Final Report

Written on 5/13/21 at 12:40pm:

PiM Arts High School (3 hours)

Walker Art Center Shadowing (2 Hours)

         This week I was fortunate enough to visit PiM in person and meet Mandy’s ceramics class, though it was a new group of students as PiM goes by quarters. It was very casual, I stayed for two classes and had a wonderful time hanging out with the students while they worked on their in-class assignments. They had a lot of good questions about going to college for art, which stimulated some great conversations about what makes a quality art school experience. There were only 5 or 6 kids in each class, with a few more who checked in via zoom call with Mandy in the classroom. The students wanted to see my work, so I showed them some of my recent pieces which got us all talking about art history. One of the students even showed me her work, which parodied Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” by replacing the heteronormative couple with two women of color. I told her that her concept was extremely strong and that many of the senior fine arts majors at MCAD are making very similar work. 

It was very apparent how different the experience of being in the classroom is than teaching online, and how much easier it is to generate conversations. I think it has a lot to do with how in real life, the quieter students can listen to the conversation and jump in when they feel comfortable. In the online format, the students have to unmute to talk, and their voice will likely be the only audio, which makes them feel as if they are under a spotlight. Personally that is how I feel much of the time, and as an already quiet person it is so much more comfortable to just stay on mute. Perhaps there are better solutions to this dynamic, and hopefully as a society we learn from this experience so that next time there is a global pandemic, we can structure our online classes in a way which encourages natural engagement. Overall, being at the high school was incredibly nostalgic, and I will value this experience very much, as I don’t know the next time I’ll be in a high school class room again. I’m so thankful for Mandy, and PiM for opening the door for students to engage with teaching artists like me.

I also was able to meet with Simona Zappas from the Walker Art Center over zoom, and she told me all about her journey as an artist which led her to her position. We had a great conversation around museum education, and also non-institutional education. I told her about the month-long painting seminar I’m attending this summer taught by a master artist, and she was really excited for me. We didn’t have a whole lot to talk about, but I really enjoyed her energy, and I am glad that I made a connection with her as I will likely reach out in the future.

           Lastly, I also shadowed a “Dance and Draw” digital event for children hosted by the Walker. In the beginning of the meeting, the two instructors did a really good job explaining how to use the zoom settings, how to switch between speaker and gallery view, and how to turn on closed captions. The kids could send in the drawings that they made and the teachers then used them as their video backgrounds. Teacher #1 played joyful dancing videos from many different cultures as their background, as they instructed how to make abstract drawings based on the colors in the videos. The teachers alternated between dancing and sitting, while drawing, which is pretty admirable. They did a wonderful job encouraging the kids to dance, while also reassuring that it's okay to have their camera off. I loved their energy. They had skill for filling the silence with talking, which is something I really struggle with. The prompt was for the kids to draw their imaginative "dream destination," where they would like to dance if they could. The paper design provided came with just a horizon line. Teacher #2 did an excellent job explaining foreground, middle and background, and even atmospheric perspective. Later, they even described bilateral symmetry, with visual examples like butterflies and trees. They then asked the kids to make a dance where both sides are doing the same thing. It was pretty hilarious to watch the children doing the dances, and their parents smiling in the background. It was very joyful, it was wonderful to watch the teachers enjoy having fun with the kids while teaching them actual foundational art skills. It reminded me of my old job teaching art to children, which was bittersweet. I am glad that things like this exist, and it seems like the Walker has done a pretty good job adapting to the online teaching experience.

