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Does America need to change the high school education system?
A work in progress
I am an environmental artist who lives in a depressed area of my home city. I hear the violence, and I see the children struggling.
I firmly believe the key to raise the bar on the impact of poverty, violence, and drugs is education. Okay, how do we keep kids in school?
I know very little about the education system, and how the system is created. I am only looking at the current system from a students perspective, being a creative/artistic learner. I don't have all the answers, but I am beginning to ask questions and would like to discuss this topic further.
The current high school system is broken. Well, it seems to be broken because of all the drop out numbers. As I see it, the child, here in my community is making most of their own decisions whether it be good or bad, by the time they are 15-16 years of age. First of all, have the school system decision makers ever asked the children through surveys? Have they taken into consideration there are minorities and how the curriculum affects their world view and how they view themselves? And I will address how the arts play a major role in keeping the student in school. Plus, a more hands on approach through programs, and getting the child more active participation than sitting in a classroom all day.
I have been thinking about the high school setup presently concerning the 4 year style. Here in our city, we used to have a tech high school and I believe we need to revisit the tech high school idea.
Here's my suggestion of a different type of high school system.
I am an environmental artist who lives in a depressed area of my home city. I hear the violence, and I see the children struggling.
I firmly believe the key to raise the bar on the impact of poverty, violence, and drugs is education. Okay, how do we keep kids in school?
I know very little about the education system, and how the system is created. I am only looking at the current system from a students perspective, being a creative/artistic learner. I don't have all the answers, but I am beginning to ask questions and would like to discuss this topic further.
The current high school system is broken. Well, it seems to be broken because of all the drop out numbers. As I see it, the child, here in my community is making most of their own decisions whether it be good or bad, by the time they are 15-16 years of age. First of all, have the school system decision makers ever asked the children through surveys? Have they taken into consideration there are minorities and how the curriculum affects their world view and how they view themselves? And I will address how the arts play a major role in keeping the student in school. Plus, a more hands on approach through programs, and getting the child more active participation than sitting in a classroom all day.
I have been thinking about the high school setup presently concerning the 4 year style. Here in our city, we used to have a tech high school and I believe we need to revisit the tech high school idea.
Here's my suggestion of a different type of high school system.
- High school would begin in eight grade while preparing the student for the Jr. college format. Kindergarten could be considered part of the 8 grades. For that matter all the children in daycare could be considered in school.
- There would only be 3 years of high school.
- The last 2 years of high school would be a more hands on approach for all students. (There could be more involvement of high school students in the process of growing our food, locally, we are going to need to grow our food locally in the future as one example.)
- Concerning the subject of history, one home school parent suggested to me that there needs to be a more world view of history which includes history about all minorities and not the watered down version we have today.
- And, I will say this again and again. I believe it is a mistake that there is not more emphasis placed on teaching creating thinking through art in grade school and high school. I firmly believe art is a tool and can be utilized in so many areas where it is not being utilized today. Plus, art teaches the child about processes, and they learn to problem solve through processes. Also, ethics and philosophy are very closely related to art.
- Why isn't ethics and philosophy being taught in grade school and then all the way through high school? I'm not saying religion, I'm saying ethics. (A book for little children about ethics, wow how would that go?There must be books out there on ethics and logic for little kids)
- Would we have less problems with bullying if more ethics and logic were being taught in the schools?
- Could we get businesses to participate in the programing of youth during the last two years of high school to help keep down the cost of programing?
- What is the result of the child that is graduating from high school today? Is the child's world view and view of themselves even considered in the current high school system and curriculum?
- Could high school and Junior College be combined if the format was more like Junior college. The student or parents would have to pay for Junior college?
As we begin to rebuild our middle class, we can begin to look at so many areas of our system that is not working and make positive changes. We have to begin work together one day at a time.
The Energy of the Relationship of Humans in Their Own Ecosystem Sculpture
The Energy of the Relationship of Humans in Their Own Ecosystem Sculpture
and
Narrative Outline
By Charlene Potter 11/30/2011
- Humans living with nature
- For thousands of years Native people lived with nature.
