Jane Steele-Meagher

 

Primary Discipline: Visual Arts
Areas of Specialty: Clay art, Public art, First Nations art
Additional Disciplines/Specialties: Literary Arts, Poetry

 

Based in: Lynnwood
Phone: 206-409-6976
Email: jane@steele-meagherartist.com
Website: www.steele-meagherartist.com

 

Biography: Jane Steele-Meagher received her Bachelor in Fine Arts from the University of Washington, with a concentration in Ceramic Art. She also took classes in art history and the art of other cultures. Graduate level classes included Native American art and Asian art. Steele-Meagher works primarily in clay and textiles, but also in drawing, painting and other art forms. She has been exhibiting her work for many years. She was rostered with Washington State Arts Commission’s Artist in Residence program and has been teaching since 2000 in public schools and with the Seattle Parks and Recreation.

 

When asked about her approach as a Teaching Artist, Ms. Steele-Meagher wrote this: “My goal is for students to access the creative being within themselves. My own enthusiasm is critical to this goal. Enthusiasm and connections with students are the foundations of classroom management. I begin by asking questions, so that I can learn about my students. I validate their comments and work to tie them into the lesson and into our previous experiences. I integrate my work with the students into the classroom curriculum and strive to present art in the wider context of learning. Each residency includes basic art skills such as drawing, composition, color theory and artist statements or public presentations. I emphasize that creativity and authenticity coupled with hard work and persistence will lead to success in both the arts and in life. During the hands on portion of the lesson I talk to each student individually, answering their questions and providing help, but most importantly, validating the art that they create and encouraging them to be true to themselves. I want my students to understand the importance of authentic self-expression.”

 

Suitable for Grades: K-8
Preferred Grades: K-5

Curriculum Integration Possibilities: Literacy, Reading, Writing, Science, History, Social Studies

 

Additional Interests/Experience:

• Leading Professional Development workshops for K-12 Teachers
  
• Working with students with special needs / disabilities

 

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