Patriotic Art Resources

As we celebrate Memorial Day we remember and recognize all those that have served or are currently serving our country. It seems fitting to take a look at some of the artists who have worked with themes of patriotism in their artwork, many of whom are also veterans, and consider ways we might be able to incorporate some of their work and ideas into our own lessons.

This article talks about the story behind Jasper Johns painting Flag.

Norman Rockwell's the Four Freedoms is a series that refers to Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech in 1941 addressing our essential human rights. These paintings inspired patriotism across America and resulted in selling millions in U.S. Treasury Department War Bonds in 1943.

American Impressionist Childe Hassam painted The Fourth of July, 1916 in response to his attendance at the a parade in New York that was part of a collection of patriotic activities planned as American prepared to enter World War I.

Reflections by Lee Teter is a wonderful work about veterans and those lost during the Vietnam War. 

Jacob Lawrence created his War Series depicting various aspects of war inspired by his own experiences serving in the United States Coast Guard during World War II.

Retired Art Educator - Rita Swartz - Monday, May 22, 2017

I'd like to introduce you to Rita Swartz!

Rita taught for 40 years as a middle school art and language arts teacher. Her career included the following schools: Northview Public Schools, Godfrey Lee Public Schools, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Jenison Public Schools. 

Her favorite thing about teaching art was "interacting with the kids, seeing them learn new skills, watching their interpretation and creativity."

Rita's favorite quote is:

She is an active artist exhibiting in many shows around the state including participating in ArtPrize in 2015 and possibly 2017. Rita is a member of the Woodland Weavers and Spinners Guild, Lakeshore Fiber Arts Guild, Michigan League of Handweavers, and Handweavers' Guild of America. Her favorite art media are watercolor, acrylic, oil, collage, and all forms of fiber arts. Below are some of her works of art.

One of Rita's memorable teaching moments was seeing kids coiling baskets around school in their spare time. Since retiring she's been teaching painting and weaving classes, creating with Art Girlz, a group of retired art teachers, volunteering to teach weaving in a local middle school and sadly, caring for her sick husband.

Art Educator Spotlight - Teresa Moss - Monday, May 15, 2017

I'd like to introduce you to Teresa Moss!

Teresa is currently the high school art instructor at Fenton High School. She has taught for twenty-three years. Her favorite thing about teaching art is "sharing my passion with young people who KNOW that they love art or soon Discover that they love art."  A highlight from her career as an art instructor was nurturing a student toward winning a Gold Key in the Scholastic Art Awards. 

Her favorite quote is:

Teresa's most memorable art moment:

During studio time, my students and I chatted about life and its challenges. One day, when I offered my opinion about a behavior I didn't approve of, a girl complimented me saying, 'Ms. Moss, you ARE our mom-away-from-home! We shall call you Art Mama!'

Past Art Educator of the Year - September Buys - Monday, May 8, 2017

I'd like to introduce you to September Buys!

September is an Art and Creativity Educator at Greenville Middle School. In 2009 September was the MAEA Art Educator of the Year. 

Since then she has had two adorable little girls, and built a home with her husband Jason. She's been awarded as the 2010 Michigan Youth Arts Educator of the Year, 2011 NAEA Western Region Middle Level Art Educator of the Year, 2012 NAEA National Middle Level Art Educator of the Year, and 2016 Distinguished Alumni of Western Michigan University. She served on the writing team for the National Visual Art Standards (a three year commitment). September has taught an adjunct course for CMU and was invited and awarded a full scholarship to pursue PhD studies at Virginia Commonwealth University (which she ultimately decided to decline due to young family reasons). She has served NAEA as Middle Level Western Region Representative and just recently finished her term on NAEA's Board of Directors as the National Middle Level Division Director.

Her most memorable teaching moment to date:

     I honestly feel so lucky to get to do each day something that feels very little like work and more            like play. I love developing lessons and building relationships with my students. It is especially            rewarding when students come back to visit and tell you how much impact you've made. It's                usually in the little things.

September values creating right along side her students as well as continually working to find time to create outside of her busy schedule. Here are some of her recent artworks.

September's favorite art quote:

What does the future hold for September Buys? 

    Who knows? :) I am open to wherever luck and hard work takes me. I would love to take on a             curriculum development role at an ISD or large district level or full time college teaching                   experience at some point in my career. Right now, I am still enjoying the work of engaging middle       school kids.