I am Disney

On Friday, June 14th, artist and educator Josie Mai facilitated two classes for ‘Tweens (ages 12-14). The first group came from Joplin’s Boys and Girls Club. The second group was an open sign-up from the Spiva community.  Josie had the students browse through huge piles of Disney character coloring pages, enjoying the nostalgia of particular movies and characters, such as Lion King, Finding Nemo, Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore. Students were then led through a discussion and worksheet about identifying personally with the complexities of three Disney characters. For example, Josie included Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast, because she feels she “lights the way” for art in Joplin, and that makes her happy.

Some of the worksheet ideas:

I am sometimes like Pumba because I try to be positive about everything and not worry.

I am sometimes like Ariel because I love to explore new things.

I am sometimes like Stitch because I am curious.

I am sometimes like Pooh because I have a big heart.

I am sometimes like Flower because he’s lazy and I’m lazy.

I am sometimes like Thumper because I am a percussionist.

I am like Nemo because I was gone from my dad for a long time and eventually got back with him.

I am sometimes like Woody because I’m always wanting to help people.

Once characters and composition were decided, the mixed media paintings were created with Sharpies, crayons, and gouache.

Special thanks to art educator Olivia Gude, whose original curriculum was adapted for Spiva. Find more about Olivia’s projects here:

https://naea.digication.com/Spiral/Bureau_of_Misdirection–WORKING

Meet Nellie Mitchell

What is your role in this exhibit? How are you participating?

I’m sort of an intermediary…I am bringing hundreds of middle school students to the gallery each week in June and they are interacting with the artwork through a special gallery guide that I created. Also, some of my students have paintings on display. My summer school class is creating artwork based on the iconic image of Abraham Lincoln and their work is being incorporated into the exhibit “Finding Lincoln” each week.

Is making and teaching art really work for you, or is it play? Why? Why even engage in the arts?

Making art can be play, but teaching art is definitely work. Sometimes it’s hard for me to turn my brain off; I get a little obsessed with a unit and I’m constantly collecting information and resources to share with my students. Planning a successful art experience for my students requires me to understand timing, age appropriateness, and also a certain amount of patience. It is about giving students all the tools they need to be successful and learn. And that art can be fun, but it is definitely work.

What is your perception of the ArtWorkers exhibit and your involvement in it so far?

The ArtWorkers exhibit is a very interactive experience for the viewer. This is my favorite kind of exhibit. I’m so excited that my students have a chance to go to Spiva for this field trip, and I’m so proud of the paintings that were chosen to be part of the show.

Any advice for future ArtWorkers?

Pushing the boundaries, exploring symbolic American imagery is a powerful idea.

Painted Lincolns: 4-6 grade at Webb City Middle School

Students used a variety of sources as inspiration. Some designed a bobble head on an iPad of Abraham Lincoln as the source for their painting.

To read more about Nellie’s project, please visit:

http://thislittleclassofmine.weebly.com/1/post/2013/06/abraham-lincoln-enrichment-unit.html 

Meet Sandra Conrad

What is your role in this exhibit? What kind of art do you make or support?  

I consider my role in the Artworkers exhibit to be a contribution of thought and creativity that helps describe one way of life in Southwest Missouri. I have enjoyed working with the other artists involved and hope to continue being a part of a strong network of artistic minds from the area. I make and support art that expresses humanity’s relationship with itself and nature in ways that are often emotional or overlooked.

Is making stuff really work for you, or is it play? Why? Why even engage in the arts?

Art is my passion, my job, and my life; I devoted my career to it over ten years ago and, though often difficult, would never change that decision. Art in all forms is what separates humanity from the rest of the natural world. Only humans have the ability to communicate through texture, line, color, rhythm, and design in a way that expresses deep and meaningful emotions, connecting with others without saying a word. A person’s true self is shown through the way they create or respond to artwork.

What is your perception of the ArtWorkers exhibit and your involvement in it? 

The Artworkers exhibit is a wonderful example of the diversity of artists in the area; I am honored to be a part of such an outstanding group of artistic individuals. We have all collaborated pieces of ourselves to create a show that invites and persuades the public to look closer at art, as well as issues addressed on the show (such as nature, family, and politics).

