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Florence Lawrence has been teaching children's art classes at the GAC for more than 30 years! She has taught courses at both Lubbock Christian University and Texas Tech University, along with teaching at numerous other art organizations. Florence has experience in various art forms such as painting, pottery and clay, jewelry- making, and sculpture. Her vibrant personality and love of the arts has greatly contributed to the foundation of educational programming here at the Garden and Arts Center. Her contributions to the cultural arts in Lubbock are unprecedented, for over fifty years she has been active in arts organizations, teaching, and exhibiting. Florence's love for art and children are evident in the time and effort she puts into creating educational programs. Miss Flo's classes are one of a kind and are offered monthly at the Garden & Arts Center.
Florence's Philosophy on Building an Art Image
Building an art image is difficult. For me it required a great deal more than an advertisement that had a notation that I would be teaching a class at a community center as a volunteer...."Florence Lawrence, Instructor." It required communicating and a consistent message about art and all the phases of art. I had a to equip students to understand and how to use it all. It had to be repetition and reinforcement. It took lots of the same message, that art teachers are "Innovative Problem Solvers." Gaining strength in your personal image is a strong commitment and attitude towards people that are really going to have problems changing their attitudes toward a new vision.
"I have my ear to the ground at all times and I hear the grass roots talking." I have tried this year to build a team of people that understood about fine art as opposed to crafts. I really should say a team that is willing to change their view point on "visual" lines. I needed their input, concerns, ideas, and desires to make the necessary changes in their thinking; changing in stages when possible. Opening up communications from Teacher to Student will significantly affect each person. A teacher needs to be willing to spend a lot of time and hours working on these new skills. The old saying is, " The customer is always right". But with image, it isn't always whether the customer is right or wrong that matters. It is what the student thinks about you that counts. You have an image, whether planned or not. Some students already have preconceived ideas and prejudices that they have formed in their mind. These student want "problem solvers."
The students had to pre-plan and decide on leadership. Developing confidence in the project had to be generated. It has to start in the mind. The belief is that you have to be the only "thinker." A mental preparation exercise was projected. Maybe the student would not be able to put familiar surroundings in focus. The student has to work out all the parts to be used before the project is started. A lot of older students want the finishing touches first. Once their minds are comfortable to the commitment, then the "output" of ideas and "brainstorming" begins to take shape within the group. The temptation is there and it is hard not to describe exactly how the project should look. Keep a focus on the desired outcome. A time comes when the students have to stop, review, and make decisions. Practice an "open door" policy. Be prepared if you are the teacher. |
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