- Native people have lived a lifestyle that only takes from nature what is required live.
- Native people live with nature because they understand nature sustains life.
- Native people understand the energy of nature and ecosystems.
- Native people have respect for their natural environment.
- Are Native peoples lives better because of the energy and relationship with nature?
I believe their lives are better because they understand that life and the energy of life, and sustaining life all depends on the natural world.
- Human lifestyle that moves against the balance of nature.
- Some modern humans lifestyles deplete all the natural resources from their natural home. This type of lifestyle will leave nothing for future generations.
- Some modern humans believe it is their right to just take anything from the natural environment for monetary gain.
- Most religions teach that we are supposed to be good stewards of the Earth. Western Europeans seem to believe that it is their right to take anything from their natural environment. When the Pilgrims first came to the America, everything was in such abundance and in balance. It is no wonder that they came to this conclusion. But, centuries have past. The abundance and balance is dwindling. Overpopulation is very apparent. Where did we begin this onslaught of our natural environment and rapid use of natural resources? Was it original sin? Some would believe this answer. Possibly the Industrial revolution. Possibly when more people began to move off the farms into the cities, and began living in the urban setting. More research into the history of man and the statistics of the amount of natural resource use would have to be examined. Or, is it because of overpopulation of the Earth and the lifestyle we are living?
- Some modern humans do not understand their lifestyle upsets and destroys the delicate ecosystem. Is it, they just do not care, or is it they do not understand?
- If man turns their backs on the Earth and the energy associated in all the different ecosystems, will Earth turn away from man? Or spew man out? Every single person on the planet will suffer because of the decisions of a few. I believe it is time for change. For example, the practice of Holiday lights. I understand it is a custom, a tradition. But, is the practice of holiday lights overdone? Let's look at the cost of these holiday lights and how much electricity they use. How many more Nuclear power plants has to be built to provide power for the holiday lights? Then, how much more toxic waste is produced because of the nuclear power plants. I'm not saying that we stop all holiday lights entirely, but doesn't there need to be a limit. An ethical amount of holiday lights, not let's see if we can outdo everyone else which leads us back to the energy of the relationship to our natural environment. In every waking moment we need to be asking the question how is this action going to affect our natural environment. Sometimes, change is difficult, but with change new creative traditions develop.
- Most religions teach that we are supposed to be good stewards of the Earth. Western Europeans seem to believe that it is their right to take anything from their natural environment. When the Pilgrims first came to the America, everything was in such abundance and in balance. It is no wonder that they came to this conclusion. But, centuries have past. The abundance and balance is dwindling. Overpopulation is very apparent. Where did we begin this onslaught of our natural environment and rapid use of natural resources? Was it original sin? Some would believe this answer. Possibly the Industrial revolution. Possibly when more people began to move off the farms into the cities, and began living in the urban setting. More research into the history of man and the statistics of the amount of natural resource use would have to be examined. Or, is it because of overpopulation of the Earth and the lifestyle we are living?
- Natural energy of the Earth ecosystems, Rhythms, and balance.
- Is the natural energy of ecosystems kinetic?
- Kids Corner defines ecosystem as a complex set of relationships among the living resources, habitats, and residents, trees, animals, fish, birds, micro-organisms, water, soil, and humans.
- I firmly believe that Native Americans understand that the energy within the ecosystem in which they live has kinetic energy. Besides the obvious, what does the Native American receive from the kinetic energy from the ecosystem and the appreciation and respect in their relationship with their natural environment? It is understanding, a peace, yes a feeling of fullness because of the relationship between nature and human as one in harmony, elation.
- Other humans, that lack the understanding, do not recognize the importance of this energy, of this relationship and how important it is for sustaining life, do they live a lesser life? I believe the answer to this question is yes. They do live a lesser life.
