Kevin Pettelle
Primary Discipline: Visual Arts Areas of Specialty: Sculpture, Bronze casting, Education
Based in: Sultan
Biography: Kevin Pettelle began his career in sculpture in 1980. He works primarily with the human figure. In 1987 he co-founded the Northwest Artworks bronze foundry. He has had an active exhibition career and has executed numerous public commissions throughout Washington State. Pettelle has been teaching students, teachers and adults in schools for over twenty five years, including ten years in Wenatchee integrating the city’s public sculpture project, “Art on the Avenues,” into student programs that utilize this resource.
When asked about his approach as a Teaching Artist, Mr. Pettelle wrote this: “One of my roles as a professional teaching artist is to allow students to experience first hand how important art can be in their life and in their community. People have a need to express themselves creatively, to channel their energies into a productive voice. I offer students this opportunity in the medium of sculpture. We begin by looking at various sculptors’ work, using these examples to discuss the languages and skills of a visual artist. Students learn to observe the world around them with an inquiring mind, discovering that beauty can be found in the most ordinary of objects. I also teach students about the bronze casting process. I connect and teach with each student on a personal level so that they find their own confidence, creativity and voice. The students’ work is cast and the program culminates in sharing the finished work with their families and community.”
Suitable for Grades: K-12 Curriculum Integration Possibilities: Technology, Other Arts Disciplines
Additional Interests/Experience:
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