This week, I am going to share photos of words and phrases I cropped out of recycled student assignments to strengthen my statement for my painting:

And I circled the areas in pink...

Just above the run-down sign advertising an award winning pool, I have "Michigan" just above it.  Michigan used to have the BEST public schools.  Now we do not.

To the right of the sign, also tying into how public schools used to be, is the phrase, "they went to music". This represents the cut backs in our art and music programs, and how some schools have lost them completely.

 "I am a good student," represents the kids who have not been given the chance to succeed.

Good morning, Blogging Peeps! I'm back home from my first stay in Grand Rapids for ArtPrize.  I was hoping to blog while I was there, but I was too excited to share and talk about my entry to everyone and ANYONE who would listen to me (lol). But here are a few clips from my experience...

This is Michael... he plays these incredible hand carved violins across from my mural painting.  Notice his display?  It looks like a music sheet, and the violins look like music notes!  How awesome is that?

This is Brian...

If you do make it to ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, which I hope you do, you must go to the Waters Building on 161 Ottawa!  As you walk into this beautiful example of modern architecture, the space opens up into this vast lobby with 20 foot tall samurai to greet you.  These incredible sculptures were created by Brian and let me tell you, you will be in awe of these structures built using chairs.  This is a must see!

This is Shaun...

After walking past the chair samurai, you will be struck by the strength and sheer talent of Shaun's painting!  Ok, side note on this guy, he made it to the final 25 last year in ArtPrize, and I kinda stalked him.  Just a little.  I'm a big fan of his work, and so this was exciting to have my photo taken with him.  

And then, my entry is just a few steps away, across from Shaun's painting, next to the elevators.  

This has been an incredible experience!

 Finished.

Through this process, I have learned a few things...

1.) Art is therapy.  When I began this project a few months ago, I was angry and upset over what I had seen, heard, and read.  Now, I feel exhausted, but triumphant.  It still saddens me when I think of the issues within public education funding, but I feel like my painting speaks for me.

2.) I have an amazing group of friends who are there for me.  No matter what.

3.) My family has my back.  

4.) My husband must really love me.  I have destroyed our front living room, the bathroom sink is clogged with paint, I have not cooked in I don't know how long... and yet he continues to support me.

My painting, "Common Core" will be displayed in the Waters Center during ArtPrize 8.  

 Final touches :-) I had to clean up some of the kids and add the little pools of water 

 I'm not sure if you noticed, but I repainted the diver.  Yep.  After sitting through countless mornings, sipping coffee, it finally hit me.  The diver was diving away from the pool occupied by her colleagues.  Now, it looks like she's facing us a little more :-). I'm sure my neighbor had a good laugh watching me stand (and wobble) on top of a slide in my swimsuit acting this out. 

This type of humiliation is a snippet of what I do for my art. 

Until next week, blogging peeps...

 Good afternoon blogging peeps!  Today I'm going to share another before and after.  This one illustrates the high ranking officials not feeling the pinch (or should I say drought) as a result of budget cuts.  Here, you will notice one of the characters jumping into the hot tub, cannonball style.  The issue (besides the greed factor), I was not thrilled with the size nor the rendering.  So what did I do?

I repainted him.

Then I noticed he was "floating" above the water.  How can one make a big splash while hovering over water???

 So, I pulled the water up, covered his toes, giving the illusion of plunging in.  I like it!

By the way, did you notice the words "Who's the Boss?".  

I find it fitting the location.