Hey ArtMama

I can't say what particular day it was, nor exactly just how "Mrs. Taylor" turned into "ArtMama"... and I can't begin to tell you how happy it makes me, as I walk through our school hallways, hearing cheerful shouts of "Hey ArtMama". But you probably can imagine. I am the proud art mama to just over 900 kindergarteners through 5th graders and just mama to 2 biological children (that have zero interest in visual art - yet my son plays many instruments, all by ear, and my daughter is a ballet major, and dances with a company.) Life can be sooooo trippy, huh? I've been the art teacher at Oriole Beach Elementary for 16 years now when my own babies were there. Previously, I was an art director, graphic designer, and illustrator working in the Atlanta advertising market. The trade off: working with grown ups, wearing heels, living in the city to working with children, wearing flip flops, and living at the beach = Best. Decision. Ever. My school is amazing. It's also one of the highest performing elementary schools in the state of Florida. My co-workers, I call friends. Blessed is what I am. But... someday I would like to retire, possibly hire a cabana boy to peel me another grape or perhaps I want to do something different when (and if) I decide to grow up. Hence I've created my Hey ArtMama TpT shop.

Through art, we gain a better understanding and appreciation of all people and the world we live in. Art makes us human. You can incorporate just about any subject with art - ok, maybe not tax law or financial planning - but who wants to do that? I do know, you reeeeally can connect with your students through art. Tap into that fearless, nonjudgemental creative window that children innately possess and prepare to be amazed. But do hurry before anyone crushes it or the video games take over their brains. I want to celebrate and enrich what makes every child unique. They may be little in the world, but their dreams and possibilities shouldn't be. I hold high standards for my students and even higher expectations for myself. Thanks for stopping by, xo alicia

Rookie Teacher and Teacher of the Year - Oriole Beach Elementary School College professor teaching Graphic Design and Portfolio Prep Author, illustrator, self publisher of "Find Your Creativity: A Workbook to Learn, Create, and Treasure" Recipient of numerous Addy Awards as well as published and exhibited artwork throughout my design and art direction career.

M.F.A., Illustration Design, The Savannah College of Art & Design, 2010. B.F.A., Visual Communications, The Atlanta College of Art, 1989.

Love-Love-Love your feedback and suggestions! Alicia Hill Taylor (AKA ArtMama) alicia@heyartmama.com.