- Dictionary.com defines kinetic energy as the energy of a body or a system with respect to the motion of the body or of the particles within the system.
- Living within the natural energy of ecosystems of the Earth.
- Living within an ecosystem, is there a type of energy that holds the entire ecosystem together? Is it the relationship the kinetic energy of all things living that creates the energy, or is it merely the kinetic energy that each living thing brings to the ecosystem? Or, is it some other type of kinetic energy.
- If an ecosystem has kinetic energy then has some humans lost this relationship with nature? I believe we know this for certain. Are some humans unable, or unwilling to tap into the kinetic energy associated to the natural balance of an ecosystem? Or, merely did they never learn?
- Humans’ ability to feel, hear, or see the relationship and the energy of the ecosystem in which we live. Relearn the importance of that relationship and begin to grow in the natural glow of the kinetic energy found within the ecosystem.
- Establish that an ecosystem has an energy of it’s own, a kinetic energy.
- Has some humans forgotten how important the relationship is with our natural environment?
- Did we ever learn this? Or, have we merely forgotten, or is it some of us just don’t care?
- Our natural environment has always been there and we have just taken Earth for granted all these centuries.
- What are the ways we can benefit from this kinetic energy?
- Learn how we can benefit from this energy. Learn to respect the relationship and the energy of the ecosystem and all nature.
- Kids Corner defines ecosystem as a complex set of relationships among the living resources, habitats, and residents, trees, animals, fish, birds, micro-organisms, water, soil, and humans.
10. Implement a plan to protect the ecosystems and the energy of the ecosystems for future generations.
New Art Classes At the Pipal Park Community Center Omaha, NE
Art Classes Pipal Park Community Center
7770 Hascall Street 402-444-5140
Oil painting
Beginning Tuesday, January 10, 2011, 10 – 11:30 AM
Ages 18 plus
Cost 48.00 per 6 week session/ Limit 8
Students are responsible for their own materials & supplies
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Beginning Drawing
Beginning Thursday, January 12, 2011, 6:30 - 8 PM
Ages 13 - Adult
Cost – 48.00 per 6 week session/ Limit 8
Students are responsible for their own materials and supplies
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Hand built ceramic class
Beginning Thursday 10 – 11:30 AM, January 11, 2012
Ages 18 plus
Cost - $32.00 per 4 week session plus $10.00 material fee
Student will learn to hand build a pinch pot, coil pot, and slab pot and animal sculpture
Instructor - Environmental artist Charlene Potter
402-933-8411 charlene@rosewoodenvironmentalart.com
rosewoodenvironmentalart.com
Art Classes Benson Community Center
Art Classes Benson Community Center
6008 Maple Street 402-444-5184
Omaha, NE
Watercolor
Beginning Monday, January 9, 2012, 10 – 11:30 AM
Adults and Seniors
Cost 48.00 per 6 week session/ Limit 8
Students are responsible for their own materials & supplies
*********
Oil painting
Beginning Wednesday January 11, 2012, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Ages Adult and Seniors
Cost – 48.00 per 6 week session/ Limit 8
Students are responsible for their own materials and supplies
************
Hand built ceramic class
Beginning Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 6:00 – 7:30 PM sharp,
Ages 15 plus/ Limit 8
Cost - $32.00 per 4 week session plus $10.00 material fee
Student will learn to hand build a pinch pot, coil pot, and slab pot and animal sculpture
charlene@rosewoodenvironmentalart.com
rosewoodenvironmentalart.com
Instructor - Environmnetal Artist Charlene Potter
Basement Herb Garden/Working Towards Sustainability
11/21/2011
I have planted lettuce in a bucket. The lettuce is coming up. It's a really big surprise. I am planning to plant another batch in 2 - 3 weeks. Then alternate the 2 containers, so that I have lettuce growing all winter long. I am so hoping this will work. All the herbs, are doing really well. I just planted some salantro when I planted the lettuce. More info later.