PiM Weeks 3/01/21-3/15/21

Written on 3/22/21 at 12:30pm:

PiM Arts High School - Thursday, March 4th & 11th - (5 hours)

Walker Arts Center Shadowing - (1 hour)

               As the quarter comes to a close for students at PiM, I have continued to Mandy's ceramics classes every Thursday. Week 8 was very short because class was mostly work-time, as the soft deadline for getting their projects fired was March 9th. We mostly just checked in, and answered any questions students had about turning in their work at the school. Mandy also had us meet in smaller break-out groups, which work very well in the Zoom app. One group was very quiet, while another was very talkative. It was a great chance to connect with the students more individually. One student was talking about how they were transferring the Perpich, so we had a great conversation about that, and she seemed very enthusiastic. In another, a student was planning to go to MCAD next year, so we talked about the various programs and  facilities that will be available to them. Of course we also talked about their projects, but many were still in the early stages of development. After we were done with the breakout groups, Mandy let the students go early to have more time with their projects.

             Independently, I finished my clay project, which was specifically designed to feature many different textures so that I may demonstrate how to achieve many unique effects using layered transparent paint. Unfortunately, the project of course took much longer than anticipated, and I did not have time to finish painting it before Week 9. Instead of my more thorough lesson plan, I made a small slideshow for the students so that I could at least convey to them the possibilities of mixing colors optically. I think that it went over well; in both classes I presented in, the students had great questions and ideas about their projects. I was only a little bit nervous, but I think it came out very naturally as color theory is something that personally, I am endlessly fascinated by. Even though my lesson didn't fully develop as planned, I think it still had the desired effect. Fortunately, I should be able to fully flesh it out for Mandy's classes next quarter (I am unsure of the schedule quite yet,) and so this week will serve as the perfect practice run.

            After we were done with questions, Mandy let the students go early again to have more time to paint their projects for next week's final critique. I can't believe how short the quarter felt, I feel like I had only just begun to become familiar with the students and their work. I am curious what the benefit is of having such short class lengths at the high school, as all art areas take a lot of time and practice to develop. Not to mention how unnecessarily early the students have to wake up for class, but that is another point. It is also a factor that I am only seeing the students one day of the week, so maybe it didn't feel as short for them. I hope that at least some of the same students from Ceramics 1 take Ceramics 2, so that maybe we will get a chance to work together in person next quarter, as the school will likely be moving into a mixture of digital/in-person teaching.

            I also continued communicating with Sarah Lampen from The Walker Arts Center about my shadowing schedule, which so far has at least four possible meetings set up. One possible meeting is shadowing a tour of Perpich students, which would be an absolute joy if the teacher allows me to attend! Because of my interest in teaching the high school age group, Sarah also connected me with Simona Zappas, the Youth Programs Coordinator for the Walker, who helps run the Walker Teens Program. We are meeting digitally next week, and I cannot wait to talk with her as she seems like a lovely individual over email.

PiM Weeks 2/15/21-3/01/21

Written on 3/22/21 at 12:00pm:

PiM Arts High School - Thursday, Feb 18th & 25th - (7 hours)

Walker Arts Center Shadowing - (1 hour)

              For weeks 6 and 7, I continued observing Mandy Stringer's three ceramics classes every Thursday morning. In class on Feb 18th, we had a mid project feedback session for the students' second paper clay project, a matryoshka/russian nesting doll.  The project proved to be a challenge for the students because of the high level of detail and finesse required to make the dolls fit together properly while retaining their design. Because of this, Mandy is thinking this will be the final project in future iterations of this course. But that is not to say that the students did not make some absolutely stellar work. It's amazing how different each student's style is, and it is already apparent how much they have grown in skill in just the few weeks since the first project.

              Many of the students chose to continue the theme of their first sculpture, many being botanical or flesh like, or a combination of the two. Others chose to replicate a favorite character or figure from a story they enjoy. There were a few students that did not have their projects done, but it wasn't a big deal as long as they finished it before the last date to put the projects in the kiln to fire. I noticed an increased level of participation since the first check in, perhaps because the students are more familiar with each other, or maybe they were more excited about this project than the first, I'm not sure. It is also a factor that the students had more advice to give each other due to having more experience. I took a more active role this time, giving some feedback and almost every project. I chose to stick with positive feedback and small technique suggestions, as the students are still learning to make constructive criticism and I still don't want to be too intrusive. It is an amazing experience becoming familiar with each group of students, and every class I continue to be impressed by their work.

