***Note: Readers will have a chance to win two of Patty's art lesson plan e-booklets at the end of this interview.***
JEAN: Would you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to art and teaching?
PATTY: Teaching art was a bit of a surprise for me.
My background was in fashion design but when I had my first child, I left the design world behind and stayed at home to raise my baby. Two more children came and I loved being a mom. When my children were in elementary school, I volunteered in the classroom teaching art. By the time my youngest was in Kindergarten, I decided that volunteering was not enough anymore. I wanted to earn money. But I had no desire to jump back into fashion design, so I was at a bit of a loss as to what I was qualified for. Luckily, I was connected with the PTA and the school district (yes, I was a PTA President!) so when a position popped up for an art specialist, I knew I had found my job. I started working only 9 hours a week but it was a perfect fit for me then.
JEAN: I’d love to hear how you balance teaching specific art skills with exercises or projects that emphasize creativity and imagination?
PATTY: Elementary school kids are ripe with imagination and creativity. You really don’t have to do anything special to unlock it but you do need to provide a starting point. Many people assume that if you give a child specific instructions then you are stifling their creativity. I don’t think that’s true. The surest way to get a group of kids to lose interest is to hand a child a piece of paper and say, “draw a tree”. Most kids aren’t that excited to sit and draw a tree—I know I wouldn’t be—but if you give that tree some context, say “draw a tree with patterns”, then all of a sudden you have the children some wildly creative options.
JEAN: What do you do when faced with a child who lacks self confidence in his artistic ability? Or a student who is easily frustrated?
PATTY: A frustrated child is rather rare in my art classes. Sometimes the frustrated child has other issues that make him more sensitive to instruction or even a physical presence, but I work with the classroom teacher to know what those boundaries are for that particular child. Overall, if I sense a child becoming frustrated, usually there is a specific reason for it: they have higher expectations for themselves, they don’t think they are artistic, they made a mistake and don’t know how to fix it, or the person next to them is bugging them. Whatever it is, I try to make the child see past the problem and view the art project as an experiment. Mostly I just ask questions until they can solve the problem themselves.
For the child who doesn’t think they are an artist, I feel its my job to change that opinion. I teach with these kids in mind and vary my subjects and techniques to make sure that one of my projects will resonate with that child.
JEAN: Do you and your students have any favorite art activities that you return to again and again?
PATTY: Our ceramic unit is an absolute favorite. The kids are super excited when they see the hunks of clay in the art room. They can't wait to turn it into something. It’s the best medium for kids. For the teacher, the ceramic unit is by far the most time-consuming and there is never enough money in your contract to cover your time, but I wouldn’t dream of cutting it short. Way too fun. Just talking about it makes me excited!
JEAN: How about your own family? How has being an art teacher affected how you approached or encouraged art making in your home, especially when your children were younger?
PATTY: Here’s the thing; some children are more “artistic” than others. That’s a fact. I have 3 kids and only one is truly artistic. She has been ever since she could walk. I exposed all my children to art in various ways when they were really young but only my youngest gravitated towards the visual arts. My oldest son loves music and loves to write and my middle son likes rules, boundaries and all things linear, which doesn’t exactly scream artist. But they all have been exposed to art and have formed their own opinions (which, thankfully, are constantly changing).
Regardless of the children, I do art for me and my children see that.
JEAN: Do you think art exposure and art instruction is valuable even for those who are not "artistic?" And if so, why?
Patty: Great question! Absolutely. Exposing children to art during the formative school years reinforces that art is a necessary component to life, just like math, science, music and reading. I teach in a low income school district and many of my students will experience art for the first time in my class. If you are reading this interview you already know art is important but many parents don’t have the interest/time/means. It’s a huge honor for me to introduce these children to art, many of whom have no idea what their artistic capacity will be. Some love art but don’t have the opportunity to develop their interest at home and others live in a home that places little emphasis on art. That’s all okay because as parents, it’s very hard to expose our kids to everything. Having art in school, in an art room where it’s okay to get messy, ensures that all kids have equal opportunity.
