Art Gallery Spotlight: Photography

Vicki Davis, Ph.D.

Texas State Organization

Beta Lambda                                       

Tell us about yourself as an educator.

My life as an educator began with playing school. My sisters and I set chairs on the front porch of our home as a pretend classroom. We appreciated both the natural environment and the anticipation of going to school to learn. And, boy, did I enjoy practicing making those 100 marks on the play-tests...just like my teachers at school or possibly with more flourish!

After three years of intense study, working part-time in the Placement Office, serving in a variety of organizations, and student teaching in Cooper, Texas. Jerry and I married soon afterwards.

For two years I taught at Tom S. Lubbock High School. After two years, Jerry and I decided to return to East Texas State University where we were graduate teaching assistants. Upon completion of my master's degree, I became an Instructor at the university. I subsequently completed my doctorate at Texas Woman's University in Denton. I progressed as a university educator from instructor to professor rank. I taught for a couple of years prior to moving to the Vice President of Academic Affairs Office, later known as the Provost Office and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. Overall, I was employed as an educator for 43 years.

How did you get into photography?

After purchasing a car in Winnsboro and a television in Lubbock, Jerry and I purchased a movie camera. We both enjoyed taking photos during vacations to Acapulco; Europe; and extended drives throughout Texas and neighboring states as well as from Texas to Canada, to California, to Florida, to the East Coast, and through each Canadian Province.

We also recorded special times with family and friends--- my sister’s weddings and our son’s birthdays.  We bought multiple small cameras with a variety of flashes. We experimented with the Polaroid. Then we progressed to the Pentax ME Super 35 mm. Desiring to make travel bags lighter and photography easier, we moved to small cameras such as the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph and the Sony Cyber-shot 16.2 mega pixels.

What inspired you in your photography work?

Based on a collection of photographs and stories of my maternal grandmother told to me by my grandfather, I absorbed the feeling that my grandmother loved to take pictures. Her photos were from the early 1900s and provided a view of her world and my future home. Many times, as a child, one of my uncles visited us on leave from the military. He was a prolific photographer. I treasure those memories captured by him with his camera...still life and movies! These memories could only be with the aid of photography. I was determined to enjoy photography and to pass along what I created to others.

Tell us about your interest in wilderness photography.

I enjoy taking photos in the natural environment whether it be in a real wilderness or a backyard natural environment. Some of my most spontaneous photos were taken in the wilderness of northern Scandinavia: Norway, Finland and Sweden. Wherever you find beauty, take a photo!

What camera and lens do you use?

With the popularity of iPhones, we moved to using them for our photography. That is how I make most of my photographs and I love it. It enhances spontaneity and I photograph what appeals to me. The Kodaks, Brownies, Polaroids, Canons, Sonys, and Pentax cameras and all the others sit on the shelf, but my iPhone is in my pocket! That's how I am into photography now.

What advice would you offer someone interested in photography?

Go with your instincts. Educate yourself as you like. For me that was reading all the booklets that came with the camera and relying on my formal education in art related classes.

Do what you like. Travel, look up, look down and all around. No place is without its possibility!

Share with others. You'll be glad you did.

How does the value of the arts impact education?

Learning is often enhanced by the various art elements. One is more likely to remember when any of the arts are present. One can sing when one cannot talk. One can recall when reinforced by any of the visual arts. The art of getting along with others is also a critical element. Gee, without the arts, our educational structures are hopeless.

Do you have anything else you'd like to share about yourself or your DKG journey?

Your world will be brighter if you share it with others. Photography is one way of doing that. I often click through my thousands of photographs, enjoying the essence, moving forward and not getting stuck on what is good, bad, or ugly but thinking of the good times reflected thusly.

The same is for participation in DKG. The journey is ours with or without a photograph. When we believe in what we do, we engage by snapping/accepting that view or multiple views. We take the picture. We learn when we struggle and hope to make the image our best. We lead by sharing that photograph regardless of where it is made...from the rear, front or midway. That photograph is a treasure! Take all you can and share.

Vicki is a past state president of Texas and a founding director of the Texas State Educational Foundation. She has served at the international level as chair of the Golden Gift Committee, on the Personnel Committee and served as Chair, and on the Eunah Temple Holden Fund Committee and then as Chair.

