San Fransisco, CA

Our first morning in SF we spent riding the street cars, enjoying hot chocolate at the Ghiradelli factory and looking at the boats at the Maritime Museum on the Pier. Great views, cool weather and lots of fun.

California, Day One

We spent the afternoon in different parts of San Fransisco. These shots are from China Town. Interesting architecture but mostly tourist shops.

 

 

California Here We Come!

Just got back from 10 days in California visiting with my daughter, her husband, my sister and her family. Had a wonderful time and saw some amazing things! I'll be posting pics over several days. I have LOTS! Our first day started with a trip to Berkley to visit a former student of mine and her parents. Amber Rich has started a non-profit, Waterside Workshops, to help at risk youth in the Berkley area. It is a great program. Got to visit her facility after eating at a Thai Buddist temple for brunch. Great food! Thanks, Amber, Lois and Ernie.

Keep Creativity in Education!

 Follow this link to read a great article on why keeping creativity in schools in important. I see so many kids everyday that are terrified of "making a mistake". What they learn from art is that making mistakes is the best way to learn! I am convinced the future of our country depends on it.

"Creativity Index" Legislation - LeaderTalk - Education Week

What Teachers Make

This is teacher appreciation week. Though I have heard this story before, I have never heard it presented by the poet that wrote it. I post this, not for the students that we work so hard to educate, and not for the public to better understand what we do. I  post this for all the teachers out there who really care about their students and their profession and who, if they feel like me, are completely demoralized by the vitrol and misinformation being touted as truth. This is for us. To remind us that we do make a difference in the lives of the children that we teach. To inspire us to press forward with REAL education reform, reform that values students as individuals and teaching as a passion. And if there are some of you out there that just happen to think we made a difference in your life, or your child's life, then don't just let that teacher know how you feel, let your legislators know how you feel. They are the ones that have the power to save public education is this country or destroy it. Share your story about a teacher that made a difference in your life.

Photos | The HemLoft

 Great tree house! Hope he gets to keep it.
Photos | The HemLoft

Creative Tuesdays at the Stanfield Walker Studio

I am now offering art lessons on Tuesdays from 6-8pm at my studio in Burlington. Join my students and learn about drawing with pencil and colored pencil,  painting in pastel, acrylic and watercolor or visual journaling.

I will also be offering a "Facebook for Artists" workshop on Saturday, March 17 from 9-12 noon. Start your own Facebook Fan Page and find out the best ways to promote yourself with Facebook.

Visit the Art Instruction link at the top of the page for more information.

What Fun!

 Here are some pictures from the visual journaling class I taught this past Saturday. It is always fun to see how everyone approaches the subject from a different angle. With lots of supplies and images to choose from, students were able to get a good start on several pages. They tried out many techniques including scraped paint, splatter, stamping, and crayon resist. What fun!

Upcoming Workshop

Join me on Saturday, February 25 from 9-12pm for a workshop on visual journaling. Learn my mixed media approach to design your own pages filled with creative techniques and ideas. Email or call 336.460.1411 for more information.

Upcoming Exhibition

You are invited to

Course Corrections

new work by

Melissa Walker

Opening reception

Thursday, March 8

6-9 PM

Point of View Art Gallery

717 Chapel Hill Road

Burlington, NC  27215

336.270.4998

Exhibit runs through April 30, 2012

New Brochure

I have finished a brochure describing my new studio space in Burlington and include information about the classes I am offering. Here is a pdf version. If you would like one mailed to you, send me your mailing address and I will get one out. Visit my Art Instruction Page to see more about my professional and spacious studio.

Here are some pictures from my recent show in North Charleston, SC. Nice space and wonderful people. It was good to see my friends in the city as well.