I have begun an herb garden in my basement, first time ever. I have planted regular herbs, one tomato plant and one pepper plant. I figure the herbs will spruce up any bland dish that I prepare. Yesterday, I have decided that the plants need a little wind. So, I have turned a small fan on them on low, and it's oscillation. This little herb garden is so fun. I plan to run the fan every other day, or every second day. I will have to determine how often I should run the fan. Also, I may move the fan around so that it hits the plants from different angles.
So, if we look at the relationship between the plants and the wind. I call the wind one of the rhythms of the Earth/Earth's body language. Plants have learned to adapt to the wind or die. I will compare this relationship to humans from different ideologies. Humans are different, instead of learning to live with one another like the ecosystem in which we live. Humans just fight and create wars. Is this living within one's own ecosystem? I think not. So, why don't we begin to take a closer look at the relationship of humans and their own ecosystem. So does this mean that plants, animals are more intelligent than humans? It appears to be logical that plants, and animals are more intelligent, or they have learned that if they do not learn to live within their own ecosystem they will die. There will be more discussion on this topic.
I am so hopeful for my little herb garden. I purchased the herbs when they were 45 percent off. I put them in terracotta pots. I turn on the grow light at 7 and off at 7. If I run the fan, I turn it on at 7, too. I have not completed a price break down of how much the electricity will cost for the grow light and fan at this point. But, will try to figure this later. And if this works this year, I will try other plants next year. I will keep writing a blog to let you know how well the garden has done all winter. It is my efforts to work towards sustainability.
October 2, 2011
I have to pot a few more of the little herbs today. Next week, I will purchase some sprouts, and herb seeds to try with the hydroponic method. Please remember I am learning this process. Anyway that we can begin to have some fresh greens during the colder months of the year and not have to spend the gas to truck the produce to our grocery stores will be a step working towards sustainability. Plus, for a person on a fixed income this will hopefully lead to a healthier diet.
I have planted lettuce in a bucket. The lettuce is coming up. It's a really big surprise. I am planning to plant another batch in 2 - 3 weeks. Then alternate the 2 containers, so that I have lettuce growing all winter long. I am so hoping this will work. All the herbs, are doing really well. I just planted some salantro when I planted the lettuce. More info later.
I have begun an herb garden in my basement, first time ever. I have planted regular herbs, one tomato plant and one pepper plant. I figure the herbs will spruce up any bland dish that I prepare. Yesterday, I have decided that the plants need a little wind. So, I have turned a small fan on them on low, and it's oscillation. This little herb garden is so fun. I plan to run the fan every other day, or every second day. I will have to determine how often I should run the fan. Also, I may move the fan around so that it hits the plants from different angles.
So, if we look at the relationship between the plants and the wind. I call the wind one of the rhythms of the Earth/Earth's body language. Plants have learned to adapt to the wind or die. I will compare this relationship to humans from different ideologies. Humans are different, instead of learning to live with one another like the ecosystem in which we live. Humans just fight and create wars. Is this living within one's own ecosystem? I think not. So, why don't we begin to take a closer look at the relationship of humans and their own ecosystem. So does this mean that plants, animals are more intelligent than humans? It appears to be logical that plants, and animals are more intelligent, or they have learned that if they do not learn to live within their own ecosystem they will die. There will be more discussion on this topic.
I am so hopeful for my little herb garden. I purchased the herbs when they were 45 percent off. I put them in terracotta pots. I turn on the grow light at 7 and off at 7. If I run the fan, I turn it on at 7, too. I have not completed a price break down of how much the electricity will cost for the grow light and fan at this point. But, will try to figure this later. And if this works this year, I will try other plants next year. I will keep writing a blog to let you know how well the garden has done all winter. It is my efforts to work towards sustainability.
October 2, 2011
I have to pot a few more of the little herbs today. Next week, I will purchase some sprouts, and herb seeds to try with the hydroponic method. Please remember I am learning this process. Anyway that we can begin to have some fresh greens during the colder months of the year and not have to spend the gas to truck the produce to our grocery stores will be a step working towards sustainability. Plus, for a person on a fixed income this will hopefully lead to a healthier diet.