JEAN: Anything else you would like to add?
PATTY: Parents always ask me how they can enrich their child’s artistic interest. I tell them to make sure the child has someplace to draw, a few supplies and a free schedule. The best way to ignite imagination is boredom. Turn off the TV and leave your child alone. When I was young, I loved books. Not just reading them but illustrating the pictures in the books. I loved to copy, trace and dream. I did that for hours. Actually, I still do. Try not to judge how your child views art or goes about making art. It’s theirs to do with it what they will. Parents sometimes need to step back and allow them to create in whichever way suits them.
This only works for school-aged children so if you have anyone younger, don’t worry about advancing their art interest just yet. With little ones (3 and 4’s), it’s really important that art just be about exploration. Unfortunately this translates into one big mess!
JEAN: Thanks so much, Patty!
I encourage you to explore Patty’s site, Deep Space Sparkle, which is a great resource for art teachers and those wishing to share art with their children. Read her 8 Tips for Teaching Art to Children or check out all her art lessons by grade, subject, or technique! There are some good ones under Art and Literature that I'd like to try with Maia soon!
***Art Lesson Plan Giveaway***
The random number generator picked 88 so congratulations go to Amanda for winning the set of Patty's art lesson plan e-booklets!
Thanks Patty, for your inspiration in the art room. You have a beautiful way of engaging all the students and I have learnt so much from you through your amazing website!
124 Comments
Lisa
November 22, 2011 at 6:53 amI was an elementary school teacher and I loved incorporating art in the classroom. How much cooler it would have been to have an art teacher like Patty around!
molly
November 22, 2011 at 6:53 amGreat interview (as always) Jean. I love what she said about trying not to judge how your children think about or make art, a good reminder for me!
Sadie
November 22, 2011 at 7:05 amI follow Patty’s blog and love the lessons she shares. I would love o win two of her lesson books! Thanks for the interview with her and the opportunity to try to win.
Rebecca Johnson
November 22, 2011 at 7:11 amWhat wonderful ideas! Would have loved being a student in her class!
[email protected]
November 22, 2011 at 7:15 amJean, great interview with Patty ~ you girls ROCK!!!
I enjoy reading – and relating – to you both….
keep on doing what you’re doing!!
thanks so much, LAURIE
Alison
November 22, 2011 at 8:10 amIt would be nice to have some ideas as art does not come naturally to me.
Gina
November 22, 2011 at 8:19 amI love this!! I have found Patty’s ideas online and tried a few and they worked great with my class! I would love to do more!
Kristina
November 22, 2011 at 8:23 amI wish that Patty had been my art teacher!!!!
Gretchen
November 22, 2011 at 8:40 amI am not a natural artist (Patty’s middle son sounds just like me!), so I need all the inspiration I can get. My daughter and I have already been working from Jean’s ideas. Thank you!
Annette Standrod
November 22, 2011 at 8:53 amI could see myself being an art teacher one day. Enjoyed this interview. [email protected]
Melanie Pitts
November 22, 2011 at 8:59 amI love art for kids! I taught school for many years, and I loved to incorporate it in my classroom. Now that I homeschool, I want to incorporate art each week in my lessons.
Stephanie H.
November 22, 2011 at 9:03 amWorking with ceramics was always my favorite art activity in elementary school- I still have most of my “masterpieces”!!
Dianne Collatos
November 22, 2011 at 9:25 amI will bring these ideas into our after school health club playroom—and get more messy !!!
Heather N
November 22, 2011 at 9:41 amMy 5 year old loves anything art! Thank you for the opportunity to win the ebooklets.
Lindsay Woodard
November 22, 2011 at 9:44 amWe live in Santa Barbara (next door to Goleta), but I was not familiar with Patty’s work. Now I’m definitely checking out her website!
