Far West is the BEST

I just recently started working at Far West High School right across the street from the Oakland CCA campus. At first I did not know what to expect. I have to admit, the graffiti used to decorate the school was a little intimidating. However once I started working I immediately fell in love with the school because of the kids that I encounter in Tonia Herrero's art classes.

I am a teacher's assistant for Tonia's Art I, Digital Photography, and Fashion Classes. Although the photography lab is not set up at Far West, the kids are content with working with Tonia in the classroom to create other projects. Recently the kids have been working on personal and Far West H.S. logos that they create using stencils and later spray paint onto paper and t-shirts. Through this project I was able to learn about some of the students individual personalities that were seen in their shirts. After the shirts were completed Tonia organized a class critique. Here we discussed composition, content, and color. It was interesting to see what each student had to say regarding each topic. The students were more interested in the content of each t-shirt and how each logo represented their school.

It is nice to be part of a community that is happy with what they are involved in. The community of students in Tonia's art class all want to be there. Often students stay after school to work on art projects with Tonia instead of going home. At Far West I am able to see what it means to reach out to a community through art.

First Day

Well- at last I was able to experience what being at Rock paper scissors Collective is like while "on the job". The place is cool,they have a gallery, zine library, retail spot for artist stuff and workshops throughout the month. I learned a bit about quickbooks-for purchases/receipts, and about the logistics of the place-I think I really want to propose a cca related art party/reception there-so if yall in the market for a venue, i have a possibliity!

starting fresh at...

Three weeks ago I started working at Washington High School in Fremont with Todd Elkin. In this initial stage, I have been observing how Todd sets up his classroom and implements projects– basically, his teaching process. I am getting to know the students more and more as I discuss their work with them individually and help guide them both in problem-solving and building technique. It took me a moment to wrap my head around what it’s like to be in high school again. Indeed, a switch from Creative Arts Charter School (K-8) in San Francisco that I’ve been working at these past two years with Leslie Keir. I’ve totally become attached to my old site and miss them, but I’m also really looking forward to get to know and work with the Washington HS community.

Todd & I brainstormed on some key focus goals for me this semester in my teaching practice:
*Scaffolding learning (in general)
*Teaching about the understanding of visual language/ becoming visually literate
*Successful implementation of Teaching for Understanding and Studio Habits of Mind teaching frameworks
*Writing lesson plans
*Classroom management

It used to be- and kind of still is a little -awkward for me looking particularly young & working with high school students because, well, I look like I could go to the high school I work at! However, there are also positive aspects to being a young teacher/mentor, in that I find students can relate to me openly. Students have been asking me about what college is like, art school specifically, and about working in the arts (for example, a student asked me today: is it difficult to make a living as an artist?). Well, I’m happy to be someone they can freely ask questions and I hope I’m being helpful.

Also, I do appreciate this blog form of documentation– it's a good tool to represent our process and make our learning visible. Looking forward to share teaching & learning experiences with all of you.
Cheers to a wonderful rest of the semester… Good Luck with midterms!

And as our dear Sonia writes,
In Peace

East Oakland Community Library

Hello Everyone,

I have been holding of from writing, because there really is not much to say for now.

Mostly my working days consist of organizing various aspects of the EOCL project.

Together with Rene we are preparing for the digitizing event, which is on the 25th of this month. Sorry, I am not going to see you at the next colloquium.

I've reserved video equipment, a digital camera for the documentation, and I am still looking for a scanner. Rene is arranging for local organizations like 'Youth Uprising' and 'Youth Radio' to commit to attend and participate. I am looking forward to actually interact with the people from East Oakland, hear their stories, and see all the different materials that they are going to bring. As a test I shot a short video interview with my friend. It is compressed so it can be viewed on line and we will still determine the final compression rate. Also, I am still working on getting wireless system set up for the event.

Thank you for now, and I will keep you posted .

Blaz

Claremont Middle School

First, I have to say, I hate computers. But it is nice to be able to potentially view the progress of all of the CSF'ers work through out the year. Here is what I have been doing over at the Attitudinal Healing Connection in West Oakland...

I am working in the office as the Exhibition Coordinator, both for the traveling exhibition and for this year's culminating exhibition that will happen at the end of the OUSD school year. I am in charge of taking the art work (done by k-12 students in the OUSD) from last school year and finding galleries and other exhibition spaces to hang their work. I am also in charge of organizing this year's exhibition which includes everything from finding a venue, gathering the art work, promoting and throwing a great show!

I am also co-teaching a Fashion Design class at Claremont Middle School. My class's work will manifest itself as a fashion runway show at the exhibition. So far, we have been dealing with a lot of tough issues in my class of all girls, and have hardly been able to focus on fashion at all. This week we are having the girls participate in a Racial Healing Circle in order to address some intense issues that the girls are experiences. The idea is to heal these issues, and break down the barriers that have been preventing us from doing any work. Hope all goes well...