Earth has Body Language
I've read humans communicate more through body language than through speaking. Animals communicate through body language. With this said, let's look at the Earth. How does she(I will use she because of hearing the use of Mother Nature and such) utilize body language to communicate to humans if we are paying attention? How can we humans understand Earth's body language? We can understand by looking, listening, and mental feeling. Yes, I said feeling. Several years ago, I was taking my parents on a trip to another small town about 20 miles away, when the clouds with different formations that I had ever seen before made a humungous display across the sky. There was dramatic contrasts of light and dark. There were so many colors to name. The clouds were the largest I had every seen. This wasn't a normal thunderstorm. On that trip it was like the sky opened and just dropped the rain. We had to stop driving because we couldn't see. At the time, I felt that the clouds were telling us something. I believe the clouds are part of Earth's body language.
Secondly, Earth's communicate through changes in the tides, seasons, rhythms, and watching the animals. Yes, I said rhythms. Wouldn't it be something if we could feel Earthquakes coming like the animals. When we had the very mild Earthquake here in Nebraska last October, my dog was shaking for no reason. My neighbor dog too.
I believe we are depending too much on technology. We're missing this opportunity to really see, and really listen.
More examples coming soon. I encourage discussions on this subject.
Walk with Water, Experience A Flower, show
August 17, 2011
I am in the process of trying to master the endangered Prairie Fringed Orchid in hand-built porcelain clay. I have the first blossom created. The blossom I created is larger than actual size. I will try another one, but much smaller. I have small hands, but if the work gets too small, it's difficult to work on really small pieces. I just cannot get the detail work down. I will keep trying though. I would like to create 3 blossoms for a plaque for this show coming up in September. If the plaque works, then I will think about creating one in a full sculpture.
This brings to mind all the species that have become extinct. For whatever reason, I'm trying to visualize a Dodo bird in porcelain sculpture.
Also, I have several herb plaques drying in the basement and it is so fragrant. I am the most excited about the moon water flower.
†
Presently, I am working diligently working on the "Walk with Water, Experience A Flower," a show. Through the beauty and mystery of the hand-built porcelain water flowers, and plaques, the message will demonstrate the importance of water quality.
The show will be at the Alley Gallery, Hot Shops Art Gallery, 1301 Nicholas Street, Omaha, NE through the month of September, 2011. Opening reception September 9th, 6 - 10 PM.
Every growing thing needs clean water to grow.
Two new water flowers are sculpted and drying. Six plaques are sculpted and drying. It was a great day for me on Tuesday when I traveled to the 4-H camp to collect prairie grasses for the plaques. The drive was great and the area so beautiful. The 4-H camp is near the Schram Aquarium.
More water flowers, and plaques, and poetry to create.
Photos coming soon.
I am in the process of trying to master the endangered Prairie Fringed Orchid in hand-built porcelain clay. I have the first blossom created. The blossom I created is larger than actual size. I will try another one, but much smaller. I have small hands, but if the work gets too small, it's difficult to work on really small pieces. I just cannot get the detail work down. I will keep trying though. I would like to create 3 blossoms for a plaque for this show coming up in September. If the plaque works, then I will think about creating one in a full sculpture.
This brings to mind all the species that have become extinct. For whatever reason, I'm trying to visualize a Dodo bird in porcelain sculpture.
Also, I have several herb plaques drying in the basement and it is so fragrant. I am the most excited about the moon water flower.
†
Presently, I am working diligently working on the "Walk with Water, Experience A Flower," a show. Through the beauty and mystery of the hand-built porcelain water flowers, and plaques, the message will demonstrate the importance of water quality.
The show will be at the Alley Gallery, Hot Shops Art Gallery, 1301 Nicholas Street, Omaha, NE through the month of September, 2011. Opening reception September 9th, 6 - 10 PM.
