“Working with the new artists has been really wonderful
because they all seem to have a great grasp in the concept and
performances and they are very trusting, generous and enthusiastic.
I attribute a lot of the group dynamic to our ensemble building
work that first week.”
“The training for Bluepalm is incredibly involved and in
depth considering the amount of time we have together. I am finding
myself challenged and engaged on a variety of levels. In terms
of my work as an artist I have really been pushed with the pace
of the learning required. It’s been a long time since I
have had to memorize a script so learning two very physical pieces
in the space of 10 days has required me to stretch my limits as
a performer. This mode of learning is both exhausting and very
effective for me. Knowing that I must perform at a high level
has brought out more capacity than I expected. I find that we
have been given very clear, concise and specific information and
I imagine that when I am actually working with students I will
be very prepared. I am most excited by creating lesson plans and
discussing ways to fold in the arts/math/science/language arts
skills.”
In March/ April, Bluepalm Artistic Director Jackie Planeix led
a three-part professional development series at Russell ES (Local
District 7) focusing on arts activities based on Open Court culminating
tasks. Teachers from every grade level designed lesson plans in
Theater, Dance, and Visual Arts.
“Educational: It was very informative to hear from Leonardo
Bravo about the arts and their role in the school systems we work
with, as well as national issues. Mind-bending: There is so much
here to absorb that it can seem overwhelming, but I am grateful
to have this opportunity to learn so incredibly much about arts
education through the un-official Bluepalm MFA program!”
“I’m feeling much more comfortable with all the knowledge
we’re receiving at the training. I feel like I’m understanding
the process of conducting a workshop that ties in the information
from beginning to end, so there’s always a link between
one thing leading into the next... I enjoy working with my peers
and bouncing ideas back and forth and feeding off of the positive
energy in the room!”
“The training has really allowed me to view the arts as
‘teachable’, not just something special only a few
people in our population are privileged to... I would like to
be an open resource for teacher and students on how to “ARTIFY”
knowledge. Last night I was at home explaining to my husband how
cool it could be if we brought ‘pi’ to life, using
human circles, diameters and radii. I feel like my life is being
“ARTIFIED” as I speak.”
“I feel that this knowledge will help us communicate better
with the teachers when we’re in their classroom by, again,
understanding the terminology they use, as well as, how they interpret
what we are doing. This will deepen our connections to the teachers
in our encounters with them.
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