The Imaginary Playground 2024
February 1 – March 15, 2024
“Imaginary Playground” is a unique art project conducted by NAWA Signature members that encourages students of all ages to explore the power of creativity and imagination.
The project offers a platform for students to express their thoughts and ideas through various mediums under the guidance of NAWA Signature Members.
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Educator Statement Teaching is a profound journey for me, a pathway through which I witness the emergence of talent in students as I impart knowledge and skills. It transcends mere skill-sharing; it's a collaborative exploration of creativity and self-discovery. I am thrilled and honored to be a guide, unveiling the distinctive essence of each student's soul that beautifully manifests in their creative expressions. I conducted the "Imaginary Playground" project at Hilltop Country Day School, a community of learners. Tiny books became a part of the mixed media piece right from the start because students wanted to express how important books are. "Inclusive Wonderland Imaginary Playground" became a canvas for discussing and visualizing a better future, fostering self-expression, and nurturing creative collaborations. Meaningful conversations unfolded, centering around the essence of what is important—such as the ability to express our best versions and the profound impact of love for learning. An innovative touch was added as students incorporated a mirror into the artwork's center, inviting viewers to feel included in the experience. Please watch a video where students articulate their collective vision for "Imaginary Playground," showcasing the diverse perspectives of grades K to 8 as they collaboratively crafted an "Inclusive Wonderland Playground." Further, I present individual visions from selected students captivated by this idea, offering unique insights. The 3D art piece titled "Four Seasons" by Colby Wood transports viewers to a magical realm, seamlessly transitioning through the changing seasons. It stands as a testament to creativity and imagination. Here is a link to the video of the piece. Thank you, NAWA, for this project and opportunity. Participant Names & Ages: Collaboration: "Inclusive Wonderland" Hilltop Country Day Students Grades K-8 3D ART: Colby Wood, 3rd grade Painting: Julian Hallam, 3rd grade Aria Goellne, 4th grade Giuliana DiMiceli, 4th grade Solomon Baron 5th grade Anthony Cenatiempo, 5th grade Talon Schaeffner, 5th grade Anna Fraser, 7/8th Art Dillon Oricchio, 7/8th Art Lucas Kozonasky, 7/8th Art Kaydence Goellner, 7/8th Art
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Educator Statement As a Signature Member of the National Association of Women Artists and an educator at the Dartmouth Cultural Center I had the good fortune of participating in this inaugural educational event. The DCC students, Iria DeValles-Vieira, Beth Russo, and Robert Vesprini, accepted the challenge of creating a group artwork. Each of them created two pieces that narrate their interest in the oceans that are part of our everyday life. They started the project in mid-September and completed the work in mid-December. Working in class under my direction and on in their studios as a team. Weekly feedback and critique fuel the process until all were happy with the result. Over the twelve weeks they planned, executed, and delivered these amazing efforts. Each piece uses a construction tube as a substrate that was painted, sanded, decoupaged, and covered with found objects of their choice. These artists have taken numerous abstract painting classes at the DCC. They are quite familiar with each other’s methods and thought processes. We hope to display the artwork series, Neptune’s Rabbit Hole, in various public venues over the next several months. Given the amount of work each artist dedicated to the project they are to be commended for their excellent work as individuals and as a team. I am delighted to have steered the ship on this Imaginary Playground voyage. Participants Names & Ages Beth Russo, over 60 Iria DeValles -Vieira, over 60 Robert Vesprini, over 60
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Educator Statement My artwork is grounding to my soul. I am taken aback by the beauty and intangible qualities of natural flora: the various textures; the amazing flowers and fruits and foliage; and most of all, the spectacular rejuvenation after what appears to be a most definite death in the bleakness of a cold, dark winter. In our largely urban society, the ability to appreciate our natural surroundings has become dulled-the ability to see the wonder in a tree, the magic and the mystery in a flower, the indescribable peace and contentment that can fill one’s heart. I try to show this to the viewer as my work is a surreal reminder of the peaceful, centered energy of the miraculous, natural living world which surrounds us. My collages are made from torn, recycled brown shopping bags. I am interested in the concept that the bags started out as trees and then were made into paper which was torn and collaged into an image of the natural world, which in itself provided the required inspiration and energy. A quiet harmonic stillness is comprehended. Participants Names & Ages Mary Ellen Albin Nick Byfield Allison Connuck Usha Devadoss Christine Gleniewicz Janice Kaplan Nita Kromidasn Gracey Osmun Palmer Vidhya Perumal Andrew Kromidas Rob Tambini Kerrie Jones Deborah Mittelhozer Lore Reinhart
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Educator Statement Our school prepares students to understand, contribute, and succeed in a rapidly changing society through the means of art. Our students develop both the skills that the sound education provides and the competencies essential for success and leaderships in the emerging creative society. Participants Names & Ages Sophia Bushko, 12 Maximilian Duvidzon, 12 Benjamin Glayzer, 12 Nikolay Prokofiev, 14
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Educator Statement My name is Tamara Zalianyak (Toma Zale), I’m an artist and art instructor for adults. My work is inspired by the vibrant colors of nature and I often use bright and rich colors in my paintings. I believe that inside every adult lives happy and carefree child and my idea is to enthuse the viewer desire for happiness and enjoyment. This approach I bring to my art teaching where I encourage every student to experience the joy of creation and love for their work. I have been an art instructor since 2016, guiding adults though a creative journey at various centers, community spaces, parties and entertainment venues. My lessons cover a range of topics, including color theory, perspective, landscape, seascape, still life, abstract and Neurographica©. Typically, my classes include discussion of the subject(s) or scenery painted, color palette and then followed by step-by-step instructions. I tend to choose bright and more complex compositions as I know these would challenge my students, provide sense of satisfaction at the end of the lesson and inspire for further learning and technic improvements. At the same time my classes are fun, joyful and full of laughter, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere. They serve as great place for mental rejuvenation, creativity and socialization. It is not just about learning art; it is about creating an environment where minds can recharge, creativity can flourish and individuals can connect through the shared artistic experiences.
