This site is moving!

Buddha Glam, 26"x18", mixed media.

This site is moving -- well, sort of. A more traditional website stands in its place at,

www.swartstudio.com

Updates will be posted there from now on. Thank you for the continued support!

Prolonging the fun -- !

Black Panther #1, 2005

Because of the success of my after school programs, both Graphic Novel & Manga Exploration, Grades 6-9 - Mondays, and Architect's Building Studio, Grades 2-4 - Wednesdays, are being extended into late fall. There are still a few openings in each class. Please help me spread the word. I'll also be announcing more fun art-related events in a few short weeks. I am very excited!

Postive role models of color

How has the media progressed with positive role models of color? I want your opinion - please check out my post on SWart Studio. I'll be using the collected information for a lesson on comic books, world issues, and popular culture. Thank you!

Find out what's happening in Mr. Wilber's classes!

Check out examples of lesson plans for public and private institutes that I've adapted or drafted new for my fall classes at the New Art Center.

Steven Wilber Art Lesson Plans

Quote

Mr. W., I used think you knew everything, but you don't know the meaning of giving up. ~ 5th Grader

Quote

Be the change you want to see in the world. ~ Gandhi

My latest work in progress

"Welcoming Imagination", 3'x4', oil on bulletin board, 2012

My latest work in progress is a commercial piece, a welcome sign. It's been a process to work on my art with so much teaching, but this is slowly coming together. I only have a few days to get it right. The deadline is fast approaching!

Latest student work on Facebook

"untitled", 3'x4', acrylic on canvas, 2012 - artist collaboration

I've posted some recent student collaborative work and projects on my Facebook page, SWart Studio Boston - check it out!

Remember --

Wonder Woman #9, 1944

Don't forget to spread the word about the classes I'll be teaching in the fall at the New Art Center, outside Boston. I'll be at the NAC open house, Sunday, September 9, from 1-4pm to promote this exciting semester!

I'm also on Facebook - check it out! 

A surprise

A letter slipped to me by a group of students the last day of class.

Look who came to visit!

I'm working as both teacher and co teen program coordinator, but that's not to say I stepped away from the elementary age students. Today I hosted a guest speaking event with Wonder Woman who spoke on being a real-life hero. My friend, Maggie, rocked as the Amazon Princess.

Here she is signing autographs for a group of 1st graders and preparing for a short video interview.

Lastest project

Really Saying Something, Bananarama, 1982

I was a last minute addition to the summer faculty of the New Art Center and I couldn't be more thrilled! This video inspired my latest project for my students and they have been hard a work at reinventing the video for a slightly more modern audience, but without loosing any of the camp feel. I have two classes that have reinterpreted the song by creating story boards, props, and choreography. I can't wait to post the final edits of the videos!

Bop bop soo-be-do-wa!

Oh! And we're also working on expressive self portraits and preparing a special week long summer show --

Some Exciting News To Share!

The New Art Center has extended its summer programming for teens and with my involvement we're pleased to announce a series of educational and fun field trips to shake up the typical summer experience. NAC just released an update on its website with all the exciting details!

Latest work

"severe tranquility abstract", diptych, mixed media, 2011-12

This poor painting just gets no love. Originally it was commissioned by a friend of a friend for her Cape house. She was determined to display something completely modern and I was eager to create something purely abstract. After several preliminary sketches, we seemed to find a happy medium. As with most clients I ask for half the fee up front, and the remaining upon delivery. The latter never happened and I've kept the painting in my possession for several months.

 Every once and awhile I would add or take away, slowly modifying it. Then, just recently, I was offered a part in special one night show. I dusted this off, tweaked it a little and was preparing to have this sent to the gallery. Then last minute, well almost last minute, I checked the fine print of the contract before signing and realized that the venue was not something that would benefit my career as an artist. It looks like this painting will have to go back in storage another few months until I find the right time to have it on display.

Bridges!

I was pleased to wrap up the spring semester with a fun "contest" as my fourth graders built bridges designed to support the weight of the classroom boombox. Following a short lecture on the logistics of man-made bridges students were only allowed to use white sheets of paper, scissors, and masking tape. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves!

New classes for the fall!

I've signed on to teach three more classes for the fall semester for the New Art Center, just outside Boston. Registration for these classes beginning in mid-late September is now open, click on the class title to register online!

Jann of the Jungle #16, 1957

Graphic Novel & Manga Exploration, Grades 6-9, Mondays:
    Explore the subject of the graphic novel with comic books and manga by delving into the history of the medium and its influences on animation, anime, music, and film. Students will create their own graphic novel with focus on story structure and pencil and ink art. Sketchbook required.

