Artist Teacher Workshop
Thursday 3 January 2019
Teachers work very hard, so don't forget to nourish your inner artist!
At this time of year you are probably focused on getting your students to successfully complete their work, document it, hang a spectacular exhibition, upload everything, check it all, and then when it’s all done, collapse, or.…. give yourself a well earned treat: come to Italy for a workshop!
Picture this: walking through hills terraced with olive trees to a spacious studio in an 18th century villa complex, conversing with like minded people, or in silence when you want it. A chance to dedicate some precious time to your own artistic needs and remember what matters to you. Hands on workshops with individual support and encouragement to awaken your desire to create again. And of course there is the food, the olive oil, the wine, the homemade gnocchi, what else do I need to say?
The annual Artist Teacher Workshop has been a highlight of our programme since 2013.
This is a unique professional development opportunity for teachers who want to rejuvenate and energize both their teaching and their own artistic practice. In these 3-day workshops we focus on the teacher as artist, with full immersion in art making enriched by exploration of the landscape and surrounding artistic treasures, and how to inject this creativity back into teaching.
Heather McReynolds recognizes the importance of addressing the teachers creative engagement as well as the students. She is the author of this ThinkIB Visual Arts website and of the Cambridge course book Visual Arts for the IB Diploma. She has extensive teaching and examining experience, and has been leading workshops for Visual Arts teachers since 2007.
Artist Teacher Workshop 2020
This year we have a new professional printing press and will be having a master class in experimental printmaking techniques, a great take away for teachers to try in the classroom as well as for your own creative discovery.
Location: La Vigna Art Studios, Calci, Italy. www.lavignaartstudios.com
Accommodation in Agriturismo farmhouse nearby
Nearest airport and train station: Pisa
Dates: May 7-10, 2020
Cost: Euro 1000 inclusive of materials and instruction, accomodation, meals, activities, site visits, Pisa airport transfers.
Maximum 12 participants, so book early
Contact: [email protected]
The Artist Teacher workshop also presents an opportunity for constructive dialogue and practical exploration of our experience teaching the IB Visual Arts curriculum, with sharing, discussion and examples of good practice., so bring an example of your student's work, your questions, and your walking shoes.
Past workshops
In 2019 we had a special field trip to Pietrasanta, a unique village that attracts sculptors from all over the world who come to work with Carrara marble. We had a private tour of the studios with an opportunity to see artisans working in marble, bronze casting, mosaic and fresco, and a master class in sgraffito technique ( similar to fresco but subtractive). Teachers took home new knowledge and understanding of techniques and materials, art history…and a piece of art!
WE also had a guest artist photographer who guided us in different approaches ( old and new) to teaching photography, including iphoneography and cyanotype photograms. Great tips and tricks for integrating into your program!
Teacher Testimonial
“This workshop made such a great impact on me that I have started to keep my own Visual Arts Journal- now truly understanding the power of experimentation and reflection. Feel enlightened by the inspiring environment and the stuff we learned. I am renewing my teaching materials, sorting art supplies, even planning to make mini weekend workshops with my students at my cottage in the countryside where I will make a studio in an old henhouse ” -Fredrika Auvinen/Mattlidens Gymnasium- Finland
