Teaching Philosophy
Teaching students art is teaching students how to live with multi-dimensional thinking. Art can not be contained to one singular experience or object but is a culmination of thinking that is both self-reflective and connected to the greater world at large.
Teaching a student to draw, paint or create is a lesson in how the student, the emerging artist, relates to visual concepts and greater society. It is a dive inward and an outward expression, simultaneously. These two energies learn to work together through the process of creation.
Relating art making to the history of art and the realm of contemporary art is a delicate balance examining the relationships of self-development and connections throughout the experiences of humanity. Art making is a part of being human and everyone is capable in some way of creating for the purposes of self-expression. The art made throughout history is evidence of the thought progressions and developments of society.
Teaching art is about teaching non-linear thinking because the relationships between art and being a global citizen are boundless. There is a world of possibilities and pathways as young people enter into adulthood and having the knowledge of art heightens experience to lead more fulfilling positive lives. Art is the communication of feelings and ideas about situations: personal, political, sexual, or evolutionary. The history of art, and the uses of art in everyday life, has shown us how images have the power to shape our society. Is art imitating life or is life imitating art? It is a symbiotic relationship.
My philosophy of teaching art methods is that everyone is capable of creating. The purpose of art’s messaging can be directed to endless potential outcomes. By learning about the histories of cultures, lives are enriched. Art has the power to communicate beyond language into the sensory experiences of existence.
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Recent Teaching
2022
Pelham Art Center Teen Open Studio Program (ages 16-19) current through 2023. Teaching independent study for portfolio prep 12 2 hour classes
Art Games: Multi Generational 3 session 2 hour art making and creativity building class, Pelham Art Center, Pelham, NY
Meet Kandinsky, Youth Workshop at Pennington Elementary School with Pelham Art Center, Pelham, NY
2021
Storytelling with Art, youth, book making & mixed media art class, 8 90 minute classes
Acrylic Painting, youth, introduction to painting techniques, 8 90 minute classes
Artistic Journaling, Teen & Adult, drawing and mixed media, 3 3 hour classes
Experimental Drawing, Adult, drawing techniques & observation 4 3 hour classes
Abstract Painting, Adult, 12 session classes, 3 hour classes
Story Time for youth exploring famous artists, Pelham Art Center, Pelham, NY
2020
Connect & Create, multiple 2 hour virtual sessions in Spring 2020 for people of all ages to connect virtually and share mediums, artmaking and techniques, also hosted and taught Art
2019
Picasso Portraits, Adults, painting workshop 3 hours,
Oil Painting, Adults, 3 part 3 hour workshop,
Drawing Skills 101, One Day workshop, Pelham Art Center, Pelham, NY
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Charlotte has also been a visiting artist and a guest lecturer for all ages and academic levels.