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.
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.
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!!
PEGGY, I think your DCSO group is exciting and provides support and encouragement for creativity..... Your art and art education experiences are varied, and one might even say they are comprehensive. What do you think would be the values of children participating in all of the arts?.....Jackie Thomas, Omicron Chapter, Pennsylvania
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