13 Oct Artfully 4 Life
by Barbara K. Stump, MA
Art is all throughout our world. How do we engage in it? How do we tie it into our day to day life? How can we use it for reflections, meditation, appreciation, to give us peace? How can it empower us, and perhaps make our lives more fulfilling? These are some of the topics I am looking forward to sharing with readers in a blog, and possible vlog setting, through the Galvin Growth Group.
To formally introduce myself, my name is Barb Stump, newly married this summer, and previously Barb Kent. I have had the privilege of teaching art for over 30 years. My experience in art education extends from teaching kindergarten thru 12th grade in three different Michigan school districts. Additionally I taught dual enrollment art classes for Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University; Drawing and Painting at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp; portfolio workshops; and other art events for adults. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University and my Master’s Degree is from Michigan State University. Proud moments of teaching included having my students’ work selected as part of the Congressional Show at the National Capitol in Washington, D.C.; The North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI; Scholastic Arts Show in New York, NY; and Michigan Art Education Youth Arts Festival.
My own work has been displayed in Petoskey, Michigan at Crooked Tree Arts Center; in Brighton, Michigan at Studio West Gallery; in Grand Rapids, Michigan in Celebration of the Arts; and in Lowell, Michigan in the West Michigan Regional Artists’ Show. Along with these art exhibitions, I have participated in ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan, three times. It was a wonderful experience for me to have a collaborative student and staff installation entry voted into the top 20.
So, what is my vision for these artful musings I will be sharing? I have always been amazed by what I learn from working with and teaching students. During the global pandemic, it became more evident to me that art is needed! It helps people to deal with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and many other issues. Learning ways to cope with these issues is so important for one’s mental wellness. Every day presents new opportunities for exploring creative outlets throughout our world, and that is the meaning behind Artfully 4 Life. It is my hope that my new audience will find this creative lens for looking at our world helpful and enjoyable.
Barb is an Art Education Consultant and G3 Contributing Writer. Her current series ‘Art for Everyday Enrichment and Mental Health’ will be released weekly on Thursday. Her upcoming series ‘Art Passport’ will look at ways that we can use art to transport ourselves to happy times and evoke feelings of peace and comfort.