              In preparation for teaching my lesson in a few weeks, I stopped by PiM Arts in person on March 12th to pick up some clay and make my very own project in line with the students' third project: a fantastical creature. I wanted to make my own project so that I have a feel of the material, as it has been years since I worked with clay. The lesson itself will be focusing on painting the fired clay with acrylics, as the students will be doing because of a shortage of ceramic glazes at the school as well as safety concerns. My main point will be talking about how one can mix colors optically rather than directly, by building layers of transparencies, which can bring much more nuance and depth to surfaces than by mixing the paints which creates a very flat, opaque surface. Since this is my area of expertise, it will be easy for me to talk at length and with passion about it. Even if the students opt to paint their projects directly, perhaps I will be able to bring forth some ideas they may not have thought about.

              Lastly, this week I began scheduling my shadowing at the Walker Art Center! On Feb 25th, I had a Zoom call with Sarah Lampen, a Family Programs Associate at the Walker. We talked for an hour about the various areas of family programming at The Walker, including programs for students, for teens, and for family groups. It is quite exciting, as I grew up attending walker events as a teen. It will be amazing to get an insider view on museum programming. As of right now, the majority of the program events are digital, although they plan to move to a mixed online/in-person when it is viable. Sarah was very personable and I enjoyed talking with her, I can't wait to find out more as we continue to schedule possible events for me to shadow through email.

PiM Week 2/8/21 - 2/15/21

2/15/21 at 4:00pm

PiM Arts High School, Thursday February 11th, (3 Hours.)

             This week I began my observation of Mandy Stringer's ceramics classes at PiM, consisting of three classes total. It was an absolute joy to meet all the students (even if only digitally.) In each class, I introduced myself and shared a couple of images of my work: a self portrait, and a painting I made when I was 18. I thought it was amazing that everyone got to say their preferred pronouns. It was only about 5 years ago that I was a senior at an arts high school, so it feels like just yesterday that I was in the student's shoes. It is certainly surreal and exciting to be on the other side of the classroom.

              Today the students had their first critique of their work for the class (yet to be glazed.) Their first assignment was a tile made out of paper clay, and the subject could be whatever they wanted, but they also had to consider how their work would be installed. I was very impressed by the skill and breadth of subject matter displayed by the students. Many of the pieces had a botanical theme, with flowers, mushrooms and trees. It certainly makes sense to me that at times like these, both winter and in isolation, many are drawn to the natural world. Other students made creatures, and macabre human-esque amalgamations.

              The critiques had an open structure; some of the students gave their explanation before, and some after. The images were all hosted on one "Padlet'' page, which was easy to use, and reminded me of Tumblr. I noticed right away that there is much less pressure for everyone to have their cameras on all the time than there is in the college setting. In the first two classes, most of the students were very quiet besides two or three. I noticed that all of the comments were very positive and constructive, which was a bit different than at the college level where we always analyse the positives and the negatives, (and in between.) It was refreshing, and gave me a bit of perspective by seeing artists at an earlier stage of their development, as I am always hyper-fixating on artists more experienced than myself. In the third class more of the students had their cameras on, as they were mostly seniors and some had known each other from before the pandemic. Their work was a bit more advanced, as many had taken ceramics previously, and I could see the fire of creativity in their eyes when they talked about their processes and inspirations. I enjoyed how Mandy was very personable with the students, and kept a very welcoming environment throughout. It is amazing getting to work with her, and I am learning so much by watching her teach and when we talk for a few minutes after class. She's a great human.

              For the most part I stayed quiet as I got to know the students and their work, as I didn't want to make a huge presence on my first day, especially during the first critique. I think it is important that I get the feel of the high school setting, and how to navigate the teaching role respectfully and effectively. I have no doubt that I will, but i feel it is important to acknowledge the nuance of teacher-student interactions. Of course I am very much an introvert at heart and over analyse everything. In the end, my first day "returning" to high school was a great experience, and I can't wait to see what the students make next.

