Supporting Student Expression with Eric Gibbons

Eric Gibbons joins Cindy on the podcast to share his passion for teaching art and supporting student expression. While in college, a professor noticed Eric’s talents in art and teaching and encouraged him to become an art teacher. Eric says he may have been the first student at his college to switch majors from pre-law to art education, but he has no regrets.

Eric has nearly 30 years of teaching experience and has been able to carry his love for art to both Egypt and Japan, where he was able to teach art. Currently, Eric teaches high school art in New Jersey and was recognized by the state for his excellence in art education in 2015. His classroom lessons have been featured by Davis Publications and other books on art and education through Firehouse Publications of Bordentown, NJ. Eric’s best-known book is If Picasso Had A Christmas Tree.

Eric’s work has been featured in international exhibitions and in many publications. Additionally, Eric is a blogger on his website, Art Ed Guru, and his blogs are appreciated by educators worldwide.

Show Highlights:

Eric shares how his love of art began at an early age.
Cindy and Eric discuss components involved in teaching art in a public school
Eric shares why there has been some push-back to his philosophy of teaching art.
Students find relevance in art when they have a personal connection to it.
Cindy discusses how art can give students a method to express their emotions.
Eric tells about how he has his art students partner with students at other schools for a project.
Eric discusses how he uses a universal rubric for 2D and 3D artwork in his classroom.
Eric shares how he has his students reflect on their work.
Eric shares tips for ensuring uniqueness and individuality in student work.
Cindy and Eric discuss incorporating art history in the classroom.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

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Testimonials

I like how this program, unlike other art class resource membership programs, feels authentic. It's like art matters more here, and not fancy flash-in-the-pan trendiness. The goal of Art Class Curator seemed to be helping kids develop a lifelong love and art appreciation versus "Hey, look. I painted this fish."

Erin A.

Your questions are helping me to delve into much deeper learning, and my students are getting better at discussion-and then, making connections in their own work. Art Class Curator is awesome!

Denise W.

Interestingly, my lower performing classes really get engaged in these [lessons] and come away with some profound thoughts!

Melissa G.

I had the most amazing 6th grade class today. They were jumping out of their seats with hands raised just to respond and give input. It was as if I was waving candy in front of them! They saw more and more and the ideas and interpretations unfolded. So cool!!! This is what makes teaching art so wonderful – thank you!!

Caroline G.

I just wanted to thank you for the invaluable resource you have through Art Class Curator. Not only do you have thought provoking activities and discussion prompts, but it saves me so much time in preparing things for myself! I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface with your site.

Maryjane F.

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