TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS:

ART 101 - Fundamentals of Art for the Elementary Teacher (2 credits).
EDCI 305 - Teaching Art in the Elementary School (3 credits).
EDCI 315 - Teaching Art K - 12 (4 credits), a field based class.

Periodically I also teach:
            Art 399 - Careers in Art (1 credit).

            Art 498 - Resume and Artist Statement (1 credit).
            Art 499 - Senior Show, Visual Portfolio and Review (1 credit).

All my course syllabi state: I strive to provide a classroom (and workshop setting) “where ideas may be challenged and minds may be changed and/or positions affirmed…where ideas, views and responses are respected and courtesy is maintained.” In summary, I enjoy the various aspects of teaching!

ADVISING RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advising of undergraduate and graduate students is an important aspect of my position. Therefore, I take an active role in guiding advisees on diversified aspects of advisement - from the initial declaration of an art education major or minor through application into the teacher education program to completion of the Plan of Study to graduation and toward the first art teaching position. Assisting students locate initial art teaching positions throughout Montana and other states is satisfying.

PERSONAL ART TEACHING POSITIONS:

With 45 years of art teaching experience (29 university, 10 high school and 6 elementary), I continue to find satisfaction in the ever-changing teaching of art. I may be one of a few teachers in a wide area who devours art education journals, books and other vehicles for “free-time” reading and serious study.

This new information, along with the standard “old-time” information, finds its way into the classroom and is included in presentations and hands-on workshops conducted at the local, state and national levels on a regular basis. The open exchange of ideas with neophyte and experienced art teachers of all levels as well as with others concerned with art education is appreciated.

I recognize that I don’ have all the answers--much less have figured out many of the questions. Throughout the years, it has been a privilege to work with others to strengthen their art instructional abilities in a genuine and thorough manner. Often times I reflect on the idea that students teach me a lot more than I teach them.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: 

Art can make a difference in the quality of individual lives and in the society as a whole. Art created from a personal perspective encourages knowing one’s self better and appreciating others in the present, even glimpses into past societies and cultures. Art is that “special something” which gives an otherwise ordinary life more cohesive meaning--art enriches, art energizes and art empowers.

My passion for art teaching is captured in the following quotations, which may also serve as two overall challenges for students and for you, the reader:

Successful teachers challenge the process, inspire a shared end vision, enable
 others to act, model the way and encourage the way.             -Unknown author-

 We’re all like stamps, we leave impressions.          -Jim Morrison-

PURPOSEFUL TRAVEL: 

What a joy to travel, to meet interesting artists and other people and to spend time in art museums, galleries and studios enjoying the ambiance of other geographical places. At least two weeks to more than a month have been experienced in the following diverse countries throughout the years:

Australia, Botswana, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Iceland, Italy, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Zimbabwe and United States.

Surprisingly enough, these travels make me even more appreciative of this Montana home and provide ideas for creating Artist’s Books.

FRIVOLOUS COLLECTIONS:

Two favorite collections entertain me and give me an excuse to shop the junk and folk-art shops: 

1. “Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” monkey sculptures which can be traced to a Nikko temple, in an area north of Tokyo, Japan, from the 16th century. My collection, of course, encompasses contemporary renditions!

2. Binney and Smith “Crayola” stuff such as inflatable BIG crayons, banks, lamps, clocks, cups, dolls, backpacks, easels, cameras, jewelry, tee-shirts, hats and other sundry items. These items are almost as ubiquitous around the world as McDonald fast food places!

1. The original monkeys who hear no evil, speak no evil, and see no evil enact their creed above a door to the sacred stable at Nikko.  17th Century wood carvers fashioned them after monkeys from this area north of Tokyo.  Copies spread to China and later to the whole world, but none captures the life and movement of Nikko's own.