January 3, 2025 • 14 mins
Witness the magic when young art meets experience, as I recount my day as a juror for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Imagine the thrill of seeing the world through the eyes of 7th to 12th graders, each piece a testament to raw talent and unfiltered creativity. From my own daughter's gold key victory to the struggles art educators face with limited resources, this episode paints a vivid picture of the importance of nurturing creativity in our schools and communities.
As I reflect on this profound experience, I share insights into my own artistic journey and the joy of opening a space where creativity flourishes. Listen as I discuss the vibrant community that forms around art, bridging social gaps and sparking connections. From young artists to seasoned creators, everyone deserves a place to express themselves, and I'm committed to making that a reality. Tune in to hear how art serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and camaraderie, offering a fulfilling outlet that transcends age and backgrounds.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Hello everyone.
Welcome back to Brutally MadeHappy New Year.
I am sending this out a littlelater on in the day.
I had to spend my last week of2024 with laryngitis and I
couldn't talk, so I couldn'trecord that week.
(00:28):
Today I actually have a PTO frommy day job and I have been at
the Scholastic Art and WritingAwards judging or being a juror
for 7th through 12th gradeartists in about six counties
surrounding me, and so I justgot back from that and I wanted
(00:51):
to talk about the inspiration ata young age and how that
carries over into adulthood fortoday's episode, and I thought
that experience would be reallygreat to talk about.
So my pets are super excitedthat I'm home, so you can
probably hear them in thebackground meowing and squeaking
(01:13):
all their toys.
So the experience of getting tojudge a group of kids ages 7th
grade to 12th grade and theirvariety of work was just
phenomenal.
And today the I guess visualsthat you're going to see are
(01:34):
going to be some of my work whenI was younger and then throwing
in some of the things that mykiddos produced.
I love looking back on stufflike that.
My daughter, the oldestdaughter she was a gold key
winner for the Scholastic Artsin Photography when she was in
(01:54):
high school and it was such acool thing for her to receive
that.
For her award she was asked togo to New York and her piece was
displayed in Columbus and itwas just an honor to get to.
You know, help.
(02:15):
Another young adult experiencethat and I was truly just blown
away by the talent.
It was incredible to also hearthe other jurors in my group and
my little cohort that wereeducators and just their
(02:36):
struggles of what are they goingto teach in the timeframe that
they're given to the studentsthat are placed in there or
elected to be in there.
And you've got this huge rangeof interest.
People either want to do it orare just there to fill a space,
(02:57):
or don't understand theassignment or want to do their
own thing.
And how are you constructivelyguiding them and providing the
right environment and tools andthe finances?
Because art programs are cut alot from different organizations
and schools and it's a strugglebut it's so important and it's
(03:24):
such a great career and outletand just it's a variety of
things.
It's so hard to gauge creativeendeavors like art on the same
level as sports or academics orthings that other people put on
(03:44):
a pedestal, I guess more or lessbecause then they are
considered eligible for fundingor support or it makes money for
the schools.
I mean personal opinion here,but it just seems like art is
approached as something that canbe tossed away or is not on the
(04:06):
same level.
And it truly is.
It is truly something thatshould be embraced and supported
and seen as something thatgenerates interest and
camaraderie and fills in socialgaps.
Opening the shop and studio nowfor four months there is just
(04:31):
this hunger for people to engagewith something they produce,
that they make, that they havefun doing or trying, and that's
why I love offering creativeopportunities in all aspects and
in many ways, for all ages, foranyone and all kinds of things,
(04:56):
things that I don't know how todo.
I'm totally looking for otherteachers.
I love learning.
I absolutely want to continueto find new things to offer and
enjoy trying, just like the nextperson.
It's not like I'm ever going toget to the point where I'm just
I'm done, I know enough.
(05:17):
It's to me that's not evergoing to happen and I feel that
connection with other people.
There are so many people thatcome in there with a friend.
They find something fun to sitdown and create, they'll start
talking.
And I really try to back off,especially if it's not a class,
especially if you're coming inthere to do just like, make
(05:40):
something pop in with family andfriends.