Lisa @ milkshake crafts
November 22, 2011 at 10:12 amI love Patty’s ideas and her website. I visit often and have purchased several of her PDFs to use in the art classes that I teach in my backyard in the summer. I have also started an after-school art club at my daughter’s school for K-3, and most of our projects come from Deep Space Sparkle. Keep inspiring, Patty!
Heather
November 22, 2011 at 10:17 amAs a homeschooling mom Patty’s web site it an amazing resource to add art into our curriculum!
Virginia murello
November 22, 2011 at 10:28 amAs a second year art teacher I love her website and lessons! Such an inspiration! I have a similar story, starting as a volunteer art teacher for my children’s school, now I get paid to do what I love.
Jeanette Rengel
November 22, 2011 at 10:39 amI am from West Australia I enjoy Pattys website when not quite sure what to do when my fast finishers who are at least a day ahead of the others , then i look up the more ideas. it is the sharing of ideas that make it so good .I teach 460 children in visual arts and and been teaching for 20 years. I just love it.
Connie Smith
November 22, 2011 at 10:48 amThanks for all the sharing of ideas and tips! For a classroom teacher, imagination and creativity works into all areas of my curriculum and Patty has inspired many projects tied in with literature and even math. You all are very generous with your talents!
Brenda
November 22, 2011 at 10:53 amI am thankful for you – you positively influence so many students and make teaching art so much fun!
Tamara
November 22, 2011 at 10:54 amI am a Year Two New Zealand Teacher, living and teaching children in an International School in Egypt. I absolutely love Deep Space Sparkle and Patty’s awesome resources and use so many of the wonderful ideas in my classroom. Even the lessons designed for older ones can be modified and suited to my younger ones who surprise me daily with their abilties! I love the interesting, fun, bright and beautiful ideas!
:)
Tamara
November 22, 2011 at 10:58 amoops abilities…
and great interview Jean-thanks! I will be following your blog from now on :)
Amy Miller
November 22, 2011 at 11:08 amI’ve been accessing deepspacesparkle.com for the last couple of years for inspiration and advice. I’ve used several of her lessons and my student’s have loved them. I continue to check back regularly and deepspacesparkle is my “go to” when I need a great lesson. Thank you, Patty!
Sarah M
November 22, 2011 at 11:11 amThis was a fantastic interview, and the opportunity to win is just a bonus. I loved seeing the pictures she linked in the interview.
Love that mask!
Sarah M
Nancy
November 22, 2011 at 11:11 amPatty, You are a huge inspiration to me on a regular basis. I teach art to 160 students, grades 1-4. I teach the elements and principles of art, and your projects fit in beautifully with whatever lesson I am teaching. Thank you for your excellent approach to children and art!
Michelle
November 22, 2011 at 11:13 amI am a volunteer parent/art teacher at my childrens elementary school and Deep Space Sparkle is one of my go to websites for inspiration!! Thank you so much Patty for sharing with us!
Kerstin
November 22, 2011 at 11:19 amGreat interview! It’s great to see someone passionate about art working with their school system.
Adriana
November 22, 2011 at 11:33 amThe one thing that really made me say , “oh i forgot that” was when u mentioned that a childs interest in art changes and that ‘s ok…thanks for reminding me!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Amy D.
November 22, 2011 at 11:36 amI love her comments about how she works with children who don’t see themselves as artists. I feel the same way about myself, and it’s always nice to have someone cheering you on!
Tara
November 22, 2011 at 11:59 amI’ve been following Patty’s blog for about a year now and she truly has some fantastic advice and lessons! She is my inspiration!
Olivia
November 22, 2011 at 12:11 pmI love Deep Space Sparkle! I always find great ideas to keep my girls interested and exploring art!!
Nicole
November 22, 2011 at 12:14 pmWow, I can’t wait to explore Deep Sparkle some more. Great interview! Thanks for resource.
Leslie Kilian
November 22, 2011 at 12:14 pmWonderful interview. I like the idea of giving kids a little direction and seeing where they take it. Thank you for the introduction to Patty and her site!
