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Why ART.

As a student I always put academic intelligence above creative intelligence. I never understood why I studied more than other students to get the same or lesser grade, but when it came to tasks that required out of the box thinking, I excelled. It had taken me many years and much heartache to finally realize what a powerful asset my creative intelligence actually was.

 

Art fosters critical thinking, persistence, and time management skills. I am interested in student-centered learning within a studio like environment, allowing students to experience the struggles and successes of the art making process through the eyes of an artist. Students work through their struggles as the teacher acts as the guide learning alongside each student, giving students ownership of their learning and artwork. Students learn to become active problem finders and solvers, self-monitoring and redirection skills, and creative thinking skills through collaboration. 

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“The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional dancers or artists. [It's] to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, who can lead productive lives."

- Kelly Pollock

Me.

I have been a creative person my entire life. While obtaining my Bachelors of Fine Arts, Indiana University of Pennsylvania gave me numerous opportunities to expand on my creative experiences. Being President of the Student Art Association allowed me to explore other creative paths such as leading creatively and curating gallery events which led to my internship at The Bottle Works Ethnic Art Center in Johnstown PA. During that time I found my calling; teaching the importance of having a creative outlook on life through the process of art making. I have since followed that calling back to receive my BSEd in Art Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

I hope to introduce children to a choice-based framework of art education, this allows for a student-centered learning environment where students are encouraged to think as artists. It forces students to be problem finders and solvers within the studio structured classroom environment. 

Madelyn

Kelley

Art Educator

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