I'm there to guide, I'll chatwith you all night, but I really
try to step back and let themenjoy the moment.
And you know I'll have theradio or music going in the
background and it's justrelaxing and I love the hum of
everyone enjoying that moment.
(06:02):
And it's not a race.
I don't, I don't like.
Oh, I close at nine, you'releaving.
I have people staying until 10o'clock and that's fine, it's
open.
I'll make it work.
That is the beauty of havingthis space.
It's not just like a store,it's more than that and I think
(06:25):
people are getting to understandthat.
That is the goal and I lovethat.
It involves being creative orlearning something new or having
a moment together.
That's what is most important.
Yes, you can shop for a new,really cool shirt.
Yes, there are some amazing artthat you'll be able to see on
(06:46):
the wall.
Yes, I encourage you tocontribute to a community art
project.
There are gifts to buy, thereare places to have a party and
there are ways to bring food anddrink in, and it's just a
variety of ways to offerdifferent levels for everyone's
(07:07):
needs, and that has my heart.
That's why I love it so so much, because it's not following
anything else that I know.
It's bits and pieces and partsof things that I enjoy that I'm
making my own and I think thatthat is truly creative.
(07:28):
But it's also something that isso necessary right now.
There are ways that we're notconnecting with one another that
we really need to.
I posted a draw date event andit's kind of like a speed dating
thing and I want to offer it todifferent niches in our
(07:48):
community Right now.
I want to try to help 21 andover men and women have a moment
meeting one another in a coolenvironment, sketching each
other for three minutes.
I'll give a list of promptsthat they can talk to one
another about.
Then they hear the buzzer, theygo to the next person and at
the end they're gonna have 20pictures of someone they
(08:12):
sketched.
And then you go back around andyou talk to the people and show
them your drawings and havesome pizza and you can go to
drink.
If you want, bring it over fromone of the restaurants or bars
and you're just enjoyingsomething silly to laugh about.
And if you want to stay laterand play one of the art games,
go for it when the doors closethat night.
(08:33):
You've got micro breweries,mexican restaurants, italian
restaurants, ice cream places.
You can just like continuetalking to that person maybe
you've made a connection with.
And then the next one I'll havefor you know, guys meeting guys.
I'll have one for the girlsmeeting the girls.
I'll have one for 65 and over,because I tell you what, in my
(08:57):
nine to five we have a groupthat those older adults, those
seniors, when we have forums andstuff, they want to know where
the single men are or the singlewomen are.
There's a need for that and itwould be so much fun to do it
over art.
So those are coming.
Those are things that I'mtrying to create that I really
(09:20):
haven't seen done before, but Iwant to be that place that's
kind of different and fun.
And you know, oh, out of the boxthinking, I have a monthly bus
tour that I want to do and Iwant to incorporate visiting
other locations that have offthe wall supplies, for example.
So if we're doing like anassemblage piece and I will show
(09:42):
that piece of art at breakfast.
And everyone gets on a shuttlebus and we go to one thrift
store location and we shop formaterials.
And then we're going to get onthe bus and we're going to go to
another location and we'regoing to shop for more materials
.
Then we all get back on the busand we come back to the studio,
we take everything out that wefound and we make a piece
(10:02):
inspired by my sample and you'respending the whole morning
together with people that loveto craft, like you do, and I
just think that's so much fun.
I have those happening everymonth and then I have a tiny,
itty bitty art exhibit going.
We had a itty bitty art exhibitin 2020.
(10:25):
And then the pandemic hit and itwas at Bell Village Mall and
everybody stopped and createdthese teeny, tiny pieces of art
and I had all these littlemagnifying glasses and micro
tiny visitors looking at the artand we're going to do the same
thing, but on the gallery wall,in April.
So two inches is the max sizethat you can make your art and
(10:47):
you can submit up to four piecesand it's $5 to enter and you
don't have to be from thecommunity.
You can mail it in and there'sinstructions on that event that
talk about how to do it.
But if you're here locally, ifyou want to sell them, you can.
But they're going to getdonated to the Plain Little Art
Shack.
So we have art to give away inthe community.