Marlies
November 22, 2011 at 12:17 pmWe have enjoyed exploring Patty’s website now for a long time and have used many different techniques with great success. I teach a Kindergarten Grade 1 combined class. (Full day Kindergarten). I have passed her site on to numerous colleagues and my student teacher. My 10 year old daughter loves to try out each technique. The students are all artists in our class! Thanks Patty!
Marla
November 22, 2011 at 12:23 pmyay! it would be great to have some fresh ideas on hand…Thank You!
Colleen @F5th @pinterestmama
November 22, 2011 at 12:26 pmJean and Patty, I love both of you! You both have amazing ideas and are such inspirations to me and our homeschooling here.
Have pinned many of your ideas and posts on my Pinterest pinboards.
Excellent interview…
Mine love making masks and doing ceramics too.
At the moment, our home is a sea of aluminum foil, cardboard, and paint, as they took e break from doing Thanksgiving and Native American arts and crafts and have gotten into knights, as they chose some books about knights from our library and bookstore.
So we have shields, suits of armor, and crests being made at the moment. Fun!
Would literally love to win the pdfs from Patty.
Would actually love to buy one of everything from her.
Am going to have some surgery and am thinking that by having her pdfs available for my boys, i could prepare all of the materials for each lesson kit and then, my friends who are going to pitch in and help with homeschooling while I recover could choose to work on these with my sons.
Well, thanks to both of you wonderful women for all that you do!
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Colleen (a.k.a Pinterest Mama)
Traci Lee
November 22, 2011 at 12:29 pmGreat interview! I follow Patty’s blog in search of inspiration and ideas. I am an art teacher living and working in Enid, Oklahoma. I am currently the director of an art program for elementary schools. I appreciate her thoughts about her ceramics unit …time consuming yes, expensive yes, but worth it YES. I am firing some pieces today. Our facebook page in Creative Arts Enid. Please check it out and like us!
Sarah
November 22, 2011 at 12:34 pmWhat a fun giveaway!
Leah
November 22, 2011 at 12:37 pmI LOVE Deep Space Sparkle! Great, colorful ideas that allow for success for all!!
courtney
November 22, 2011 at 12:41 pmwonderful interview, I loved the part about giving instructions is not taking away from the creativity. Thank you!
The Orchard
November 22, 2011 at 12:47 pmI read Patty’s web site all the time and have used many of her art ideas with my own kids and the kids I care for after school. I would LOVE to win some of her lesson plans!
Great interview and thanks for the giveaway!
Cheers,
Tricia
Nicole
November 22, 2011 at 1:06 pmVery interesting. Thanks for the interview. I’ll have to check out her website for ideas at home.
FroggyMama
November 22, 2011 at 1:21 pmWow – wonderful interview, and I can’t wait to peruse the links, I’m an artsy mom through and through! Thank you!
Laura O' Callaghan
November 22, 2011 at 1:23 pmI have used some ideas from her blog and find them great as I find it difficult to come up with ideas. I would love these lessons!
heidi
November 22, 2011 at 1:25 pmThanks for sharing your enthusiasm. I love art with kids; looking at, creating and celebrating the process. As a classroom teacher I try to integrate, as often as possible, art with the other curricular areas. It allows for one more opportunity to learn and deepen understanding of the content. And it is flexible and each child’s work is unique which teaches a very good lesson.
Beth Carter
November 22, 2011 at 1:28 pmI love following Patty on FB and Pinterest as well as her blog. She has remotivated my art lessons! Thank you!!
Danielle
November 22, 2011 at 1:34 pmThis is great. Thanks for such a valuable giveaway offer!
Cathy
November 22, 2011 at 1:40 pmLove your blog and your enthusiasm for art exploration. You make me want to be a better art teacher/artsy mom. Thanks!!
Heather
November 22, 2011 at 2:00 pmThis is wonderful! We’d love to win this for our homeschooling!
