I had the pleasure of meeting artist Bren Bataclan who makes happy, bright vibrant works of art. He also spreads kindness by giving away free art! Check his TEDx Talk and interview! It will make you smile!

Read more about the Sumi Ink Club HERE
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The 9/11 Memorial honors the sad day of loss in our country. Artists, architects and designers used their talents to create a memorial that honors the horrible events on 9/11.
Here is video of architect Michael Arad discussing the memorial.

Here is video of one of the artists discussing the lighting installation created that will be on this evening.

This display, known as Tribute in Light®, appears as twin shafts filling the void of where the World Trade Center twin towers previously stood in lower Manhattan. The memorial plaza will be open on Sept. 11 to the general public for the first time since the attacks, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, for anyone who wants a closer look at this feat of illumination. Tribute in Light® has become known throughout the world as an example of the healing power of art as people remember and revisit the 9/11 Memorial.

After 9/11, several individuals came up with the idea of two beams of light rising above the skyline of New York. These artists, lighting designers and architects collaborated as part of the effort to promote unity during the massive rescue and recovery that was underway. The team received a grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and additional assistance by Con Edison, New York’s utility company. Six months after 9/11, the lighting tribute was presented for the first time on March 11, 2002. It was produced by the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), founded in 1893 to preserve landmarks and public spaces, and Creative Time, an organization that commissions public art.
Read more at http://guardianlv.com/2014/09/tribute-in-light-healing-art-911-memorial/#4kIgTZAK9xZIPx2Z.99

The 9/11 Memorial created the Artist Registry. This is a database of professional and novice artists who created of works of art in response to 9/11. It is a wonderful collection of art from around the world and a great way to see how others express there feelings and emotions through art.

This school year I have the wonderful treat of sharing my classroom with the talented and bright Lauren Vigneau! I am thrilled to welcome her and learn from her! Here are a few fun things that Lauren wanted to share about herself as you get to know her:
​- Graduated BHS in 2006.
- Attended Middlesex community College where I got my Associates Degree in Graphic Design
- Continued my education .. to get my Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design at The New England Institute of Art.
- Currently finishing out my Masters Degree at Salem State University - MAT Secondary Art Education
- Also currently employed for Burlington Public schools.. Recently updated and redesigned the town and school website and currently teach 1st grade Elementary Art at Francis Wyman Elementary School.
- Love to paint, draw and photography.. when I'm not creating logos, invitations and other print media on the computer! 

It is wonderful to welcome Lauren back to BHS and once upon a time she was my student so this is an extra special year for me! Welcome Lauren!

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So it's the night before school starts and I have to share with my students that I get nervous too...

Yup, teachers are nervous the night before school starts. I am entering my fifteenth year teaching at BHS and I still get anxious and nervous about what is to come. 

There are a few things that I do now as a teacher that I wished I knew when I was a student....

• Get a good nights sleep- yes, just rest, let your mind rest and get the sleep you need. Try to make this a priority.
• Breathe- I had a great workshop this year on Mindfulness by Caitlin Krause. Just pausing, being present and breathing is wonderful for relaxing and good for your brain.

• Write lists- if something is on your mind, write it down-get it off your mind

• Sketch-keep your sketchbook with you and use it daily, hourly, just doodling can help relax the mind

• Enter each new school year with an open mind. There is always something new to learn and an open mind will help facilitate that learning

OK- so these are the typical steps that your parents and teachers share with you now I am going to share a more personal story- I didn't always like going to school. I felt isolated and alone. I was one of very few Asian American students living in a small suburban community and quite frankly it was quite difficult at times. 

So my advice to you if you find yourself feeling isolated or alone know that there are many other students who feel the same way. Know that you are not alone and know that we are here to support YOU! We want you to feel welcome and we want you to learn this year. If you are comfortable and happy you will learn more. So please reach out to us, please know that we are here for YOU!

My art teacher was my savior, she made ever student feel welcome and supported in her room and I hope to do the same for you. So come by room 217 anytime, make this space and the art room your second home; come by and create, relax and know that you are always welcome here!

What a treat it was to work with these fantastic middle school students who LOVE Art! We had a great four days creating art and exploring new materials, making new friendships and having FUN!

​These young artists explored watercolors, craypas, pastels, created large paintings on canvas. Most importantly they had the gift of time to create art at their own pace and make discoveries and explore ideas and new mediums! 

And special thanks to our teaching assistant sophomore Josh MacLeod!

​Josh was a huge help to all of the students and he even had a time to create a painting!