My presenter proposal was excepted for the the fall 2014 Florida Art Education Association (FAEA)
I am presenting this weekend.
Below is my description of my presentation. Photo is of myselfconducting research in Cuba.
Part 1: In 2011 Beth Dobberstein was chosen to be part of a national research team to study Art Education in Cuba. The team was led by Dr. Bob Sabol, 2011 president of National Art Education Association. As one of the first art education research teams allowed into Cuba, the twenty-five US delegates from across the nation were permitted access to elementary, secondary, special needs and teacher training schools in Cuba to ask questions of leading experts and analyze art education pedagogies. In this open forum, Beth will share never before seen photos of the inside of Cuban schools as well as surprising outcomes gathered through her research trip to Cuba.
Part 2: In a follow up project, Beth Dobberstein explored how cultural heritage reveals itself in the art of immigrant children living in Florida. As part of a case study conducted through the University of Florida, Beth Dobberstein documented the triumph and tragedy depicted in the artwork of students after they interviewed immigrant family members and then visually represented the stories in their own unique way. Photos of artwork and documented dialogue demonstrates how past and present cultures unpredictably merge and influence who our students are today. Online artwork and stories can be viewed on my blog: "Blending Colors with Cuba" - blendingcolorswithcuba.blogspot.com
Part 3: Finally, Beth Dobberstein will provides examples of how teachers can gain a better understanding of their own students through the creation of meaningful, narrative art projects. The projects will not only visually provide a glimpse into the lives of our students but will also serve as a springboard for increased dialogue between students as they explore each others’ cultural heritage.
*For those interested, a private, complimentary tour of the Cuban art collection located at the Museum of Arts and Science -Daytona Beach has been arranged. The tour will be led by a Cuban-American docent who will discuss the artwork as well as share fascinating stories of his life in Cuba.
