I have served as an Artist in Residence for the past 6 years in my daughters
elementary school in central Ky although. I have my just received a Masters
in Art Ed as well......I jusst completed a show for 600 kids in our school.
we chose or let the kids choose their best work from the year and each kid in
the school had an artwork up in the halls. it cooincided with a recorder
concert for the 4th grade and a big PTAa meeting so it got lots of
visibility. I am so glad it is over.
That is the most exhausting thing to do. I saw tons of Mom's and Dads waling
through halls and praising their kids. It was a wonderful experience and the
PTA used my left over supply money to pay for a set of oil pastels for three
winners in each classroom- that's 75 winners! I sent letters to each parent
encouraging them to continue prodding their kids' endeavors in art and
hopefully that will make an impact.
ALl of that is to say that when I left- on my last day- after serving all
this time in the school, not ONE person said Hey we are going to miss you,
thanks for the great job or anything.
I didn't want awards or presents or accolades- just a friendly goodbye would
have been nice.
I don't know whether it is a result of burnout, endof the year syndrome or
what. All I know is that I am glad I did it for the kids. They hugged me and
cried etc. and I know they appreciated it.
I have learned a thing or two though.
Maybe this morning when the teachers don't have a babysitter for their class
so they can have their coke break they will notice. Whatever.