Monique
November 22, 2011 at 2:00 pmThank you for your blog. It has been a great source of reference for me. This is my first year as a voulunteer art teacher in my children’s elementary school. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
deb mcmillen
November 22, 2011 at 2:16 pmAwesome I loved the article I love love ART Due to budget cuts in our district We have the ART DOCENT Program where volenteer parents come in and teach art to classes in our schools and u dont have to have much art experience You pick an Artist talk about them and then plan an art project to the artist I volenteered for 6yr in my daughters special ed class to do art for them (now shes in High school and loves art I was amazed at her pictures an so proud) Now I create easy craft/art project for my autism class and I love the creations they come up with..personality shines when they draw the final smile on that face or add their touch…Also always looking for new ideas thanks
Roseanne Kibblewhite
November 22, 2011 at 2:19 pmI love pattys blog, and with two artistic kids at home and teaching a small afterschool art group, her site has been invalueable, and now thanks to patty i have discovered this wonderful site … the artful parent.
Monica
November 22, 2011 at 2:36 pmGreat interview; I hope that when my boys go to school they have a wonderful art teacher like her. :)
christine
November 22, 2011 at 2:40 pmI’m planning my to be 7 year old daughter’s art themed b-day party and I’m inspired daily by the artful parent and would love some of Patty’s lessons for the party.
Carla
November 22, 2011 at 2:47 pmSo interesting, I look forward to checking out Patty’s blog. I never considered myself visually artistic as a child but I always loved art class in school thanks to a wonderful woman much like Patty.
Patti Holcombe
November 22, 2011 at 2:51 pmI have shared Patty’s site with friends and my daughter’s Kinder teacher. I love her lessons and am thankful for her sharing such quality art for kids!
Wonderful interview.
Dena
November 22, 2011 at 2:54 pmHi Jean,
I loved reading an interview from a teacher who is passionate about what she does! Very inspiring. And, “deep space sparkle”, coolest name ever!
Katie
November 22, 2011 at 3:41 pmThanks for introducing me to Patty & her blog! What another great source of inspiration!
kidzart-salinas!comcast.net
November 22, 2011 at 3:53 pmI love Deep Space Sparkle – the lessons are great, so creative and ‘doable’ for the kids.
Christie
November 22, 2011 at 4:39 pmI, too, follow Patty’s blog. I love reading her common-sense approach to working with children!!
Heather
November 22, 2011 at 5:04 pmI Love Deep Space Sparkle! I teach art to K-6 and 3 classes at our Jr.-Sr. high school and get many, many, many lessons from Patty’s blog. I always look forward to new additions from Patty.
Robyn
November 22, 2011 at 5:46 pmWhen I was teaching, Art classes were my favorite I loved doing hands on activities with the kids. Now Im a mum of 2 almost 3 under 5 I love getting ideas from others on how to incorporate more art into our days.
mrs jones
November 22, 2011 at 5:53 pmI LOVE LOVE LOVE Deep Space sparkle. The ideas and examples make teaching a lesson so easy. The lessons are timely and easily adapted if the suggested materials are unavailable. I too like others look forward to more lessons from you.
Sarah
November 22, 2011 at 6:16 pmThanks for the link to the great new resource. I would love to win some ebooks in order to get some new art ideas for our family!
Dawn Bullock
November 22, 2011 at 6:37 pmI love Deep Space Sparkle! I started teaching art from K-8 at a Christian school this year with a low budget and would love to get more ideas. Thank you so much for helping keep the arts alive!
[email protected]
November 22, 2011 at 6:49 pmI have been teaching elementary art for 9 years. I always love finding new lessons for me and my students.
Patty
November 22, 2011 at 6:54 pmWow! Just thought I’d check in to see if anyone left a comment! What a nice feeling it is to read so many warm, thoughtful greetings. I’m SO pleased that my site is helpful! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Amy Fields
November 22, 2011 at 6:54 pmI would love a chance to win! Thanks for the great interview!!
