"Art is not the possession of the few who are recognized writers, painters, musicians; it is the authentic expression of any and all individuality."
- John Dewey

   
     
    Art has the ability, through developing creativity and expression, to have a lasting impression on a student’s academic achievement and their lives.  Through creating a curriculum that combines conceptual art thinking and technical skills, I create a classroom where students are engaged in their work, challenge themselves, and interact effectively for a rewarding learning community.        
    By redesigning conventional methods of art learning, I construct curriculums that introduce students to histories of art making, contemporary artists and their work, everyday imagery, and a variety of art making techniques that expand their creative development.  Students will understand the art making process by building upon thematic big ideas through their projects and discussions.  By balancing these traditional processes with critical thinking about one’s art work and their colleagues, I guide my students to create and understand their concerns and interests through their art making.
     I find the beauty of art is there are no right or wrong answers.  With this idea my students can approach their learning and problem solving in a new, fresh, and creative way. By being a source of leadership and guidance to my future students, I aim to build their creative self-expression, communication with others, and critical thinking abilities through art making. 





                                                                                                                              Andrea Slusarski 
                                                                                    University of Illinois - Champaign/Urbana
                                                                                                                  BFA Art Education 2011

---