Environmentalism is a “concern about and action aimed at protecting the environment” and environmental is defined as “relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition.”  With these Oxford Dictionaries definitions, the threat imposed on the global environment by climate change causes one to consider the possibilities of such a catastrophic possibility.  Environmental art further develops the picture of the effects of globalization on climate change and ultimately humanity, growing environmentalism.

Click here to read my full research brief and to see my series of three artworks inspired by this research.

Regularly visiting and updating my professional website always reinvigorates me--my personal as well as profession perspectives on things.  First, reviewing the work I've done over the last few years motivates me to keep moving forward and gives me a strong foundation upon which to build.  Growth comes with consistent effort and experience.  Second, seeing my best professional work in one collective site keeps my professional mission and goals in the forefront of whatever I do, guiding my decisions and actions yet to come.

If you do not have a professional online presence already established, I emphatically recommend starting now with building that presence.  Doing so is a personal and professional benefit both to yourself and to those you have yet to encounter.  Proclaim to others who you are and where you are heading in your future, then keep revisiting your site to remind yourself of this same thing.

Revisiting my most important influences on how I have become the person I am today has been a priceless experience.  This family migration study has enlightened me to the value I should have been placing on the guidance, patiences, and commitment my grandmothers and parents have given me over the years.  I see now, after considerable exploration, that I have neglected to offer praise for these wonderful things and will no longer do so. 

I set up a tea party installation, inviting my parents and both of my grandmothers in honor of their efforts invested in me.  I have done my best with what I have to show each of these people how much I care for and respect them.

Click here to see the ISSUU publication of the entire installation.

The treasurer of the Rapids Theatre Restoration Board, Norma Jansma, called me today asking for my help in getting the Rapids Theatre on the State Register of Historic Places.

In my original report I stated that the committee was trying to get on the National Register of Historic Places, which Jansma claimed may still be accurate.   Now, however, the board would like my assistance in applying for the State Register.

I will begin my work on this new project as soon as the board verifies accuracy of my initial case study research.  Once this research is approved by the board, I will use it in the State Register application process.

Thank you Rapids Theater committee.  I am honored to do what I can to help this long-time treasure be restored and remembered by many.

I got an email today informing me I have been selected as one of the participants in the Model Cornerstone Assessment benchmarking project being conducted by NAEA and NCCAS.  It is a pilot project partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.  

This pilot project is intended to produce benchmark student work that aligns with the MCAs.  Upon completion of this project, NAEA and NCCAS will provide art educators with benchmark examples of student artwork to use in developing assessment accuracy and consistency.

Below is the press release provided by the MCA project team.  Of the 260 districts to apply, I am one of only 15 - 18 pilot sites to have been chosen for participation in the visual arts division.  Follow the project website for progress of this program: http://nccas.wikispaces.com.

Press release article provided by NCCAS and NAEA, 2015

Take a look at this Artist PLC program proposal.  I put this program together for the purposes of encouraging continued art making and reaping the benefits of a strong collaborative art community.

This Artist PLC will bring together diverse creative and artistic people from the area.  It will be organized as a professional development PLC in which participants will grow personally and professionally.

The potential benefits of establishing this program are the strengthening of the artist community and the individual artists themselves.  This growth comes from collective energies and a unified mission of the proposed group.  These benefits are supported by research from DuFour (1998 & 2014), Foord & Haar (2008 & 2012) and Gillies (2007). 

Artist PLC narrated presentation, 2014