Hickman County Middle School

2008-2009

Hickman County Middle School

Arts in Education Residency: Dee Mays

September 29-October 26, 2008

When you visit Hickman County Middle School these days you will be struck by the image of a fearsome, powerful bulldog, “Spike”, at the entryway. Four hundred and fifty hands have come together over the course of a month under the deft guidance of Dee Mays, resident artist with a bent for broken glass. This project, part of the Curricular Expansion Through Art (CETA) that has been in place in the school for nine years, brings in professional Tennessee artists to work in the classroom with students on specific projects strongly connected to curriculum. The TN Arts Commission generously provides funding for Arts in Education projects in particular for schools that do not have art teachers on the permanent staff. The artists connect the arts process with studies. Mr. Patrick Sullivan was the host teacher for this stained glass experience that produced the entryway mascot and four panes in the cafeteria depicting symbols for academic topics that now grace the entry to the cafeteria.

Present for the inauguration of these permanent art pieces in the school were Mr. Mark Bentley, who twelve years ago as principal of HCMS instituted the program with the help of local artists Clarissa Lega and Leon Fuller (Artistree, Inc.). Also present were representatives from Community First Bank & Trust who co-sponsor these arts events and with First National Bank in the past have supported this program matching the funding provided by the state of Tennessee . Sheila Bettini and Pam Morgan were dazzled by the student work. Ms. Vicky Smith was also proud to introduce the artist Dee Mays to the members of the community at the reception and told of the significant impact the project has had with the students not only artistically but also educationally since Ms. Mays covered multiple subjects ranging from math, science to history and social studies in the course of the project.

Ms. Mays is a professional artist and a selected instructor in this type of programs by the Tennessee Arts Commission. Shortly she will be honored by Normal Park Elementary in the Chattanooga area as the artist that has had the most impact on their school. Along with the school’s programs Ms. Mays will be featured at the Kennedy Center Artist in Residence series.

We invite all to come to the school and see “Spike” but remember he won’t bite!

For questions call:

Clarissa Lega

729-9911 or

Vicky Smith

729-4234

2005-2006

8th Grade

8th graders worked with performing artist, Russ Chapman, to develop a student produced film that incorporated elements from each school subject area.

7th Grade

Artist Leslie Roberts worked with 7th graders to make a series of mosaic pavers that represent areas of the state of Tennessee.  These have been permantly installed on the grounds of HCMS.

6th Grade

Under the direction of actor Clay Harris, 6th graders performed a play called "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."

2004-2005

Left - Mr. Eddie Davis assists 7th grade students in making a totem pole sculpture.  Right - Mr. Clay Harris guides HCMS 6th graders as they practice for their presentation of "The Shining Prince."

Chicago Visual Artist and World Touring Actor 

At Hickman County Middle School

Thanks to the combined funding support from First National Bank and The Tennessee Arts Commission, with conceptual administrative support from Artistree Inc., Friday Night May 13 at 6:30 PM Hickman County Middle School will present "Artstravaganza."

For three consecutive years the sixth grade reading classes of Ms. Orton and Ms. Cherry have hosted Mr. Clay Harris, a formerly world touring actor/director/playwright currently living in Centerville, as a resident artist in their classrooms. This year with Mr. Harris' guidance they will present "The Shining Prince" a play which he wrote and directed.

On this same evening the students of Mrs. Smith's seventh grade history classes, who focused on Native American culture through a visual arts experience, will unveil their totem pole sculpture. This will become a permanent installation at the school, a legacy of collective student work. They created the totem pole under the guidance of Mr. Eddie Davis, graduate of Chicago Art Institute and the Rochester School of Design, currently residing in Knoxville,TN. This "Artstravaganza" is part of the CETA (Curricular Expansion Through Arts) program, begun in collaboration with Artistree in 2002. CETA, is a much
needed opportunity for students to experience the creative process, while helping to give them a new insight into the general curriculum.

The presence of very talented artists, graciously received by the school, provide a dynamic asset to whole learning through Art Education and Exploration.

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Hickman County Board of Education
This page last updated on 11/17/08