Spring has SPRUNG and we’re getting BUSY!

I haven’t been working on the website, I haven’t been making art to sell, and it would seem like I’ve been absent, but I’ve been busy working on art with our community and some upcoming academic events (a bit of a switch from my norm).

Earlier this month, I applied for a grant to take our art programs to schools and communities in our area that don’t traditionally have access to enrichment activities. We will find out by June 15th if we were accepted.

I also submitted two presentation proposals – the first one I submitted and got acceptance for the Fates and Graces Mythologium end of July. For this conference I will be talking about Medusa.

Myth Conferences and Workshops

Then – as if that wasn’t exciting enough, I saw a conference in London about Art and Psyche – when I read the call for papers – I knew I had to check it out and I submitted my proposal (now I’m working on the paper). My title for now is “Creation and Interpretation: Fusing Archetypal Art with Education and Instruction.” It’s a working title but when I finish it, I’ll share.

The Creative Psyche and Arts-Based Research Conference

In the meantime, I’ve been doing a lot more cultural art lessons at the local school for tk-8th grades. This month we made simplified dreamcatchers and the bigger kids got a quick lesson on appreciation vs. exploitation.

The family has also started hosting Tuesday art nights at the lodge. This is a free to the community class that does different mindful art activities each week. Last week we did sand art to explore the temporary and unstable nature of life and art.

Next week, I get the opportunity to create with the students at Oak Valley High School – I don’t want to spoil the surprise but I’m planning on exploring the Medusa myths with the “big kids” through art and written response.

Last – I am excited to be doing a summer school class in Yucaipa for 9th and 10th graders. We will be learning about the Odyssey, doing personal hero narratives, making dreamcatchers, and talking some academic vocabulary – all on the very first day! (each class is 6 hours!)

It’s going to be a big month for the Gallamarrs clan – I look forward to sharing it all with you as we get a breath.