Graffiti Art, Grades 6-9, Mondays:
    In this class, the history and perceptions of graffiti will be used as inspiration for nique works of art completed with a variety of materials such as chalk, paint, colored pencils, and oil pastels. Students will create a final class collaborative piece for display at the New Art Center. A perfect class for budding artists who like to work BIG. Sketchbook required.

Architects' Building Studio, Grades 2-4, Wednesdays:
   Bring your ideas to life in this fun class that moves from 2D into 3D. Using architecture and the built environment as our theme, students will develop their ideas in drawings, and then use their drawings as a basis for creating 3D models and sculptures.  If you can imagine a world underwater, or a city of treehouses, this class is for you!

I'll post  more announcements for future classes and events as the summer progresses!

Work In Progress

Two months ago in my personal blog I blogged about a painting I had begun and since that time I've continued working on it on odds days off or when time allows. Hopefully the summer will afford me greater opportunities to work on my art. To date I have three paintings uncompleted. I would like to see at least two finished before the end of August.

"Buddha Glam" work in progress

More student work!

I'm proud of the work my students Grades 6 & 7 have done in the last few weeks. I can't help but show it off!

Etchings and prints of individual hands. April 2012

Some students are really into the mechanics of the final major project of the semester.

Skeleton hands made of sticks and wire. May 2012

April was Architecture Month!

April became the unofficial month for architecture in my classes Grades 1-4. I hadn't planned this exactly, rather each class ended or began at a specific time when architecture would be the theme of the next project. While students and I discussed the influence of classical architecture of Greek and Roman designs on modern day works of art, we couldn't help but use our imaginations and take our ideas of the future to paper. My 4th graders are still working on 3D designs based on their blue prints.

4th Grade "blue prints"

1st Grade pop out houses. Exterior w/ interior.

Hey, kids -- COMICS!

Comic book were the tool my parents used to hook me on reading which led to my love of drawing and eventually painting. I'm pleased that DC Comics is promoting a line of comic books produced for their younger fans. I'm encouraging students and parents to check out the new DC Nation app!

Important article

A great article about the importance of art education in the class!

Art Education Needs To Be Protected

SWart Studio is on Facebook

A great way to follow up on my current work as an artist is through my Facebook page that was launched some months ago. Click on the link below!

SWart Studio on Facebook

My latest painting

laughter, 18"x24", oil on canvas, 2012

Gratitude

I wanted to thank coworkers and parents as I recover from a serious accident that occurred a week ago. I had a second scare when I was brought back to the hospital due to internal bleeding. The prognosis is good, I'm home now, and should recover with time and lots of rest. As you might imagine I'm eager to continue with plans and projects with my students.

Best wishes!

Being Ubuntu: the Youth Speak

Upcoming classes opening in March and April!

It's been a VERY successful winter semester at the Worcester Art Museum with lots of laughs and amazing creativity. After a brief respite I'll be back March 24th to start anew with two new weekend classes. Check 'em out!

Drawing and Painting, 5-7 years old

Enjoy looking at paintings in the Museum. Then, have fun learning about color, texture and line while you create your own drawings and paintings with tempera paints, oil pastels, watercolors and much more!

Express Yourself!, 8-10 years old

Get inspired in the Museum and let loose your creativity. Experiment in sculpture, printmaking, paint and other materials to develop fun, colorful and experimental projects.

 And in other news --

I've just signed on to teach a class for 3rd-5th graders starting in April at the New Art Center in Newton, MA!

Architects Building Studio

 Bring your ideas to life in this fun class that moves from 2D into 3D. Using architecture and the built environment as our theme, students will develop their ideas in drawings, and then use their drawings as a basis for creating 3D models and sculptures.  If you can imagine a world underwater, or a city of tree houses, this class is for you!

A student's work in progress

A serious discussion with students on the current state of the world and the future for which we might be heading revealed some fascinating designs of transportation and homes for the year 2050. Seen here is just one example of such made 3D - a work in progress.

Me. You?

More reading re: last post

Here is an article from the New York Times further discussing the NH law I brought up in my previous post.

When Parents Can Opt Out of School Curriculum

How involved should parents be in their child's education?

New Hampshire recently passed a new law that allows parents to opt their child out of a class if they do not approve of a particular lesson being taught. As a public school teacher of Evangelical parents I can only imagine the discord that can be created from this! But -- I'm curious as to how others feel and would greatly appreciate feedback. I heard of the development through NPR this afternoon and it is further explained, here on the radio station's website.

I posted the following response on the Callie Crossley Show facebook page with other educators and parents.

