District 2

Summer break workshops in District 2 start in May with a Wire Jewelry Workshop held in Pierceton, Indiana. This workshop provided a fairly inexpensive and easy way to introduce/incorporate wire wrapping jewelry making process into the classroom. Materials used for this jewelry piece included: pliers, 20-gauge wire, stones/cabochons/shells, and chain or leather cord. I took a friend with me who claims no artistic ability what so ever and she made a beautiful work of art worthy of adorning the best of outfits. If you have never visited Pierceton, I would highly recommend this charming town, especially if you love art, antiques, jewelry, and chocolate! Thank you Bret for arranging the workshop and special thanks to Susan Karczewski at Purr-fectly Unique Jewelry for presenting the class.

In mid July, those fortunate enough, attended the 2010 St. Mary’s of the Woods Art Teacher Retreat. This is something that I have been trying to do for the past few years and this year there would be no stopping me. I know exactly why I was drawn to it now that I was finally able to attended. WOW! What an extraordinary experience crowded with enthusiasm and creativity!

First District 2 attendees would like to send a special thank you to Pam Anshultz and Rita Jacks for all their hard work, time, and energy that they put into organizing this event. Thanks to Amaco for their generous donation of ceramic supplies. Another great big thanks to Sandy Hall, Brenda Wampler, Trish Korte and Linda Arhnt for presenting amazing workshops. In addition, District 2 attendees would like to thank the many colleagues who shared their supplies, tools, and invaluable insight into making exceptional artwork.

I also have a new appreciation for Artist Trading Cards (ATC)! When first asked to create 30 cards as homework for the retreat, I was stressed and started to panic, especially as the date of the retreat quickly approached. I thought what is this about—it’s summer—there’s no homework in summer! However, the worry was as usual unnecessary and as it turned out the ATC assignment ended up being a terrific way to meet and learn about the other retreat participants—making connections and being part of the global community. Everyone at different places in their teaching career, technical skills, and choice of medium; however, none of that ever mattered—it only enhanced the total experience.

St. Mary’s of the Woods Retreat was truly a positive and memorable event to which I have returned home with a renewed and enhanced sense of creative energy just bursting with ideas and new ways to approach them!

Hope to see all of you next year and also looking forward to seeing you at the 2010 Convention in Fort Wayne! Hope you are making your plans to attend—it will be here before you know it!

Convention Committee Members have been busy with the planning of the upcoming Fall Convention. Local Convention Co-Chairs, Lori Kaylor and Diana Cole, are hard at work with final details. We welcome any District 2 individuals who would still like to join us in making this event truly amazing.

To all active members, please consider submitting artwork in the Art Educators Exhibition during the 2010 Convention. Susan Wenger has been working very hard at organizing this event. This would also be a great opportunity to display the artwork created at St. Mary’s Retreat! Entry forms can be found in Contact.

District 2 members are encouraged to contact Bret Bailey or Deena Church if you need anything or have any suggestions for District 2 workshops or activities. Check out the updates on the District 2 page on our new and much improved website.

Continue to encourage your colleagues to become members of AEAI. We still need a couple of County Liaisons to assist us in communicating with all our districts art teachers. This is a very important year to become and or remain members, as we are sure to be faced with un-proportional cuts in our schools art programs. Support Art Education by supporting your Indiana Art Education Association.

See you Soon,
Bret Bailey 260-609-2664 or Email rep2aeai@gmail.com and Deena Church

District Rep:

Ashley Toy

District 2 including all the public and private schools in the following counties:
Adams, Allen, Elkart, Dekalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, Lagrange, Miami, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, Whitley
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AEAI District 2 blog address http://district2aeai.blogspot.com/