(11:09):
If they don't sell, or if youmail them in because I'm not
mailing them back those would bedonated.
But we'll have tiny littlemagnifying glasses so everybody
could see the little art.
We're going to have littleprograms, we're going to have
little snacks, but I want tofill the art with community
engaged pieces, everyone in thecommunity making something tiny
(11:30):
to hang on the wall for thisitty bitty art exhibit five year
anniversary.
So that is happening and I justlove creating different ideas
that involve any age, any body,any talent, and that's got my
heart.
So the theme of this wholeepisode today is being inspired
(11:53):
like a child.
Today, during the ScholasticArts Awards, I got to see
multiple submissions based onthe same prompt and you can tell
it was the same prompt.
There were similar, I guess,media used, not the same picture
, but you know, maybe they wereall fruit paintings or fruit
(12:14):
drawings and you could tell thatthey came from the same
assignment because there were alot of elements that were alike.
But you're thinking out of thebox, you've got a little
guidelines and you kind of rollwith your own style and I feel
like that's what I'm doing.
I have a store, the guidelinesto be open, there's a gallery
(12:39):
and I'm doing what I want withit and I think that is what
makes it so unique and fun,because it's not like anything
else and I don't want to be likeanything else, because
everybody coming in are theirown person, their own style,
their own interests, and I wantto be there for them to express
(13:03):
that.
And I know I can't fill theniche for everybody, but I can
be available to you to find yourown.
And that's what's important tome, because I feel like being
creative helps facilitate somany things in life, from
(13:23):
relationships to businesses tomarketing to really everything
sciences.
I mean, if you followed therecipe to a T and never deviated
, everything would be the same.
We need to deviate, we need tochange things up, and I'm giving
(13:43):
permission for people to dothat and that's important to me.
So I just want you to look atthings, even though, if you have
a set of rules.
Put your own spin on it.
Don't be afraid to try makingit your own.
That's what's important.
Be yourself, because you'rebrutally made.
(14:03):
I know that.
So I hope you liked this littlewalk down memory lane with my
visuals, if you happen to bewatching on YouTube.
But yeah, let me know howyou're going to approach
something new in 2025, with achildlike wonder and excitement.
I've got six more months leftin my full-time job and I am all
(14:25):
in and I have to make it work.
So that's what I'm doing.
Thanks for listening.
I can't wait to talk to younext time.
Have a great weekend and staysafe out there.
Take care.
Bye-bye.
Hello everyone.
Welcome back to Brutally MadeHappy New Year.
I am sending this out a littlelater on in the day.
I had to spend my last week of2024 with laryngitis and I
couldn't talk, so I couldn'trecord that week.
(00:28):
Today I actually have a PTO frommy day job and I have been at
the Scholastic Art and WritingAwards judging or being a juror
for 7th through 12th gradeartists in about six counties
surrounding me, and so I justgot back from that and I wanted
(00:51):
to talk about the inspiration ata young age and how that
carries over into adulthood fortoday's episode, and I thought
that experience would be reallygreat to talk about.
So my pets are super excitedthat I'm home, so you can
probably hear them in thebackground meowing and squeaking
(01:13):
all their toys.
So the experience of getting tojudge a group of kids ages 7th
grade to 12th grade and theirvariety of work was just
phenomenal.
And today the I guess visualsthat you're going to see are
(01:34):
going to be some of my work whenI was younger and then throwing
in some of the things that mykiddos produced.
I love looking back on stufflike that.
My daughter, the oldestdaughter she was a gold key
winner for the Scholastic Artsin Photography when she was in
(01:54):
high school and it was such acool thing for her to receive
that.
For her award she was asked togo to New York and her piece was
displayed in Columbus and itwas just an honor to get to.
You know, help.
(02:15):
Another young adult experiencethat and I was truly just blown
away by the talent.
It was incredible to also hearthe other jurors in my group and
my little cohort that wereeducators and just their
(02:36):
struggles of what are they goingto teach in the timeframe that
they're given to the studentsthat are placed in there or
elected to be in there.
And you've got this huge rangeof interest.