Kiasa
November 22, 2011 at 7:03 pmI love deep space sparkle! I have so many projects flagged to someday do with my kids! Patty is very talented!
sara
November 22, 2011 at 7:08 pmI’d love tolearn more ways to teach art to my kiddos!
Beth
November 22, 2011 at 7:18 pmI can’t believe that Patty and I had almost the exact same beginning, although I went into Montessori teaching and I am teaching art in my classroom! Wow, I had no idea. I turn to Deep Space Sparkle many weeks to get fresh ideas. After almost 20 years, I need to update my art and Patty does that for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Michele
November 22, 2011 at 7:51 pmI’ve been teaching for many years, and picked up an art class in my daily schedule a few years ago. I just found Deep Space Sparkle a couple weeks ago. I’ve picked up some great ideas to use. What a great resource!
krista
November 22, 2011 at 8:08 pmI teach an intro art class for college students and these projects have already given me inspiration via a link on pinterest!! I would LOVE the lesson plans. Interesting to hear her personal story, sounds like a great mom :)
Andrea Aeschliman
November 22, 2011 at 8:14 pmI recently discovered Deep Space Sparkle and LOVE looking at all your creative ideas! So grateful for wonderful teachers like yourself that are willing to share so much. I, too, am an elementary art teacher in Missouri and have around 550 students so I can connect with that as well. Loved reading more about you!
nadja
November 22, 2011 at 8:15 pmI am just starting an after-school art program at my daughters Elementary school. I am so excited and I will look for a lot of guidance and advice on Deep Space Sparkle!
Thank you for sharing all your ideas and projects!!!
Marcia
November 22, 2011 at 8:43 pmI love Deep Space Sparkle and would love a chance to win the lesson plan packets!
tobie
November 22, 2011 at 9:27 pmWhat a great interview! I love Patty and her site deep space sparkle I have done so many successful project with her guidance.
Vicki
November 22, 2011 at 9:31 pmI love working on art projects with my 3 year old. She inspires me!
Elaine Ee in HKG
November 22, 2011 at 10:16 pmThanks for introducing Patty to me. I am now trawling her site for more art ideas to do with my two girls.
Dana
November 22, 2011 at 11:02 pmI was referred to Patty’s site from another art teacher friend, thanks for the great ideas and fun interview! I love having some open ended ideas to challenge my students when we take a break from the wonderful (but rigorous) art curriculum in our district.
[email protected]
November 22, 2011 at 11:17 pmVery interesting how something as simple as outlining can make an art project seem complete!
Pia
November 22, 2011 at 11:42 pmInteresting interview. Its nice to read about how she came into art teaching as I am considering entering teaching as a career change when my youngest starts school.
I also seem to have one child who is naturally drawn to art and the other to music- so it always helps to have some inspiration for all our home art activities!
Thanks for sharing
amy
November 22, 2011 at 11:55 pmso glad to find your blog…it is very inspirational!
Rachelle | TinkerLab
November 23, 2011 at 12:19 amAwesome interview, Jean and Patty! How is it that I haven’t been over to Patty’s site yet? It’s fabulous!!! I just spent the past 30 minutes soaking it all up, and remembered that I should pop back over here to say “thank you” and I’m thrilled to know more about Deep Space Sparkle. As a former art volunteer and classroom art teacher, I can relate to Patty’s point of view, and I wish wish wish her blog were around when I was teaching. It’s such a gift!
Amber
November 23, 2011 at 12:40 amI was thrown into teaching art class for fifth and sixth grade a while back. At first, I was overwhelmed but then I came across a great blog that patty had set up. Now I love teaching art to my students, and ALL of my students love art (yes, even those hard to reach boys too). I can’t thank her enough. She is always inspiring and helpful. I’m so glad you interviewed her so that others can read about her art loving personality. As you can see from the million comments left on this interview, she is a very gifted, talented, priceless art teacher. I would gladly refer people to her websight and lesson plans.
