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Congrats to 2010 students: Kyla Kemmerer accepted at SVA and Pratt, NYC for illustration; Kaitlin Callender at MECA for Graphic Design, James Walsh at Academy of Art in San Francisco and Shane Hugaboom at the Art Institute.
Congrats to 2008 students: Ellen Biegert accepted to Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and Ashley Troup who attends Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.
Congrats to 2007 graduate Carla Gehman who attends MECA in Maine for Fine Art.
Internationally recognized illustrator and artist, Mike Wimmer came to Susquehanna to give presentations and demonstrations last Monday for the Art classes of Ms. Jime Grabowski. Students got first hand introductions to the successful illustrator and his works, which include paintings for The Lion King with Walt Disney to his big redesign of Mr. Clean with Procter and Gamble. Mr. Wimmer and Ms. Grabowski went to the same graduate school in Hartford Connecticut.
Mike Wimmer is from Oklahoma where he has over thirty commissioned paintings and portraits hanging in their state capitol and has been an illustrator and artist for the last thirty-five years. He began drawing at a very early age and continued all through high school along with being an all-state football athlete. As Mike explains to the students at Susquehanna, life is about choices and after high school; he made the choice to follow his career in art. It’s a good thing for the art world, because Mike has published thirteen children’s books, over one hundred book covers, and countless portraits for corporate clients and institutions all across the country including Washington D.C. His clients range from P&G and Disney to Putnam, Walmart, Kimberly Clark, TV Guide, Reader’s Digest, American Airlines, and more.
Mike’s generosity to spend time with our students is clear as he donates his demonstrations to our teacher and several students. Mike also drew caricatures at last spring’s Mocha Moose Carnival event in Susquehanna. He is currently teaching at Oklahoma City University as a distinguished resident artist.
Mike awed the students with a 30-minute drawing demonstration and a 40-minute painting demonstration of Abraham Lincoln. He stressed to the students how to look at reference materials and understand what your eyes see. Mike’s latest project is the second book in a series of four about the Presidents of Mount Rushmore. “George” comes out President’s Day of 2012 by Simon and Schuster. You might want to look for it, because as George Washington is kneeling at Valley Forge, you may recognize the scenic valley of Lanesboro, only without Riverside Bowling Alley.
Ms. G and several students got to witness first hand, the creation process behind some of today’s LEGENDS of FANTASY ILLUSTRATION
Boris Vallejo
Julie Bell
Donato Giancola
Rick Berry
Greg Manchess
We embrace the visual arts through many aspects: art history, atelier, graphic design, illustration…
ALL through scaffolding techniques, building research, critical thinking and creative problem solving.
Emergence is written, illustrated and designed by Derek Williams. For every copy sold, $1.00 will be donated to Japan.
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MY PHILOSOPHY:
“Hard work beats Talent, when Talent doesn’t want to Work Hard.”
I will not try to teach you to paint like me. I will not try to teach you to draw like me. I WILL try to teach you to Think and Work like an Artist. To Create how an Artist Creates. I will instruct you on building concepts, how to critically link and to organize your approach in research and application.
In today’s culture, it is crucial to use Art as a means to enhance communication abilities, to strenghten creativity and allow for the freedom in making decisions as it applies techniques and methods. The world today demands individuals to absorb visual stimulation, it is best to approach art as an intellectual and educational means to understand the media bombardment in our culture: to know the background of our history, the influences of technology and the growth of the communication age and how it applies to our history and today. Art Education must embrace all multidisciplines in math, physiology, reading, history, writing and sciences. Art is a direct reflection of the culture we live in today, past and future.
I will answer many questions with more questions. SURE, I will try to lead you there from time to time…talk about composition, a discussion on color decisions…but in the end, each and every one of you will answer your own questions. That is my philosophy. I will NOT do it for you…but I will crack open your door a bit for you to peek in. I will give you the keys, but I might not tell you which one works…try them all…and you’ll never forget which one worked for you.
Each student is expected to be strong in your desire to work for your goals. I will help you each identify your own personal goals, and we will use art as a means to accomplish those goals. Step by step, we will learn much about life through hard work, self-discipline and understanding what it takes to fall in love with learning. Be a BETTER PERSON when you leave my room–not just a “better artist”.
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My procedures are simple: The Three “R’s
R=Respectful, towards your peers, your teacher and YOURSELF!
R=Responsible, for your actions, your decisions and your materials.
R=Reflective, about your art, your inspirations, YOUR life!
If you doubt yourself, ask if what you are doing or about to do is Respectful, Responsible or Reflective…if not, you can make a better choice!
If disruptive behavior or unagreeable situations occur, I will make a point to contact home in efforts to discuss with parents/guardians.
Obviously, I will NOT TOLERATE ANY VIOLENCE, ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, WEAPONS OR DEROGATORY REMARKS. Behavior as such will result in immediate removal and confrontation with the proper authorities. It is illegal to inflict harm, possess illegal substances and any form of harassment is against the law. You are young CITIZENS with rights that are not to be abused and as young citizens you are expected to create a fellowship with your peers, family and your educators.
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NO CELLS.
NO FOOD.
NO iPODS.
NO iCAN’T.
You are expected to be on time.
I will accept Pre-Signed passes by me, ONLY. Please do not come down to Artroom without one, you will be sent back to your class. Just because YOU have study hall, doesn’t mean there isn’t a class in the Artroom. I cannot and will not tolerate classroom interruptions or walk ins.
You are expected to sign in and sign out with Artroom Pass. This is also if you are LATE to class–you sign in and write “LATE” with the time and date you have arrived.
You are expected to arrive ready to work with supplies and projects.
You should remain at your workstation for the period. You will not be dismissed until your area is clean and your supplies are put away.
Profanity will not be tolerated nor will the verbal or physical abuse of another student will not be tolerated.
This includes SELF-ABUSE! I do not allow any self-derogatory remarks reflecting your own work. Your artwork is a reflection of yourself. My classroom is about self-respect and that starts with your artwork!
First and Foremost, follow the procedures in your student handbook!
We are all young adults, treat others as you would like to be treated.
I expect students to develop a respectful demeanor towards one another. Art is a direct expression about LIFE and how you perceive it through your senses…and LIFE is a personal perception of how you feel about yourself through the interactions between: you and yourself & you and your peers.
I expect each student to be RESPECTABLE, RESPONSIBLE and always be REFLECTIVE. In order to be truly successful you must compare yourself to the highest of standards, stop allowing yourself to be just better then the lowest. Period.
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ART SAFETY
I expect that you respect the tools and materials we use in the art room. You are expected to use supplies for intended use only. Use precautions as directed and there is no tolerance for ‘horseplay’. If an accident occurs in class, causing physical injury, notify the teacher at once.