Melanie Rick is a Kennedy Center teaching artist who works with students, teachers and other teaching artists globally. In Hawaii, we have had the good fortune to study with her on a yearly basis. Using visual thinking strategies (ODIW: Observe, Describe, Infer, Wonder/Inquire), she teaches students and adults how to look at every detail within […]
Six-Word Memoirs & how to write them!
November 3, 2017 by ·
I’m in love with the Six-Word Memoir. I’ve written them myself and I’ve taught students how to write them as a way to explore the intuitive collages they make using the SoulCollage® process. After creating a collage card, we use visual thinking strategies – ODIW (Observe, Describe, Infer, Wonder) – to give voice […]
Mexican Metal Tooling with Grade 1
December 11, 2016 by ·
The Elements of Art are the focus of our Grade 1 Visual Arts unit at Pōmaikaʻi School. For our lesson on Texture we studied Mexican Metal Tooling, and let me tell you it’s a big hit with the kids! It’s truly magical to transform a smooth piece of shiny metal (36 gauge 5″x 5″ aluminum […]
Art Show Collaboration… with a 10 year old
September 20, 2016 by ·
In October of 2013, I participated in an art exhibit titled “Relationships and Collaborations” held at Viewpoints Gallery Maui. Invited artists were asked to choose one or more collaboration partners who worked in different mediums so each artist would stretch their boundaries and explore new creative territory. We were also asked to observe and reflect […]
9 Stages of a Shield Volcano
September 7, 2016 by ·
This is a 4th / 5th grade lesson plan I designed to teach students how to identify the 9 stages of a shield volcano and to give them a dynamic mixed media experience. They loved it and so did I! Prior to beginning the art activity, I projected a “9 Stages” reference guide onto the […]
Ke Ola Magazine Featured Artist
May 30, 2013 by ·
I’m happy to be the featured artist in one of my favorite island magazines, Ke Ola (The Life)! Although this wonderful publication has been on the Big Island for some years, they just made their Maui debut in April. My painting “Hi’iaka’s Prayer” is featured on the cover, and an article on my art and […]
Mixed Media Portrait for Grade 5
October 31, 2012 by ·
As a teaching artist for the state of Hawaii, I create arts integrated unit plans for elementary and middle school students. In designing lessons for kids, I’m always thinking of how to engage them in ways that are high on the fun meter while skill-building in the chosen areas of study. An added benefit is […]