People either want to do it orare just there to fill a space,
(02:57):
or don't understand theassignment or want to do their
own thing.
And how are you constructivelyguiding them and providing the
right environment and tools andthe finances?
Because art programs are cut alot from different organizations
and schools and it's a strugglebut it's so important and it's
(03:24):
such a great career and outletand just it's a variety of
things.
It's so hard to gauge creativeendeavors like art on the same
level as sports or academics orthings that other people put on
(03:44):
a pedestal, I guess more or lessbecause then they are
considered eligible for fundingor support or it makes money for
the schools.
I mean personal opinion here,but it just seems like art is
approached as something that canbe tossed away or is not on the
(04:06):
same level.
And it truly is.
It is truly something thatshould be embraced and supported
and seen as something thatgenerates interest and
camaraderie and fills in socialgaps.
Opening the shop and studio nowfor four months there is just
(04:31):
this hunger for people to engagewith something they produce,
that they make, that they havefun doing or trying, and that's
why I love offering creativeopportunities in all aspects and
in many ways, for all ages, foranyone and all kinds of things,
(04:56):
things that I don't know how todo.
I'm totally looking for otherteachers.
I love learning.
I absolutely want to continueto find new things to offer and
enjoy trying, just like the nextperson.
It's not like I'm ever going toget to the point where I'm just
I'm done, I know enough.
(05:17):
It's to me that's not evergoing to happen and I feel that
connection with other people.
There are so many people thatcome in there with a friend.
They find something fun to sitdown and create, they'll start
talking.
And I really try to back off,especially if it's not a class,
especially if you're coming inthere to do just like, make
(05:40):
something pop in with family andfriends.
I'm there to guide, I'll chatwith you all night, but I really
try to step back and let themenjoy the moment.
And you know I'll have theradio or music going in the
background and it's justrelaxing and I love the hum of
everyone enjoying that moment.
(06:02):
And it's not a race.
I don't, I don't like.
Oh, I close at nine, you'releaving.
I have people staying until 10o'clock and that's fine, it's
open.
I'll make it work.
That is the beauty of havingthis space.
It's not just like a store,it's more than that and I think
(06:25):
people are getting to understandthat.
That is the goal and I lovethat.
It involves being creative orlearning something new or having
a moment together.
That's what is most important.
Yes, you can shop for a new,really cool shirt.
Yes, there are some amazing artthat you'll be able to see on
(06:46):
the wall.
Yes, I encourage you tocontribute to a community art
project.
There are gifts to buy, thereare places to have a party and
there are ways to bring food anddrink in, and it's just a
variety of ways to offerdifferent levels for everyone's
(07:07):
needs, and that has my heart.
That's why I love it so so much, because it's not following
anything else that I know.
It's bits and pieces and partsof things that I enjoy that I'm
making my own and I think thatthat is truly creative.
(07:28):
But it's also something that isso necessary right now.
There are ways that we're notconnecting with one another that
we really need to.
I posted a draw date event andit's kind of like a speed dating
thing and I want to offer it todifferent niches in our
(07:48):
community Right now.
I want to try to help 21 andover men and women have a moment
meeting one another in a coolenvironment, sketching each
other for three minutes.
I'll give a list of promptsthat they can talk to one
another about.
Then they hear the buzzer, theygo to the next person and at
the end they're gonna have 20pictures of someone they
(08:12):
sketched.
And then you go back around andyou talk to the people and show
them your drawings and havesome pizza and you can go to
drink.
If you want, bring it over fromone of the restaurants or bars
and you're just enjoyingsomething silly to laugh about.
And if you want to stay laterand play one of the art games,
go for it when the doors closethat night.
(08:33):
You've got micro breweries,mexican restaurants, italian
restaurants, ice cream places.
You can just like continuetalking to that person maybe
you've made a connection with.
And then the next one I'll havefor you know, guys meeting guys.
I'll have one for the girlsmeeting the girls.
I'll have one for 65 and over,because I tell you what, in my
(08:57):
nine to five we have a groupthat those older adults, those
seniors, when we have forums andstuff, they want to know where
the single men are or the singlewomen are.
