Field Trip to the Des Moines Art Center

Last week, I went to the Des Moines Art Center with my students.  I ask them to look for four things while they're there: famous artists they know, their favorite pieces, the best example of "art," and something that they don't understand why it even IS art.  I participated this year too.  

 This Rothko is always one of my favorites.  I can almost get lost in its colors.

 I loved how this one was lit.  It's shadow on the wall was part of the piece for me.

 My picture doesn't do this piece justice, but it was shiny and sparkly, and I just couldn't stop looking at it.  It captivated me.

One of my nominees for best example of "art."  I loved reading about it and its creator.  Art is expression, in my opinion.  And art can come to someone at any time in their life.

My other nominee for best example of "art."  I think art should make people think.  I think art can buck the system and give the proverbial finger to the establishment.

Chagall is one of my favorites, so this is my piece for most famous.  HOW HAVE I NEVER NOTICED IT BEFORE IN ALL THE TIMES I'VE BEEN TO THE DES MOINES ART CENTER????  I guess it just goes to show that every trip there is a new experience.  That's the way it should be.

I'm so NOT into this one.  Every time I see it, I try to give it a chance, and I think that someone got back from Mardis Gras and went a little crazy in their grandma's attic.  It's just not for me.  Not everybody has to like every piece.  For me, this one wins the "Why is This Art?" award.

Another favorite.  I'm a fan of interactive pieces, and this one is just begging to be touched and moved.  Sparkly beads hanging from the tall ceiling?  YES, PLEASE!

Releasing It

Hello, Blog.  Long time, no write.

My middle schoolers and I have 6 days left together.  They're making it tough on me.  I'm going to talk about it here and release it to the universe.

I know it's the end of the year in so many ways.  I'm tired.  Tears are right below the surface.  I have so much to do.  I have to much left to do.  And they're already done.  They're SO done.

I get it. I want to be done too.  But we're not done.

I know they're too young to really understand how quickly time goes.  For them, it's a snail.  These last 6 days feel like forever to them.

I'm old enough and beat up enough by life to know that time is precious.  You don't wish it away.

I'm looking forward to my summer so so so so much.  I'm counting down too.  We're all human.  But I want to end this school year sad that these turkeys are leaving, not hoping the door doesn't hit them on the way out.

I'm taking things personally this year, this spring.  Today.  I'm letting my feelings get hurt.  I need to get over that.  You'd think that the 21st year with middle schoolers would be routine... that I'd have a harder shell built up... all of that.  Guess not.  I think I might even care more now than I did 20 years ago.  That's a good thing.  It hurts because I care.  I do know that.

Teacher God, give me strength to get it done, to get it done well, and to send them off with love and care and grit.

I think I can.  I think I can.  I think I can.
I know I will.  I know I will.  I know I will.