On The Joy of Community - Mass Art Educators Hang a Show

The Merry Band - Photo by Casey Westerlind

I spent a recent Saturday with this group of art educators hanging a juried show at the State Transportation Building in downtown Boston.

Much to Do

The exhibit was organized by the Massachusetts Art Education Association (MAEA).  Art teachers from across the state submitted images for consideration.  Unwrapping the carefully packaged selected works I felt like a kid excitedly and gratefully opening gifts.

Epiphany

We hang an art show each semester where I teach: American International College in Springfield, Mass.  Over the years, my students and I have refined the process.  However, learning how to create a jig (or template), as shown above, by affixing a hook on a table (far right) to precisely calculate the desired length of the hanging string, was a time-saving revelation.

Teamwork - Photo by Casey Westerlind

Much of the time we worked in pairs.  Here, I collaborate with Carolann Tebbetts.  She was patient, kind and gave precise instructions.  Sounds like a quality art teacher, right?

Almost Done

As the hours passed, we became a little punchy.  However, due to steady progress, beautiful art and deepening group camaraderie, it felt like only a handful of minutes to complete the work.

Happy Camper - Photo by Laura Marotta

The exhibit runs through 9/13/19. We hope you will join us at the closing reception: 9/15/19 at 4:00 pm.  The State Transportation Building is located at 10 Park Plaza, Boston MA, and is open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and is closed holidays and weekends.

Below are my images in the show.  Both are double exposures, taken with inexpensive plastic film cameras.  Please click here for the backstory.

Gettysburg

East and West

Professor John Nordell teaches courses in the Visual and Digital Arts Program at American International College in Springfield, Mass. He blogs about the creative process at CreateLookEnjoy.com

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