Tips & Tricks from your International Arts & Humanities Jury

Twice a year, Gallery submission dates: August 15^th - September 15^th & January 15^th – February 15^th, the Arts and Humanities Jury members get a first look at the most beautiful and brilliant poetry, essays, pottery, quilts and scarves, mosaics, paintings, songs and photography. The amount of talent among members is beyond belief. If you have not had a chance to check out the current gallery on www.DKG.org, get over there NOW, to discover the talent for yourself! We encourage you to submit your art to the August submission coming soon! To do this, here are a few tips and tricks for successful submissions.

Tips to consider:

●    Rubrics: Access the rubrics found on the www.DKG.org website to see the varieties of arts available and utilize the rubrics to help you with the submission process. There are parameters for file sizes, so your art is just the right size. These rubrics are used by the four dedicated Art Jurors.

●    File Sizes: Ask a buddy member if you need support with file sizes, reach out to the Art Jury members, or even better, find the closest teenager with a phone, and your work will be sized correctly and uploaded immediately. Ensure that your message beautifully describes your piece.

●   Staging: When you are staging your art, do a double check that the photo(s) taken have little background distraction. This is kind of like when you take a family photo and others behind make silly faces of gestures. The Jury wants to see just your beautiful creations. For pottery and other 3D art, consider the light sources around the piece and ask yourself “Is the room light enhancing my work?”

●    Item Description and text count: As you enter your content to the jury each August and January, you will be able to describe your item. Share your artistry story in vivid detail that brings your piece to life. Like some literacy educators may say, what is the “Ten word story” of your piece?

○     Check to see if your work and description are religion free and political free.

●    Quilt Borders: If you are a fabric artist or quilter, our one tip is to take your photo of the quilt without a border behind it. If you have newer phones, use your edit tools to make sure just the quilt is the focus. It is so inspiring to see the details of your fabric designs.

Photography Tricks:

1. Have you heard of “Rule of Thirds”? This trick really helps you as a photographer to directly highlight your object. 
2. When snapping photos, consider taking your photo in landscape vs portrait mode to truly capture the focal point. (Landscape is horizontal while portrait is vertical).
3. Here is a diagram I created which shows where you can focus your camera using the rule of 3rds. If you are capturing photos of animals, people, landmarks, trees, sunsets, mountains, find your focal point and focus it on one of the 4 points.
4. Here is a YouTube video which provides examples of Rule of 3rds, as well as some other great photography tricks and tips. This video features a photographer who works with National Geographic.

Thank you for your great submissions and keep them coming!

Apply to be a DKG International Speaker!

Would you like to travel to other countries? Do you like to share ideas, research, or experiences with other educators? The DKGIEF International Speakers Fund (ISF) provides speakers for state organization conventions, conferences, or meetings. Take advantage of this leadership opportunity by applying to be a DKG International Speaker.

The time to apply is here! The ISF Speaker application is available from July 1 to September 15 under MyDKG on the Society website. (You must be logged in.) Then select Apply/Submit, click on the ISF Speaker application link, and you will be directed to the ISF Google Form.

Here are some important tips to remember when completing the ISF application:

·     Inform your chapter and state organization presidents of your plan to apply to be an ISF speaker.

·     Ask your state organization president to write a recommendation for your application.

·     Include the name of a professional reference who has heard you speak.

·     Indicate if you will present in person, virtually, or both.

·     Include dates you are unavailable to present.

·     Submit your application online via the ISF Google Form on or before the September 15 deadline.

o   Note: The application will ask you to submit a brief recording of you doing a presentation.

o   Hint: You can use programs such as Zoom or Screencastify to create your recording.

The DKGIEF International Speakers Fund, one of nine funds administered by the Foundation, is supported by member donations. Your contributions to the International Speakers Fund cover the speakers' international transportation expenses to face-to-face state organization events. Contributions can be made to the ISF Fund on the International Speakers Fund page, or go to the DKGIEF Donate page for various donation options.

Making connections with educators worldwide is one of the benefits of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Take the plunge and apply to be a DKG International Speaker where you will experience cultural diversity and serve as a Society ambassador.

DKG International Convention: A Woman of Importance: An Instrument of Peace

 Join Us for the Combined Session of the DKG Forums:

 Canadian, European, Latin American, and United States

Potomac Ballroom

 Friday, July 12, 2024

 3:00-4:00 P.M.

Marion Blumenthal Lazan

DKG International Honorary Member

There are still women and men among us who bear witness to the unspeakable, terrible events of the years when the Nazi regime ruled Germany. While speaking of her family’s odyssey during the years of 1939 to 1948, Marion is a true instrument of peace as she continually advocates for tolerance and respect when she addresses her audience of students and adults all over the United States and Europe.

