It Just Blew Me Away
The fact that Catlin Gabel was building a new center for the arts absolutely influenced my decision to join the faculty. Learning that the community was coming together and undertaking such a sizeable expansion for the arts just blew me away. It seemed like it would be a pivotal time, with lots of possibilities. For teachers (and students) these kinds of opportunities are rare, and when they do come along, it is usually once in a lifetime. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it all.I came to Catlin Gabel this past year to teach both 2-D and 3-D art. My 2-D art classes were held in the current art building, behind the Dant House. But since there wasn’t a 3-D studio, the science department offered me a classroom to use. Working there really helped expose art projects and the curriculum to many students. When the new building is complete, the current 2-D art building will become a 3-D art studio. The redesign will bring an assortment of new tools and materials, as well as independent studio spaces for students. I am excited to expand the curricular program in new directions, and am eager to design the studio so students can explore a wealth of materials and processes.
In between the Upper and Middle School art studios will be a printmaking shop! By having a designated print shop, we’ll be able to elevate the awareness of just how great making prints can be (and why it is one of my favorite processes).
The Creative Arts Center will also bring a much more connected sense of community. I am looking forward to being neighbors with Middle School art teacher Dale Rawls. It will be great for all the students in grades 6 to 12 to see what everyone else is making. That kind of artistic and communal interaction is going to be something very special. Oh, and we’re going to have an art gallery too!
Starting this year, the arts programming is going to open up so students can experiment and develop skills in a variety of areas. By having so many different modes of creativity under one roof, students are going to be exposed to so many new ways of thinking and expression. Filmmaking, photography, dance, music, theater, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and so much more will be happening in and around the building. It is going to be amazing.
I want students in the new space to have fun, work hard, learn a lot, and bring their friends and families into the art studios to share the incredible work being made. The more we can connect as a community, come together to participate in creative processes, and develop our modes of self-expression, the better we can all communicate as people in the world and increase inclusivity.