sicolab.org [staten island collaboration]

COAHSI is sponsoring an introductory Teaching Artist workshop, and would love to see some SICoLab members and friends attend. TUESDAY JULY 14th, 6:30-8, at the Noble's main lobby.

Maybe I should back up just a little. What's a teaching artist? They're artists who are active and productive in their own art, and who teach their art form in the schools or community settings. So this is not the same as being a certified art teacher in the schools, where you're on the school’s staff. It can be an excellent source of income for artists, and a meaningful type of work.

This is also something that can be done as a staff person at an arts organization, OR as a freelancer. It can be useful for folks who tour or go through busy seasons and down seasons. It can be incredibly rewarding work if you have the right support and training. Quality arts instruction can change children’s whole attitude towards school, or change the way other students (and teachers) see them. It’s actually been shown to improve cognitive abilities, sometimes in children who weren’t experiencing success in other ways.

Staten Island schools and cultural orgs often tell me that they have trouble finding qualified teaching artists. They often end up hiring artists from off-Island, or else they just scrap the whole idea. Yet we’ve got so many artists right here on Staten Island! Wouldn’t it be great to be able to have talented local artists making this contribution, filling this gap, and … earning this potential income?

Please come to the introductory workshop if this idea appeals to you – and please tell other artists you know. It’s designed to help artists of all disciplines decide if this is for them; and to give information about next steps. Speakers will include DB Lampman, Program Director at the Noble Maritime Collection, internationally exhibiting artist, and teaching artist; Susan Fenley, Executive Director of Sundog Theatre, and an actress, singer, and mime who has appeared in theatres, film, and commercials; and Janice Patrignani, design professional, award winning visual artist, and art educator.
Email me (Kelly, arts-in-ed program director at COAHSI) to RSVP, or with questions! I’ll be glad to hear from you. kkuwabara@statenislandarts.org.

This can be a way to make a difference and make a living, all as part of your art practice.