SparkleGal's Art Magic

I have taught Middle School Art for 33 years! I love it! I also have enjoyed working as a mentor teacher to new educators just entering the field. My Art Magic Line Switch Creative Drawing Method has been one of my most helpful teaching tools! I will be posting many lessons that use this method. I have many other quality lesson plans to share as well.

I am structured and organized when I plan and teach lessons. I try to provide as much one-on-one help to students as possible. I really guide my students daily through the tasks of creating art. I am very much aware of the courage it takes for students to put their art ideas down on paper. I strive to find methods that help ALL students succeed in my class...and they do! I change lessons up frequently and have designed many original lessons myself. This keeps my class fresh and fun for the studnets and for me as well!

I won a contest sponsered by Amway Corporation my first year teaching! The contest theme was about saving the environment. My students and I won 2nd place. My school won $5,000.00 and I was able to fly with one student in the corporate jet to Chicago for a photoshoot. Our class photo was in Newsweek Magazine! My students created animal ink drawings that we made into notecards and sold. We donated the money to the National Arbor Day Foundation and the Rainforest Rescue Project.

I graduated from Western Michigan University witha BS in Art Education. I take art classes every spring...for Professional Development but also to observe other teacher's teaching styles. Taking art classes helps me to never forget what it is like to be a student. Also, working with student interns keeps me updated on current trends and also keeps me on my toes as far as my teaching methods and skills. Everyday I teach, I learn. My amazing students teach things to me too!

I enjoy creating art of all kinds for fun , relaxation and a little extra money.. I have an Etsy shop where I sell a variety of items. Sometimes art as simple as painted rocks or polymer clay ornmanets, jewelry, soft sculpture, papier mache and painted woodcarvings among other things. I love whimsical art. I have participated in many Michigan Summer art shows and winter craft shows. I love the process of creating and playing with color and pattern! I love to experiment with all kinds of media. Art is like play for me and I always try to keep it playful and fun for my students too!