Jessica Rehfield

CREATIVE ZINES

Students explore making small-format zines from paper and drawing tools, using illustration, collage, and story-making while learning how to fold, replicate zine formats and use multi-part instructions. Students practice story-telling with sequence while practicing manual dexterity, folding patterns and telling stories with images and words. Students k-3 learn simpler zines while 4-12 grades make more complex and different zine types and instructions. Older students can use zines to explore writing assignments, personal reflection and free-form writing; Zines programs can be coupled with collage for excellent exploration of visual storytelling. Adaptable to all subject areas and skill levels.

Program for k-12 students

OBSERVATIONAL DRAWING

Students learn observational and drawing skills including looking, gesture sketching and drawing from life examples. Using a variety of drawing tools (graphite/pencil, charcoal and ink) we explore drawing skills and basics like line, shape, form, and value (and subjects like shoes, face, hands, rooms/halls and nature). Exercises are interactive, including quick gesture warmups that students may participate in as models (with props), exploring concepts and vocabulary, and creating a final still life students draw for final drawing exercise.

Program for k-12 students

Each of the above Programs address -

1. Social emotional learning (SEL)

2. Critical thinking

3. Building collaboration and community skills

4. Embodied learning

5. Culturally responsive

6. Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)

7. Studio Habits of Mind

8. Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB)

9. Discipline Based Arts Education (DBAE)

10. STEAM

Resource to LOOK AT

https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/articles-and-how-tos/articles/collections/arts-integration-resources/why-arts-integration-two-big-reasons/

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About Jessica

Jessica has worked with k-12 students as an Artist-In-Schools instructor, paraeducator and substitute teacher for 25 years, after graduating with a BLA in Art in their home state of Alaska. They have an MFA from Oregon College of Art and Craft and have been an Artist in Residence with Salem Art Association, The Arts Center in Corvallis and the Art/Lab Fellowship in Portland. They currently work at Chemeketa Community College, tutoring students in the Art program and painting out of a studio in downtown Salem. Their favorite arts to make are painting with every type of paint, making collage zines with print media and drawing with pencil, pen and charcoal.

Artist Statement

Research in education finds that, “arts integration practices are aligned with how students learn” and visual and creative arts can enhance learning outcomes for students and teachers! As an art instructor, I believe exploration and learning with creative processes is more important than ever in helping students to emotionally engage and process their experience, and to support and enhance learning. There is no skill like hands-on art-making to help students develop patience and resilience, and to make sense of their world. Making art with our hands is a counterbalance to AI and digital consumption, can help students ground in the here and now and improve skills while exploring worlds of color, balance, reflection and the pure joy of making art. I work to engage students with developmentally appropriate lessons while encouraging growth and learning through creativity and experiential tools. My training in classrooms and working with students has taught me students learn best in an environment that encourages safety, inclusivity and fun while allowing them to explore with art. I love working with students to enhance their education and skills for life through creative discovery, instilling a love of creative making.