We are honored to present a virtual visit with Marion and her holocaust story. It is a message of perseverance, determination, faith, and hope.

Find more convention info here. 

Wanted: Your Leadership Ideas & Resources!

Do you have an opinion to share about women’s leadership in education or in society? The Leadership Discovery Centre wants your thoughts in its Viewpoints: Around the World section. We especially are encouraging DKG members who can submit in English and another language.

Do you have ideas about how you are sustaining leadership in your state or province? Share your ideas in our Viewpoints: Around the World section. If you include your email address, other members may share their ideas as well!

Have you recently read an inspiring, informative book on leadership? Submit an annotated bibliography entry in the Centre’s format*, and we will consider including it in the Centre under our Outside Resources.

Make the Leadership Discovery Centre your “go-to” spot to get new ideas and to share your ideas!

DKG Art Gallery Spotlight

Margaret Chambers - District of Columbia State Organization - Beta Chapter

Master educator, artist and motivator, Margaret Chambers, allows us a glimpse into her journey combining her passion for education with her creative vision. “Keep Art in Your Heart” is the saying for the DCSO artists!

Tell us about yourself as an educator and an artist.

As a high school English teacher in Ohio, I introduced an interdisciplinary lesson to captivate student interest. My paintings and sculptures were writing inspirations. Fast forward as an itinerant elementary art educator in Washington D.C. I redesigned my art curriculum. My in-depth knowledge and research gleaned from my Masters in Education degree propelled me to devise an interdisciplinary art curriculum guide, entitled: “Art Education: A Vehicle for Learning.”  The Art Around the Corner program with the National Gallery of Art (NGA) was an interdisciplinary community partnership in D.C. It’s one of the most enriching experiences in my career. Students and I traveled to London and Paris incorporating interdisciplinary learning at the Louvre and Buckingham Palace. Their attire read SWART an acronym: Special, Working Artists Readiness Team. SWART was highlighted in the New York Times, Washington Post and on several local television stations. My rewarding career includes presentations in States for D.C. Schools and NGA. My most notable awards include D.C. Superintendents monetary Outstanding Teacher Award, Scottish Rite Education Award, National Art Educators Award, NGA award, Kennedy Center ART WALL recognition (written by former students) and Whos’ Who Teachers Honor. My art includes acrylic and oil painting in abstract and realistic style. Using heated organic shaped plexiglass, I create sculptures and tables. My Artventure Biophilic Design brings nature into interiors promoting an aura of peaceful existence. It comprises time in a natural environment affecting our productivity, lowers stress, enhances learning, etc.  

Tell us what inspired you and how you developed the art you entered in the gallery.

Current events, nature, life experiences, international travel, are the catalysts that have inspired my art and so much more. My artistic development of these experiences were expressed via painting, essays, poetry, photography, and crafts.  

Tell us about your most recent photographs: Cascading Aquascape Garden & Tranquil Newport Harbor:

Cascading Aquascape Garden: Outside my friend’s abode was her oasis. We listened to the soothing sounds of trickling water as we enjoyed the enchanting sights of nature and paradise!

Tranquil Newport Harbor: In Newport, Rhode Island I was captivated by the picturesque view illuminating Newport Harbor. The quaint and vivid vessels in the harbor capture the peaceful moment of tranquility!  

What is the best artist advice you have been given?

Visiting David Driskel at his Maine studio, his advice was to “evolve in my own original perspective of creativity. Gain critical knowledge of art and continue to evolve.”  

What does the value of Creative Arts in Education mean to you?

Activities that engage students in organic movement such as dance, allow them to feel free in a natural way. This demonstrates a specific creative art component that spans cognitive, language social, emotional, and physical parameters. This benefits the development of children and adults, imagination through the arts.  Music movement, song, drama, and storytelling activities encourage students to learn and support critical thinking skills independently for themselves. Using art in a pleasurable manner results in supporting children’s development without pressure! An important value for children with disabilities is it has creative engagement to improve motor skills.  Open-ended opportunities such as coloring, painting and clay help children enhance their vocabulary and more. In conclusion Creative Arts benefits students’ social and emotional capability, dual language communication and cognitive developmental skills which in turn, affects the quality of children’s lives.

Tell us about your role as the arts liaison for DCSO.

 As Arts liaison I connected directly with the DKG International Arts chair, disseminating information for art entries via DCSO Chapter representatives.

What activities do the DCSO artists do to keep motivated?

The DCSO ladies engage in varied activities, such as recognition certificates, art exhibitions, news articles and spotlighting exceptional art entries.