Every growing thing needs clean water to grow.
Two new water flowers are sculpted and drying. Six plaques are sculpted and drying. It was a great day for me on Tuesday when I traveled to the 4-H camp to collect prairie grasses for the plaques. The drive was great and the area so beautiful. The 4-H camp is near the Schram Aquarium.
More water flowers, and plaques, and poetry to create.
Photos coming soon.
Protecting the Creative Psyche
The status of the current US economy is affecting my own creativity. Or, let me re-phrase this by saying, I'm allowing the news, and stock market downfall to affect my own creativity.
The fear of the unknown is the greatest fear. Overcoming the fear of the unknown through the creativity of art is very uplifting.
So, therefore, I am going to overcome these stresses by pulling on the lessons of the pioneer spirit from my aging parents and just knuckle down and work on creativity.
I firmly believe the creative psyche is very delicate. First, as individuals we need to nourish our own creative psyche through the processes. Then as our creative psyche begins to grow we need to protect it from outside stresses. Finally, once the creative psyche is maturing, then it's much easier to continue to create without stops and starts.
There are many types of artists. I am a feeling artist, or emotional artist. I have to feel whatever I am trying to create. I have to experience a feather, a flower, or animal, before I can create the work of art. So therefore, through the process of experiencing the essence of a flower, my own creative psyche continues to grow. The process of art is achieved, and the uplifting feelings of joy are the results.
Traditional Folk Music & Art to rebuild the middle class
I try to make it over to the Benson Farmer's Market every Saturday morning. I am there displaying my art for sale. Along with other vendors, rain or shine, hot weather or not. These are local business owners are trying to build their businesses. As an added treat, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, there's always music, most of the time it's traditional folk music. Sometimes, there are groups that play jazz, or music from the 60s & 70's.
I believe the middle class America can be rebuilt on the shirt-tail of the Traditional Folk music, Contra dancing, and Art that demonstrates hope, & values. In history the middle class established it's foundation singing these songs, & creating their own hope. I believe we can do it again. The traditional folk music gives us hope, & brings us out of the negativity of recession and stress. There's something very therapeutic about singing. The songs are uplifting and sometimes funny which makes us laugh. Songs that tell a story sometimes teaches a lesson, and sometimes the songs just give us hope to go on when everything seems so bleak. The song, "Hard Times," comes to mind.
To rebuild the middle class America will not be easy, but I believe we can do it. We have done it before and we can do it again. So bring your banjo, guitar, or just bring your voice out to the farmer's markets all over the US to play a tune, purchase from the vendors, but most of all support local businesses and rebuild middle America.
I believe the middle class America can be rebuilt on the shirt-tail of the Traditional Folk music, Contra dancing, and Art that demonstrates hope, & values. In history the middle class established it's foundation singing these songs, & creating their own hope. I believe we can do it again. The traditional folk music gives us hope, & brings us out of the negativity of recession and stress. There's something very therapeutic about singing. The songs are uplifting and sometimes funny which makes us laugh. Songs that tell a story sometimes teaches a lesson, and sometimes the songs just give us hope to go on when everything seems so bleak. The song, "Hard Times," comes to mind.
To rebuild the middle class America will not be easy, but I believe we can do it. We have done it before and we can do it again. So bring your banjo, guitar, or just bring your voice out to the farmer's markets all over the US to play a tune, purchase from the vendors, but most of all support local businesses and rebuild middle America.
Through My Art I try to Demonstrate
Through my art I try to demonstrate the importance of clean water to fight disease. It is imperative for our children's safety.
Through my art I try to demonstrate the importance of clean air so that my friends can breathe.
Through my art I try to demonstrate the importance of clean Earth to plant our food.
We want to make a change and work towards sustainability.
Through my art I try to demonstrate the importance of clean air so that my friends can breathe.
Through my art I try to demonstrate the importance of clean Earth to plant our food.
We want to make a change and work towards sustainability.