Any advice for future ArtWorkers? 

For all the future Artworkers: follow your passion, it’s what you will be best at; find the beauty in all things, so that you can express it to those who would otherwise miss the opportunity; and forget the word “can‘t”, because you can do whatever you set your mind to.

Meet Gene Arehart

What is your role in this exhibit? What kind of art do you make or support?  

I am a visual artist. The art I make, is whatever feels good. Here lately though, I have been quite Politically charged. I do vote Conservative, which is a rarity in the art world. I love Shepard Fairey’s art, but not his political views. That is my opinion, however, I am sure he would not like my political views. I just know that a lot of his art was against Bush, Reagan, and Nixon, as well as other politcal views. I just thought it was time to do art, showing views from a Conservative point of view. The media, general public makes Obama untouchable if you disagree. That is why I love America, I can have my own views and use my voice/art, to it’s fullest without repercussion from the Government, well maybe (another story as of late).

Is making stuff really work for you, or is it play? Why? Why even engage in the arts?

Yes, art is a great release (and it is fun). Engage in the arts, HMMMMMM. It is a great release for me.

What is your perception of the ArtWorkers exhibit and your involvement in it? 

It is a great exhibit, Hugh has let the community come in and voice their opinion, and participate. My involvement is being a visual artist and get to share my opinion with many, even if they agree or disagree.

Any advice for future ArtWorkers? 

My advice would be PASSIONATE about ArtWorkers.

Acoustic Jam

Unpredictable, unperfected, infectious music and stories in the Main Gallery of an Art Center?? Why, yes. It happened, and you should have been there. Terry Mai on harmonica, Lucille Hubbard on homemade washboard, David Hill “Doc Bones” on bones, Tony Burkoetter on guitar, and Tom Hubbard on percussion lit up the room with tunes such as Jambalaya, Sounds of Silence, and various Johnny Cash. Josie Mai tried tried harmonizing and playing the tambourine. Audience members toe-tapped, hand-clapped and listened to the musicians tell stories about gigs and venues of the past. Lucille showed Jo Mueller, Spiva Director, all of the beautiful working parts attached to her washboard, including shotgun shells on her fingers labeled 1-5 to remind her which fingers to put them on. But lately, she says, she just puts them on the fingers that fit. We were all tickled to learn Lucille worked many long years for Eaglepicher, the company that happens to have sponsored ArtWorkers! Thank you for sharing your music, Lucille. And thanks for the sponsorship, Eaglepicher! Play on.

ArtWorkers Artists

From left to right, back to front:
Kyle McKenzie, Jo Mueller, Jason Stamper, Gene Arehart, Jason Conrad, Sandra Conrad, Jacque McDonald, Josie Mai, Stacey Barelos, Michael Steddum, Shaun Conroy, Michael Strahan, Hugh Merrill.

Meet Jacque McDonald

What is your role in this exhibit? What kind of art do you make or support?  

My role is a visual artist…I sculpt inner emotion, conversation and thoughts.  I am a sculptor of children.

Is making stuff really work for you, or is it play? Why? Why even engage in the arts?

Of course in the beginning it was work but as the work progresses it begins to have life and feeling of a real little person. When doing the details I actually pull from within, when I interview the person I sculpt or watch them, I observe the mannerism and try to match that with my work.  I thoroughly enjoy my work and I’m excited each day I have to privilege to know the person I’m sculpting.  My desire is to convey expressions, thoughts and the true inner person of my subject. In doing so I become a better person.  I understand children are important and their story is important by placing myself in their world I can feel what they feel and find the emotions of their reality.  Clay is play.

What is your perception of the ArtWorkers exhibit and your involvement in it? 

Invigorating; it is so interactive and there is so much for everyone to feel part of; be it a painting, music, dance or photos it is an experience only one can have if they come.  Honestly, I had no idea how in the world this would come together, it totally blows me away by the reaction of the public and the artists involved.

Any advice for future ArtWorkers? 

Dream it make it and enjoy the moment; your art becomes the world’s and enjoy the results.   Remember, no one else does it just like you.