Class Offerings by Bowen

Students will collaborate with me to draw a grumpy monster of their own. We’ll talk about ways our emotions manifest and how we can recognize what we’re feeling. Then each monster will get a collection of items and activities that can help them cope with their feelings! Students will learn to “belly breathe” and discover ways to help themselves when feelings get overwhelming. This is a highly interactive class that aims to make students feel heard and encouraged.

Supplies:
8.5 x 11 copy paper
Markers or colored pencils

Best Grades / Class Length:
K-4th / 30-45 minutes

Class begins with some “belly breathing” and a mental check-in. As we begin to create, students are encouraged not to plan but to simply go with the flow and remember to breathe. We will collaborate to choose basic shapes to incorporate into our doodles. From there students volunteer ideas they have for turning their shapes into something unique. The lesson will include some color theory, value and shading, and practice sharing positive feedback.

Supplies:
4x6 index card
1 colored pencil per student

Best Grades / Class Length:
1st-5th / 40-50 minutes

This lesson begins with an interactive read aloud of the book, “The Tiny T-Rex and the Impossible Hug” by Jonathan Stutzman. Students will then follow along as I draw a very simple T-rex ready for a hug. Each artist will decide what their own dinosaur is hugging. Through this practice we will discuss things that make us feel safe and happy, and how we can use them to feel better when we’re down. Students are encouraged to add to their drawings and share their work.

Supplies:
8.5x11 copy paper
Markers

Best Grades / Class Length:
Pre-K-3rd / 30-40 minutes

Students will learn how to create something new and exciting from something old- revealing the potential of recycled materials for creative purposes. Students will be asked to follow along in cutting some strips and using elmers glue and a straw to craft tubular beads of various sizes. Beads will have to dry and be assembled into necklaces the following day.

Supplies:
Magazine paper (2 per student)
1 plastic straw per student
Scissors
Liquid Elmer’s glue
String

Notes:
Papers could be cut in advanced if time or scissors are scarcities. Straws can be reused.

Best Grades / Class Length:
2nd-5th / 40-50 minutes

One of my favorite aspects about working in the school is that the kiddos get to see a full-time artist at work! It’s something I never got to see as a kid, the impact is apparent each time I work at schools! This class combines a little background bio presentation and lots of time for questions, during a student-lead free-draw! Sometimes kids just want to ask “how do you draw ___?!” and this class allows them that time. We will create tiny books filled with the drawings they requested.

Supplies:
8.5x11 paper per student
Pencils
Colored pencils or crayons are optional

Note:
A document camera, smart board, or white board will all work for my drawings.

Best Grades / Class Length:
K-5th / 30-50 minutes

This is a great introduction to polymer clay, especially for the younger students! Each kiddo will get to select a handful of 10-12 color of pre-chunked clay to work with. We’ll learn how to make 4 different kinds of beads and students will be welcome to go their own direction as well. Beads will be poked on to skewers and labeled, baked, and then returned in bags with their names to be strung at a later time. Each student can create between 8 and 15 beads.

Supplies:
1 pack of assorted clay per 40 students
String (for necklaces)
1 Pack of skewers (I reuse)
Small zip lock bag per student

Notes:
An additional hour will be added for baking and bagging items to send home. Toaster oven provided- seperate area for it is best.

Best Grades / Class Length:
1st-5th / 40-50 minutes

This open-ended polymer clay class will teach students the basics of conditioning and sculpting with this oven-bake medium. A wide variety of examples will be provided and students will be encouraged to create an item they’re excited about. Encouraging tiny pieces helps alleviate the pressure of large scale art and requires quick creativity. Each student will create one miniature to take home.

Supplies:
1 assorted pack of clay per 60 students
1 small zip lock bag per student

Notes:
I will bring tools and the toaster oven! An additional hour will be added for baking the items. A location separate from class to house my toaster oven is preferable.

Best Grades / Class Length:
1st-12th / 40 - 50 min

In this class students will be introduced to the basic concepts behind stop motion and claymation art. Working individually or in small groups they will develop their own tiny movie! They may hand-sculpt subject matter to feature and include everyday objects from the room. I am always blown away by what the students come up with in even the briefest periods of time!

Supplies:
Best for schools that provide chromebooks or tablets, if limited, students can work in small groups with one shared camera. Phones also work fine.

One package of Plasticine per 30 students (will be reused class to class)

We’ll need a smart board or screen to show some video examples, and I’ll email an app for their devices before I arrive.

Best Grades / Class Length
4th-12th / 45 minutes - 1 hour

I am available to work with classes for up to one week at a time! The Polymer Clay and Stop Motion classes are good options for extended projects, and I am open to new ideas that might be a more perfect fit with your classes. An additional planning fee of $100 will be added to residencies for planning/setup/travel/clean up!

This option works great for after-school programming as well. I love running elementary art clubs, just be sure to book early!

Supplies:
To be determined per situation

Best Grades:
Situational