Can you be a nontraditional student and not be at a regular school?

I think the answer is yes to this.

Since I started (re-) learning pottery and painting, (and soon: weaving...) part of me does feel like I am back in school. I have been doing research, reading books, and now plan to learn more with a private teacher at the Pots Place.

I will be taking a class from Bob Brigl, who is a Pots Place master potter.

I think just knowing I have a class and going at least once a week will help me make more progress. It's always too easy to say, "I have _________ (insert excuse here) to do instead..." and that is a cop-out, really. It prevents progress on art and anything I want to learn.

But it is so easy to say. Things just can get in the way if I let them. So... my solution is that I am going to MAKE time for art this year, not just talk about it. My plans are going into action.

I have a great book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron that I also will be looking at again this year. This is a great book to help artists get back on track with their art.

For many years, I was a graphic artist, working with different printing companies. True, I got to make logos and printed pieces, which can be very creative. But there is something about fine art that I have always thought was more lasting.

Back to my projects this year, which include weaving, painting, and pottery. The motto is Just Do It or Make Yourself Do It.

Like many other nontraditional students, I am taking a class in order to become more skillful, but also to have a good time.

Memphis Marsha (Marsha Heidbrink) here in Bowling Green, Kentucky had a studio where lots of artists and students could learn art from many different teachers. What a great idea. I do miss Marsha. I wish I had known her even better. I think her gallery is still open, and I plan to visit there soon to find out for sure.

If you are currently in a class, are you having a good time with your classes? Or are you studying so you can have a good time later? Or maybe you are just now considering going back to school or taking a class.

Just wondering. Leave a comment!

More links:
The Pots Place Studio and Gallery
Memphis Marsha's Art Studio
Artworks in Bowling Green, Kentucky - a Visual Arts Coalition (I am a member here too).

More later!

-Betsyanne
Some Nontrad links: The Nontrad site and blog 
Join Nontrads on Facebook 
Nontrads on Yahoo  and
Nontrads on Twitter

Have you had a really bad cold or flu while in school?

I have what I like to call the Creeping Crud this week, complete with cough and general malaise. I don't know if a flu shot would have helped.

But it makes me think. If I were in school right now (or working) this could really throw me for a loop.

I might be lucky enough to have a job with sick days, though not all jobs have these. And yes, I have worked while sick before, though it's not a choice I like at all.

To help students who are sick or maybe have sick kids, communication is of the essence. Go to the doctor if you need to, and get an excuse slip from him or her. This can help a lot.

Arrange for notes from the class or a recording of the lecture. Make sure you have phone numbers and/or emails from at least 3 students in each of your classes, so you can call or email them for notes. Call your teacher and explain that you want to keep up on work.

Even a really bad cold or flu then can be worked around. AND if you are sick more than a week, you may want to extend your tests or class as an Incomplete, then finish your projects and still get a good grade.

And take care of yourself - - and get well soon.

<crossing fingers!>

Good luck. I wish all nontraditional students good health and quick recovery from sickness.

Here is another article here on the same subject:
Ack - what to do when you are sick - AND a nontraditional student.

Take care, nontrads!

Nontraditionally yours,
E. Sheppard
Betsyanne
Former Nontraditional Student

Spring Breaks - Travel, Staycation, or Study?

It's just about Spring Break for Western Kentucky University students. Some of them will be going on vacation with friends... maybe to Florida.

Some students will think about going to Mexico, and then not go.

What will YOU do this Spring Break? Will you rest, or work on a school project? Let my readers know.

I know when I was back at school, I usually worked hard to stay caught up, and get a move on my school papers, future tests, and portfolios. Ack. But I did get to sleep in once in awhile! That part was good.

So.. .Travel, Staycation, or Study? A curious ex-nontrad wants to know.

Nontraditionally Yours,
Betsyanne