Cathy
November 23, 2011 at 1:21 amI love Patty’s website and all the projects I have tried have been very successful. I totally agree when she says that art is a necessary component to life, just like math, science, music and reading. Thanks for inspiring me and many other teachers.
Amanda
November 23, 2011 at 1:53 amThanks Patty, for your inspiration in the art room. You have a beautiful way of engaging all the students and I have learnt so much from you through your amazing website!
Ginigin
November 23, 2011 at 3:32 amI enjoyed the interview and now follow deepspacesparkle. Always looking for ideas for doing art with kids. Thanks!
Becc
November 23, 2011 at 4:08 amWhat a wonderful interview. I confess that I have followed both blogs for some time now. I have used many ideas from Patty in my classes for training teachers.you are both inspiring women!
[email protected]
November 23, 2011 at 7:44 amMy Art Docent introduced me to your site. I finally feel as if I am teaching art and creativity in my classroom. Thank you so much!
Sara Downes
November 23, 2011 at 8:05 amOhHH! Can’t wait to learn more about he…. I love open ended explorative art, some times people including myself get so hooked up on the product than the process. Always looking for the opportunity to learn more!!
Kristen
November 23, 2011 at 8:07 amThank you for introducing me to Patty’s website. We recently moved to a school district with no art program, so I try to incorporate as much as I can at home with my kids.
Kathy Musick
November 23, 2011 at 9:26 amI love Patty’s ideas and I visit her site periodically for fresh lessons in my classroom! I especially appreciate her view of creating art being an experiment. I have a student that always says “I can not do this” before we even begin. I am going to continue to listen to find out why. I feel like it is my job to change her view of herself no being an artist and develop an appreciation for the process.
Thank you for freely sharing!
Tery
November 23, 2011 at 9:53 amLove Patty’s web site! Refer to it often!
Kelly Adams
November 23, 2011 at 10:08 amWe love her site especially the night skyline.
Leah Seneng
November 23, 2011 at 10:51 amWonderful interview! Lots of good points! I teach art in the after school program and I look first to Patty’s website. I especially love the Mola project. The colors are great and the kids come up with amazing stuff.
Jill
November 23, 2011 at 11:34 amLove Deep Space Sparkle! I can’t tell you how many of her lessons I have used. I teach art too so she supplies plenty of inspiration!`
Michelle
November 23, 2011 at 11:48 amGreat interview! It was nice to get to know a little bit more about Patty! I have been enjoying using Deep Space Sparkle for art ideas in my home school for a while now. I have 3 boys-ages 7, 11 and 13, and I have found the lessons adaptable for all of them to complete successfully. They always turn out so great!!
Heather
November 23, 2011 at 12:11 pmI am new to teaching elementary art this year – I was in middle school before I went down to elementary. Patty has been a great inspiration to me as I am beginning to collect and share with others a wealth of ideas she so eagerly and willingly shares with her fellow art teachers. I quickly take away a wide variety of strategies to simply implement into my classroom everyday. Her vision for the arts and her students is contagious. Thank you Patty for how you’ve opened a new door to the arts for not only myself and my teaching career but also for so many others in teaching and the arts.
Kelsi
November 23, 2011 at 12:53 pmThanks for the great interview!
Stephanie Diane
November 23, 2011 at 1:28 pmI’m having a good time introducing art to these kids, and this is a wonderful way to do it. I am not naturally artistic, but want to be artsy, and want these kids to tap into their artistic spirit.
Alison
November 23, 2011 at 1:47 pmI run a daycare and just love getting more ideas for art with the kids…
Karla
November 23, 2011 at 3:21 pmVery interesting interview about her own journey as a teacher and how she uses art to unlock the creativity in children. My own three children also approach art very differently and it was a nice affirmation of the unique styles.
Danielle
November 23, 2011 at 3:55 pmThis is so great!! Love these lesson plans!