I am a public school art teacher in Boston and I also teach at a private institution that is less censored than the average elementary, middle, or high school. I myself grew up with Evangelical parents who wished to have me home schooled, but I rebelled and demanded I be placed in public school. My parents, by the way, live and vote in New Hampshire.
As an artist I am against censorship of any kind, but as an educator I understand the need for regulations in public schools. That being said, I agree parents can and should teach their children whatever they wish at home, but should be less interfering in the classroom. I'm not saying uninvolved, not at all. But parents should embrace the idea that we are a society of free thinkers and that everyone is entitled to opinions or theories of their own. It's one of the many great things about this country.
Also, here in Boston the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a severe concern to teachers and principals. I'm sure NH has its own test like it that measures the performance of ALL students based on curriculum framework learning standards of the state. If a parent wishes a teacher to allow a student to abstain from one lesson or another, who's to say that would not upset their chances for their highest possible score on the exam? The impact of this could bring the curve down for the entire class, grade, or even school. Sound ridiculous? Well, I can't argue with you, but it's true.
My bigger concern is that the child would be missing out on something that is the building block for something else further down his/her educational career. I like the idea of the parent being a part of the process, but I wish there was greater trust in the teacher to provide all of the necessary tools for the student.

United South End Settlements' Children's Art Centre: Resource of the Month: Creativity Matters E-Book

Another great resource for friends, coworkers, and parents! Enjoy!

United South End Settlements' Children's Art Centre: Resource of the Month: Creativity Matters E-Book: At the Children’s Art Centre, a firm belief in the power and importance of creativity to children’s cognitive, social, and emotional well-be...

A Resolution I Plan To Keep

Versace Autumn/Winter 2012

Last year I fully explored my love of comic books with students to show to them how the medium is absolutely Art related and opens many doors of the world. I'll admit, there was some hestitance from the female population of classes, but nearly as much as I anticipated. Thankfully, my fandom of Wonder Woman helped build a bridge and throughout the year, both boys and girls were producing incredible graphic novels with thought out stories and incredibly detailed work (focusing on foreground, middle and background, pen & ink, etc).

It's a new year and to build on a popular theme in many of my lessons, fashion, I intend to do much of the same, though reversed, as I had with comics. Let me explain. Girls, ages seven to eighteen, immediately seem drawn to clothes -- the majority anyway. Well, I want boys, seven to eighteen, to understand that they too can express themselves through their form of dress. Alright, so maybe it won't be as important to them as it is to girls, duly noted, but I do want them to experiment and have fun with the idea. In the coming months I will be broadening design and color lessons to utilize a more fashion athstetic. The inspiration comes from an article I read online in British Vogue. If I teach my students anything beyond the Art fundementals, I want to broaden their perception of their day to day life in a fun way. Keep an eye on this space for results of students' work as it's produced.

How do you teach Civil Rights?

This is an article from the NY Times that speaks to all teachers (and parents for the matter) asking, how do we teach Civil Rights to our kids?

The Learning Network: How Do You Teach the Civil Rights Movement?

Tentative Lesson Plan for the Semester

This is an idea of how I prepare for a semester of art classes at the Worcester Art Museum. A lot of things are missing in this early stage, like how I'll tie each class with the Massachusetts Visual Art Curriculum and how much unspecific time I want to give each project. Even though it's not yet written down, I already have such ideas/plans in my head that evolved as I planned. If you look close and use your imagination, you can see how each lesson is a progression of the last and loosely tied to each. For me, it all starts with a theme or final project that I want students to achieve, with each class a step towards that end direction. A lot goes into preparing a semester, not all of it is listed here -- I have to keep some surprises alive!




Portraits, Landscapes, & Sculptures / Explore Your World

vozwords: Al Parker (1906-1985)

Mike Vosburg was one of my favorite comic book artists of my dad's original Marvel and DC Comics collection from the Seventies and Eighties. I happened across his blog and was immediately inspired by his love of an illustration artist I had never heard of. Vosburg has moved on from comic books into TV, film, and even music videos and is another real life example of where comic books can take you. I'll be using Mike Vosburg as suggestion of research for my older students, as well as Al Parker, featured in the link below.

vozwords: Al Parker (1906-1985): The invention of the camera shattered art in the western world. For several centuries one of the primary goals of the artist was to reprodu...

New classes!



Happy new year! I'm pleased to announce my upcoming Saturday classes at the Worcester Art Museum. Classes begin January 14th and end March 10th.

Explore Your World, 5-7 years old

With a variety of materials students and I will be exploring and creating landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, and more. We'll also be learning about famous artists from different parts of our world!

Portraits, Landscapes, and Sculptures, 8-10 years old

Students will be studying works of the past to inspire new works of their own with subject matter that is real, and some that is surreal. Lessons will be both two dimensional and three dimension with a final project that incorporates both.

To register for my classes, simply click on the links above.