Visual arts teachers learn techniques to share with students

A great deal of training and professional development takes place before students return to the classroom. During pre-service days, Hampton City Schools visual arts teachers kicked off the new school year by learning, creating, and exploring new techniques together.

Betsy Smith from Dixon USA worked with the elementary art teachers and shared a fun lesson that combined watercolor and weaving. Teachers enjoyed being students for the day as they experimented with the materials and thought about how they could bring the lesson back to their own classrooms.

Middle school teachers spent time with Emily Cayton, manager of Experiential Learning at the Chrysler Museum of Art, learning how to create collagraphs. The session gave teachers a chance to explore printmaking while experimenting with different textures and materials. 

At the high school level, artist and educator Avery Lam introduced teachers to Sumi-E painting. She shared the background and traditions of Sumi-E before guiding teachers through the painting process and demonstrating techniques they could use with their students.

“It was wonderful to see our art teachers creating alongside one another, sharing ideas, and simply enjoying the process of making art,” said Ai Choo Ashe, teacher specialist in the visual and performing arts department. “Each session offered something different, but all three gave teachers practical ideas they can take back to their students. Pre-service days were a great reminder that art teachers need opportunities to create, explore, and be inspired, too.”