Welcome to Karen O'Keeffe - Art Teacher! I set up this blog to showcase my experience and talent in working with children in art. I am absolutely passionate about awakening children’s realizations that they are each artist, constantly surround by a world of art!

Growing up, I had a brother that was outstanding in Math and Science. But I felt that I was "only" good at fine and performing arts and that somehow that made him the smarter sibling. Well, clearly that's just wrong! This assumed inequality has encouraged me to show children the connections between the arts and the sciences - one could not exist without the other.

I envision using a curriculum, that not only meets or exceeds the state standards, but that works in conjunction with the curriculums of the regular classroom teachers, the SPED teachers, and the ELL Teachers.

I envision a classroom that is not a craft room, but a well-rounded art center offering lessons that include both informal and formal formative learning practices and that includes the use of the teaching cycle.

I envision a variety of activities from visiting professional, to virtual field trip to en plein aire experiences.

I envision art clubs that could include any of the following or more:
• Mural Club
• Playground Art
• Art Department Fundraisers/ Grant proposals
• Community Service Projects
• Field Trips
• Art History
• Art Collecting

I envision opportunities to display the children's accomplishments via:
• Bulletin Boards
• Display Cases
• Web Pages
• District Art Shows
• Library displays
• Public Art Shows
• Year End Gallery Openings

I envision an inclusive Art Room where parents are welcome to volunteer, children are encouraged to bare their souls and growth is imminent.