There's a need for that and itwould be so much fun to do it
over art.
So those are coming.
Those are things that I'mtrying to create that I really
(09:20):
haven't seen done before, but Iwant to be that place that's
kind of different and fun.
And you know, oh, out of the boxthinking, I have a monthly bus
tour that I want to do and Iwant to incorporate visiting
other locations that have offthe wall supplies, for example.
So if we're doing like anassemblage piece and I will show
(09:42):
that piece of art at breakfast.
And everyone gets on a shuttlebus and we go to one thrift
store location and we shop formaterials.
And then we're going to get onthe bus and we're going to go to
another location and we'regoing to shop for more materials
.
Then we all get back on the busand we come back to the studio,
we take everything out that wefound and we make a piece
(10:02):
inspired by my sample and you'respending the whole morning
together with people that loveto craft, like you do, and I
just think that's so much fun.
I have those happening everymonth and then I have a tiny,
itty bitty art exhibit going.
We had a itty bitty art exhibitin 2020.
(10:25):
And then the pandemic hit and itwas at Bell Village Mall and
everybody stopped and createdthese teeny, tiny pieces of art
and I had all these littlemagnifying glasses and micro
tiny visitors looking at the artand we're going to do the same
thing, but on the gallery wall,in April.
So two inches is the max sizethat you can make your art and
(10:47):
you can submit up to four piecesand it's $5 to enter and you
don't have to be from thecommunity.
You can mail it in and there'sinstructions on that event that
talk about how to do it.
But if you're here locally, ifyou want to sell them, you can.
But they're going to getdonated to the Plain Little Art
Shack.
So we have art to give away inthe community.
(11:09):
If they don't sell, or if youmail them in because I'm not
mailing them back those would bedonated.
But we'll have tiny littlemagnifying glasses so everybody
could see the little art.
We're going to have littleprograms, we're going to have
little snacks, but I want tofill the art with community
engaged pieces, everyone in thecommunity making something tiny
(11:30):
to hang on the wall for thisitty bitty art exhibit five year
anniversary.
So that is happening and I justlove creating different ideas
that involve any age, any body,any talent, and that's got my
heart.
So the theme of this wholeepisode today is being inspired
(11:53):
like a child.
Today, during the ScholasticArts Awards, I got to see
multiple submissions based onthe same prompt and you can tell
it was the same prompt.
There were similar, I guess,media used, not the same picture
, but you know, maybe they wereall fruit paintings or fruit
(12:14):
drawings and you could tell thatthey came from the same
assignment because there were alot of elements that were alike.
But you're thinking out of thebox, you've got a little
guidelines and you kind of rollwith your own style and I feel
like that's what I'm doing.
I have a store, the guidelinesto be open, there's a gallery
(12:39):
and I'm doing what I want withit and I think that is what
makes it so unique and fun,because it's not like anything
else and I don't want to be likeanything else, because
everybody coming in are theirown person, their own style,
their own interests, and I wantto be there for them to express
(13:03):
that.
And I know I can't fill theniche for everybody, but I can
be available to you to find yourown.
And that's what's important tome, because I feel like being
creative helps facilitate somany things in life, from
(13:23):
relationships to businesses tomarketing to really everything
sciences.
I mean, if you followed therecipe to a T and never deviated
, everything would be the same.
We need to deviate, we need tochange things up, and I'm giving
(13:43):
permission for people to dothat and that's important to me.
So I just want you to look atthings, even though, if you have
a set of rules.
Put your own spin on it.
Don't be afraid to try makingit your own.
That's what's important.
Be yourself, because you'rebrutally made.
(14:03):
I know that.
So I hope you liked this littlewalk down memory lane with my
visuals, if you happen to bewatching on YouTube.
But yeah, let me know howyou're going to approach
something new in 2025, with achildlike wonder and excitement.
I've got six more months leftin my full-time job and I am all
(14:25):
in and I have to make it work.
So that's what I'm doing.
Thanks for listening.
I can't wait to talk to younext time.
Have a great weekend and staysafe out there.
Take care.
Bye-bye.
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