Terri
November 23, 2011 at 4:51 pmI love Deep Space Sparkle! It’s such an inspiration to me as I try to introduce art to my two young children.
Janice Skivington
November 23, 2011 at 7:23 pmPatty, I have found your lessons to be a lifesaver in my beginner years of teaching. Thank you for your generous posting and sharing.
Janice
Christine Quillian
November 23, 2011 at 9:30 pmI work full-time in the finance industry yet was an art history major in college. I also have three little girls (5, 3 and 3). It means a lot to me to read your blog posts and pick up inspiring little snippets I can try to use with my girls. Thank you for this gift.
Christina
November 23, 2011 at 9:46 pmPatty’s website has become a staple for new Art educators in our county. So many of them are beginning new programs at their schools and don’t know where to begin with a limited budget and supplies. Her amazing, detailed photos help so much and encourage these teachers to branch out and try new projects. They are more confident and continue to learn from her experience and positive approach to teaching Art. Deep Space Sparkle tells it like it is and shares a wealth of knowledge to all.
Mari Carini
November 23, 2011 at 9:59 pmWell — both of you women are an inspiration! I frequently follow you! I work with 2-3-4& 5 yr olds, and have been grateful for the ideas and project you share. Will send you some pics in the coming days!
Kym S
November 23, 2011 at 11:56 pmThanks for this interview! I am a homeschool mom who is not artistic, but one of my children is artistic. I know that doing more art projects would boost her love of learning. I appreciate reading from the art teacher’s perspective and I am reminded that it is so important for me to have these supplies on hand and make sure to have time for creativity!
peace love and rainbows
November 24, 2011 at 12:15 pmshe has a great blog love her art lessons
Lisa
November 25, 2011 at 7:35 amHi Patty,
Your ideas have inspired some great projects in my three Art rooms. When I am planning my next lessons, whether landscape, portraits, seasonal, or…, I often go to Deep Space Sparkle to see what your thoughts are. Thanks so much for your web site, it gives me a teaching friend right in my classroom! Lisa
KellyH
November 25, 2011 at 10:43 amI have DeepSpaceSparkle bookmarked, and have used a few ideas with my 6yo already. The interview was very encouraging.
Thanks!
KellyH
Erica
November 25, 2011 at 1:18 pmLove it! I am in Brazil teaching abandoned children. I am finding that art is indeed a type of therapy for them. Of course, I only have an hour of internet a week so this little ebook would be such a delight for me and my kids. Thanks for this interview! Erica
megmeg
November 25, 2011 at 1:18 pmwow,children’s creativity is amazing! i am kindergarton teacher and trying to achive reggio emilia’s approach. your art ideas and lessons are so attractive to me. love your blog!!
Cara
November 25, 2011 at 1:57 pmI love going to Deep Space Sparkle and checking out the new art activities that Patty creates. This is a great resource for me to use as a Elementary Teacher. I love that the instructions are brief but include lots of pictures, so I can adapt it to my teaching style.
Lynda Thurman
November 25, 2011 at 2:47 pmI would love to try your lesson plans, I’m just discovering your things and I’m very excited to check things out! Thankyou!
Sonja Perteet
November 25, 2011 at 2:58 pmArt in education…especially open-ended art…one of my top interests…I will be following Deep Space Sparkle on FB….
HelenT
November 25, 2011 at 4:08 pmI like the clay project and around the world themes!
Jill P
November 25, 2011 at 4:33 pmCan’t wait to explore her blog!
Lyudmyla Tarelkine
November 25, 2011 at 4:54 pmOhh!!! I really need that e-booklet!!!!! I love, love, love all what she does!!! And if I win, it would be one more step to grow confident artist in me!
Epiphius
November 25, 2011 at 10:46 pmSo many creative ideas! Thanks for doing the interview!
Tania jayasuriya
November 26, 2011 at 11:57 amThanks for all the ideas.This is really helpful for children with special educational needs that I teach.Looking forward for more inspiration.