In this class, we actually got to cut our own glass.  It was sooo fun!!!  This artisan uses glass and metal (like copper sheets) to make stained glass suncatchers.

 The artwork of the doll-maker was probably the most inventive and creative!  As you can see from the pics., she makes everything from small dolls to huge, life-size creations!!

 Another terrific part of the trip was getting to see a metalsmith at work.  Although originally labor intensive, much of the handiwork and minute details today are done through very expensive and precise machinary. We got to watch the metalsmith make a cup from pewter. So cool!! 

 Definitely the most difficult type of art we saw being performed was weaving.  There were so many unique machines and techniques (and basically, things to remember about the yarn and the process), that I know I would have had to write down everything step-by-step to do this intensive type of artistic process!!

This picture shows a watercolorist doing a really interesting project with foliage.  All you need is an empty spray bottle filled with watercolor paint and water, a white piece of paper, and any outdoor artifacts (leaves, grass, ferns, acorns, etc.).  Place the outdoor items in whatever arrangement you wish onto the white paper. Then, spray the watercolor onto the items and around them. When finished, carefully lift the items from the white paper. You will have a print as your final creation.  This is a great activity for showing positive and negative space! 

 Another really interesting group of 3D artworks we got to observe was the "hands" outside.  Different artists had interpreted their idea of a hand, whether it be mountains of plaster or hands of metal.

 I was so excited to see the hex signs that we study each year in 2nd grade!!  We don't really have these in Western KY, so getting to see so many of them in other parts of our state was unbelievable!!

My learning trip to the artists' community of Berea, KY

 This summer I attended a learning professional development that emcompassed all areas of fine arts.  In the photo here, we are watching a lady stringing glass to make beads for the jewelry she sells.