Jeanne Leffingwell pictureJeanne Leffingwell

 

Primary Discipline: Visual Arts

Areas of Specialty: Mixed media, Beads

 

Based in: Moscow
Phone: 208-882-7211
Email: jleffingwell4@gmail.com
Website: www.millionbeadproject.org

 

Biography: Jeanne Leffingwell is the founder and director of the Million Bead Project and is nationally known for pushing boundaries with her architectural glass bead sculptures. In her teaching she passes along the bead working and craft techniques that she has learned and developed throughout her life. Leffingwell also writes for several nationally distributed craft magazines and directs a successful summer "ArtCamp" program for youth. She lives in Moscow with her husband, guitarist James Reid.

 

When asked about her approach as a Teaching Artist, Ms. Leffingwell wrote this: "Kids need art experiences like they need air to breathe. Art can guide us and make us consider what it is to be human. Art provides many students with a connection to school, an opportunity to feel that they belong and that they have something to contribute. I often start a class session with a mini lesson called “Five Fascinating Facts.” One day we might discuss how beads are made. I will show them engravings of early glassblowers drawing beads and bring in samples from my worldwide collection of beads. We’ll talk about why beads are so important archeologically. I treat students with respect. I tell them that they can’t possibly make a mistake I haven’t already made. I’m thorough, organized and entertaining. I also enjoy working with, and learning from, classroom teachers. I’m adaptable and enjoy collaborating with both students and teachers."

 

Suitable for Grades: K-12
Preferred Grades: 3-12

Curriculum Integration Possibilities: Math, History, Social Studies, Technology, Other Art Disciplines

 

Additional Interests/Experience:

  • Leading Professional Development workshops for K-12 Teachers
  • Working with at risk students
  • Working with students with special needs / disabilities
  • Working with students who are English Language Learners

 

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