PiM Week 2/1/21 - 2/8/21

2/5/21 at 5:00pm

             This week I focused primarily on my studio practice, as I'm still waiting on my background check. Although I consider myself a painter at heart, I love working with diverse mediums, which is why I am creating new sculpture for the first time in years as part of my "Installation" class.  It all started when my roommate introduced me to a unique material called "abaca paper", a fiber that can be finely ground and suspended in liquid, and dries solid in whatever form it is left in. I am making hanging wire frame sculptures that I then dip in the ground abaca fiber, which dries in unpredictable and organic ways. The results are what look like hanging plants that have an uncanny human-like quality, as the dried beige paper resembles wrinkly skin, with bits of shiny silver wire coming out here and there. Finally, the many variations I come up with will be hung on the branches of a tree. Formally they are very unlike my previous work, but in a way they contain a familiar sense of the surreal, and the biological, and naturally occurring geometric patterns. I really enjoy how the organic paper fiber counteracts the industrial steel wire. Working in new mediums is always so exciting to me, as it feels like a whole new avenue of thinking, with endless possibility.

             Besides Installation, my other classes are mostly focused on developing my professional practice, both as a working artist and as an educator. As someone who has never been particularly organized, it has been challenging for me, but is also very rewarding as I am finally getting a sense of my professional self as a whole. Part of our curriculum is to fully develop our resumes, apply to real jobs and art opportunities, as well as learning to communicate with real teachers through email and video calls in the teaching artist program. As an artist I yearn to be in the studio creating at all times, but it has been very good for my to hone in on my professional skills. Overall I am looking forward to all of my classes, and of course teaching at PiM!

Pre-Semester

1/15/21 at 5pm: 

My name is Dylan Scott Lundsten, and I am a painter, animator, and musician based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It has been my dream to be an art teacher since I graduated from Perpich Center for the Arts in 2016, where I first experienced the incredible value and importance of integrated arts education. That is why I am more than thrilled to begin my residency at the Performing Institute of Minnesota Arts High School (PiM Arts). Even though it will be mostly a digital experience, I consider myself extremely lucky to be granted such an opportunity in this turbulent time.
Today I began emailing Mandy Stringer, a Visual Arts teacher from PiM about a possible placement in her ceramics courses this semester. We discussed setting up a meeting this week to talk about logistics. I am very excited to begin, and I hope that everything pans out! I have heard great things about PiM from my former teacher Pat Benincasa, who helped to develop their visual arts program. I am particularly excited to work with high school students, as for me that age was one of most pivotal moments in my development as an artist. 


1/21/21 at 3:30pm: 

Today I met with Mandy Stringer over Zoom, and we discussed the details of her Ceramics 1 and 2 courses. I really enjoyed Mandy’s positive energy, and I can’t wait to work more with her. We went over the general plan for her classes, subject to change: The students will be using clay that does not require a kiln, and using paint to finish rather than a ceramic glaze. Although the last time I made ceramic work was in high school, we think that I will be able to assist more in the painting part of the process. In my work I mostly paint very transparently, and have knowledge to share about mixing colors optically through building layers of very thin pigment. Perhaps I will be able to encourage the students to think about color mixing in a new way. The meeting left me even more excited than I was initially, and I can’t wait to get started.

1/29/21 at 4:26pm:

This week was my first week back at MCAD for my senior year. My studies are almost exclusively academic this semester, focusing on teaching and developing my professional practice. It is a refreshing change of pace and it feels like I am finally making strides towards my personal goals. I also have the comfort of knowing that my last semester will allow me to focus heavily on my artwork. As for my residency, we have determined that I will be teaching in all three of Mandy’s Ceramic courses every Thursday. For right now, all I can do is wait for my background check to go through, which may take a little while.