Do you have any advice for other states who would like to start a committee?

Develop a master plan and organize this plan according to the needs, and interest of your chapter membership. Next develop a committee with the idea of shared responsibility for the members. Secure the support from the state president as well as the chapter presidents.

Just one more thing....do you have anything else you want to add?

Continue Humanities and Arts (universal language of communication) as a vehicle to expand Membership!!

DKG Art Gallery Spotlight

Barbara Kennison - Phi Chapter - Michigan

 

Dr. Kennison is a retired psychiatric certified clinical nurse specialist. Barbara’s teaching experience began in 1973 as an assistant professor of psychiatric mental health nursing, at Nazareth College, Nazareth, Michigan.  She worked as a teaching assistant at the School of Nursing at the University of Michigan and was an assistant professor of psychiatric community health nursing at Loyola University of Chicago, Illinois. She worked with undergraduate and graduate students. In 1988, she began private practice. Barbara worked with children, adults, and graduate students. She utilized art with traumatized children who had difficulty expressing their fears and concerns.

Barbara loves nature, music, and the performing arts. She uses acrylics or watercolors in nature scenes.  When using acrylics, she applies paint to canvas versus board or paper. After creating a mock-up of work using watercolors, she uses cold-pressed watercolor paper. It allows her to use watercolors, ink, and acrylic and dries quickly. The paper allows for creating textures and absorbs paint more easily which enables the artist to achieve a softer quality versus a hard or defined attribute to the work. This paper is expensive so one must be careful in how it is used.

 

Tell us about “My Sunny Day.”  Where did the inspiration come from?  

 

The inspiration for “My Sunny Day”, came from observations of a meadow beyond the backyard of Barbara’s home. It was a sunny afternoon with a clear sky and moderate winds. She made a sketch on a piece of scrap paper, took it to her studio, and painted what she thought she saw. The scene evoked memories of Andrew Wyeth’s work in what seemed to her, to convey a sense of simplicity in its detail and subtle use of color that were muted and transparent.  She views him as a master of light and subtle shading.  His application of paint to achieve earth tones and movement is outstanding. One thing that she feels her work may have in common with Wyeth’s work is the emotion evoked by the composition. She said, “I think that is why I laughed to myself, once my work was finished and remarked, “Andrew Wyeth, this is, “My Sunny Day.”  Unlike Wyeth, my medium is acrylic which allowed me to achieve the effect I wanted.”     

In “The Wolf Moon”, what inspired the title? “The Wolf Moon,” is a collage oncanvas. It was inspired by observations of the mid-January full moon, shimmering through the trees onto the crystal-cold snow covering the ground.  Barbara could see the view from the kitchen window.  It was a special moment to witness this phenomenon in the stillness of the night while others were sleeping. In some Native traditions, the title, “Wolf Moon” was derived from hearing wolves howling beyond their villages during the January full moon.  Wolves are pack animals and howling may be a signal for such activities as calling a mate, alerting there is danger, or signaling a need to gather for a hunt.   It may be a myth, but Barbara felt it was a good topic to convey in her art. The juxtaposition of the cut paper on canvas achieves the result of the bright slivery moon casting its shadow among the clouds.  The title for this work was fitting, given the time of year the moon was visible to her.     

What advice would you offer someone interested in learning about painting and mixed media artwork?  

Barbara responded, “I think sketching is vital, as it permits the person to look closely at the object being sketched, noting structure in all its detail.”  Sketching helps to develop a sense of proportion, perspective, light, and shadow. For adults, she recommends they consider art as a way of relaxing and discovering what one likes or dislikes, and then understanding why. Kennison suggested taking art classes to learn the basics of each type of media and equipment. Reading books about art and artists, and visiting local art shows and art centers are all other ways to learn more about art.

 

How does the value of the arts, impact education? 

Barbara thinks that all art forms have a tremendous impact on education. Participation in the visual arts, all have a positive influence on academic life and relationships. Research has demonstrated the impact art has on academic performance. Art allows for the exploration of emotions, encourages empathy, and makes a significant contribution to culture.  

 

Are there other things you wish to share about yourself or your DKG journey?  Barbara explained, “Responding to the questions posed has evoked memories, special and happy memories as well as painful ones.  This has been a good exercise for me, and I am grateful to you, Linda for posing the questions.  In closing, I treasure my connections with the DKG organization. The support from this organization has been tremendous. I am awed by DKG members’ commitment, dedication, and action to promote and support its members, educators, and students locally, statewide, and nationally.