We are very proud of the co-curricular classes that we offer to our students. It is our amazing specialist teachers, including our STEAM Team, who make these engaging courses happen!
This is the second in a series of Q & A articles highlighting our specialists and some of what makes their programs so unique. This month, I spoke with Laura Clumeck, our Visual Art teacher, about herself and her program.
Mr. Heffron: Ms. Clumeck, can you tell us a bit about your artistic background and how you found your way to Wise School?
Ms. Clumeck: I started in the performing arts. Visual arts is my more personal form of expression, but I appreciate and enjoy being a performing artist. I added culinary arts to my “menu” of specialties and interests. I’ve taught visual art and cooking at other Jewish schools here in L.A. My pursuits as an artist have taken me to places like Hawaii, New York, China, Europe and Israel.
I taught an art class for young adults with special needs and the director of that program knows Pam Kleinman, and she connected me to Pam right when Wise School was looking for a new art teacher.
Mr. Heffron: What is most important to you in teaching the visual arts to young people?
Ms. Clumeck: I want my students to have a positive experience in my art studio. I want my students to experience art with all of their senses: touching, seeing, smelling and tasting if I’m teaching cooking. Art can become a physical and emotional experience, as well, such as when we’re tasked with using our energy and imagination to drive a piece of art that tells a story or that reflects something personal about us. For example, when I’ve worked with students on learning sections of the Torah, I’ve led them through an experience using a variety of materials and colors that encourages them to express their individual journey in discovering their Jewish identity.
Mr. Heffron: What is your favorite thing about teaching Art here at Wise?
Ms. Clumeck: As much as it is a challenge, teaching grades K – 6, I really do enjoy making a connection with each individual student, seeing their growth from previous years, their evolving artistic interests. I’ve had students who first come to me saying that art wasn’t “their thing”. But then, after I lead them through a guided, abstract art experience in which they learn the “Vocabulary of the Discipline” and some of the “Big Ideas” within art, they start to build excitement and pride about the work that they have created in our studio. I also really appreciate this inspiring, creative space and all the resources at our disposal that enable Wise students to experience a variety of different mediums within the visual arts.
Mr. Heffron: What are some of the overarching themes/concepts/skills that you hope Wise students walk away with after their art journey here with you?
Ms. Clumeck: I want them to understand the fundamentals, the elements and principles of design. I want them to have some understanding of different popular artists, of some art history, and of the various genres. When they’re here in the studio, I want them to feel free to explore through different colors, textures and mediums, including when we sometimes don’t have the words to express thoughts or feelings. I want to use an interdisciplinary approach that allows students to make connections between their academic studies and their Hebrew and Judaic learning, and then use art to demonstrate a deeper understanding along with their unique perspective.
Mr. Heffron: You teach all seven grade levels. Can you “paint a picture” for us of what a Kindergartener might be asked to create vs. a 6th grader?
Ms. Clumeck: Currently, our Kindergarteners are studying primary colors, so I have them examining the works of Mondrian. His most famous works used primary colors with geometric shapes and black lines. This requires spatial recognition and the use of materials such as paint sticks, tempera paint, paper, and glue sticks. Each student chooses his/her own placement of the colorful shapes and black lines, and builds a recognizable grid-like design imitating his work.
In 6th grade, we spend quite a bit of time reflecting on their art journey while here at Wise. We often tie into the school’s theme for the year. Last year, revolving around our theme of “Hope”, 6th graders had a group discussion about what was most important to them, always connecting to our Jewish values. They created a large-scale Star of David which is currently prominently displayed across from Katz Pavilion. Our oldest students have more of an opportunity to design, make their own color choices, and problem-solve to develop their own pieces of art.
Mr. Heffron: What is your favorite type of visual art to teach? To create yourself?
Ms. Clumeck: Painting, because students can use traditional tools like brushes and sponges to create definition and offer more precise lines. But also with paint, there’s always the opportunity for “happy little accidents” that lead to things that we couldn’t have predicted or imagined.
For myself, I really enjoy creating meals that combine the best flavors, the best colors, and the best textures for a “sensical” experience. I like to aim for elegance and decadence in my cooking, something that is beautiful and pleasing to both the eye and the palate. One of my favorite things teaching cooking classes to kids is giving them ingredients that they themselves would never try! Afterward, they often want to share these new flavor discoveries with their families.