Kerstin Davis

Contact

Kerstin Davis
Masters in the Art of Teaching, Western Carolina University
BFA, Savannah College of Art and Design
Licensed Art Educator in the State of North Carolina
mailto: kerstin_davis@hotmail.com
phone 828-682-6043
cell 828-284-3011
Kerstin’s website

Availability

I am available to sub in Yancey and Mitchell County anytime. Give me a call.

Teaching Artist Statement

Art is a language. It is a reflection of our understanding of the world as we know it. Arts integration can serve as the avenue to a deeper understanding of the lessons being taught. A moment to step back from a kaleidoscope of information and assemble that information in a new way, enabling the child to a gain a personal perspective on the lesson being taught.

Areas of Interest

In regards to substitute teaching I am particularly interested in utilizing my knowledge of art history, interest in science, and expertise in many art forms to pull together a creative experience that would enrich the current curriculum. I am as excited about art materials as the children. I like the challenge of utilizing what I have on hand in my stocked suitcase to provide an exciting artistic experience that informs and inspires creative thinking in the classroom.

Reviews/Recommendations

“I was amazed at the confidence and enthusiasm the kids had for their own art. [. . .] I know my kids and I know that something very beautiful and very important became part of them through working with you. You truly gave them their artistic license, which will never expire.” – Dr. Dee Bobby (parent of past student)

“Edward had a great week. I was impressed with the number and level of projects completed. Kerstin did a great job with the kids.” – Jessie Brinkley (parent of a Kids Camp student)

Excerpts from teacher evaluations of TRAC Residencies for grades K-5
How did the residency benefit the classroom?

“reinforced classroom skills”
“great use of art to broaden students’ understanding of our culture”
“She helped them see everyday things in a different light.”
“helped them use their imagination”
“The experience was great.”

Resume

click here to download a PDF of my resume

What’s in My Suitcase?

watercolor paint
straws
thumbtacks
brads
reinforcers
glue
markers
carbon sketch pencils
fine point black markers
string
artist’s tape
handmade color wheel
tissue paper
Sharpie markers
world map
aluminum foil
cardstock
hole punch
rotating assortment of picture books
bone folder
exacto blade
bandaids
DVD of Nova special about fractals
glue brushes
paintbrushes
Art Memory card game
timeline of art history
art reference materials
a rubber fish
anything else that catches my interest

What Might We Do with All This Stuff?

If you’re studying habitats or marine life we might make prints of fish, cut them out and place them in child-painted environments.

If you’re studying insects or animals, we might use cardstock and brads to make jointed models of invented animals or insects, using students’ knowledge of the characteristics of all animals or insects.

I might pull out a lesson on repeating patterns in nature and use the watercolor paint and straws to make branching patterns. This could be tied into the study of trees, waterways, vascular system, fractals, etc.

If you’re studying the Middle Ages I can give a lesson in illuminated manuscripts or printmaking.

If you’re studying European history I can do a lesson on how printmaking changed the world and students can make their own prints.

I can facilitate expressive painted self-portraits or portraits of famous historical figures.

If you’re studying Egypt we can make our own scarabs and paper beads and craft necklaces or bracelets.

I have a cool lesson that involves comparing and contrasting land and water forms through the creation of a book that illustrates 10 forms in their positive and negative shapes.

We can make mandalas for a math or cultural studies lesson.

We can make a cool pocket size accordian book with pockets that store information. You can build upon this book throughout the year by using it as a matrix to organize information. For example the book above was used to hold 2×3 cards with images comparing and contrasting a timeline of ancient art on one side to a contemporary counterpart on the other. The cards were given to students at the onset of each lesson throughout the year and stored in their accordian book as a physical representation of our accumulated studies.

We can do a simple kite making lesson for studies of Chinese culture, weather, science, etc. They do fly!

I can do a lesson on weaving as a tie into ancient civilizations or North Carolina history. The image above is yarn woven over a yogurt container. I can also do paper basket weaving, placemats, or warp a simple cardboard loom.