists. I was on the advisory board from 2000 – 2007
· TEACHER TRAINING
I have designed and guided teacher training workshops to help teachers of all levels learn ways to integrate art into K-12 curriculum. I have presented these training workshops at regional and local arts education conferences including Connecticut HOTS Schools, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine Arts Education conferences and retreats.
At the root of all my teaching is helping individuals and communities find a creative voice for their feelings, ideas and aspirations.
