Emma Sutton is an a/r/tographer (artist, researcher and teacher) working as a teacher of art and design in secondary schools in the UK, with students ranging from ages 11 to 18 for the past 14 years. Her own specialism as an artist is in painting, printmaking and mixed-media.
Emma’s PhD was with Canterbury Christ Church University, her research surrounded questions of value in relation to both the subject art and design and teachers within the visual arts. Her Master’s research was based upon critical and creative thinking and how art criticism and associated techniques can translate to cross-curricular, peer and self-assessment opportunities for students, emphasising the place of the creative arts in relation to both cognitive development and the wider curriculum. Emma studied for a degree in Philosophy and her Post Graduate Certificate in Education was from Middlesex University, UK. Current research interests surround the ways in which the arts can benefit wellbeing, inclusion and diversity and decolonisation of the curriculum.
Presentation: Collaborative Learning/ Active Listening
Working together, Jay, a local community artist-educator & Emma, a local secondary art and design teacher will share their experiences, their joys, & the challenges involved in developing, delivering &
displaying innovative, enriching creative projects across age-groups. Examples include:
- ‘Young Artists 2023’ features Year 9 students who responded to themes surrounding nature and the environment using Lino Printing on mixed-media backgrounds. Visual communication is supported by statements, allowing space for reflections to be explored between image and word, for Medway Print Festival #MPF23
- Working in collaboration with the sixth form, building on Student Voice to plan enrichment activities which allow time and space for discourse around issues that are important to them, reflection and play.
- ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’ (with this year’s theme being ‘Anxiety’), celebrates the link between literacy/ words & visual expression as modes of communication for the ebb & flow of mental health & human experience, normalising conversations surrounding this, & making connections.
- World Environment Day 2023 (in planning) on the theme of #BeatPlasticPollution (05.06.23)
Through visual presentation & dialogue, Emma & Jay will highlight how the work of students has informed their respective practices, how the process has affected them individually, shaped their creative partnership, is impacting the school & the wider community.
During this ‘hands-on’ experiential workshop, 18 participants will be invited to listen, reflect, engage in
dyadic & group discussion & creative activities inspired by the pupils’ work, in addition to sharing in
circle.’