RICK ANDERSON ART
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artist / children's book illustrator / illustrator visits / teacher workshops / young author fairs / school visits / literacy festivals

rickandersonart@yahoo.com

 

 

Invite Mississippi Artist and Children's Book illustrator, Rick Anderson, to your school for an illustrator school visit.  Rick is currently scheduling school visits for 2008-2009. Check at the bottom of this page for school visit and teacher workshop details.

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RICK is included in both the ARTIST ROSTER and the ART EDUCATION ROSTER.  Local non-profit agencies such as arts councils, museums, schools and libraries are eligible to apply for Mini-grants from the Commission to sponsor performances by Rick.  The grants are for 50 percent of Rick's fee or up to $1000, whichever is less.  So, if you would like to schedule Rick for your school or other event, visit the Mississippi Arts Commission website for minigrant information.

  

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ART WEBSITES FOR TEACHERS

Rick's Presentation Brochure (inside )

Rick's Presentation Brochure (outside)

SALE Elementary in Columbus, Mississippi is a level 5 school.  Anyone who spends a day there will understand why. The students are GREAT, the classrooms are decorated from top to bottom,

the Faculty welcomed me with not only smiles, and warm greetings, and Mrs. Bragg had everyone prepared for the day and things went like clockwork.  I must take this time to thank everyone for the "Southern Delights" for lunch... ...talk about a spread......three tables of food and one table with delicious desserts.

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click on each photo to enlarge
     
 

Walnut Grove Elementary School in Franklin, Tennessee was a great success.  The day was filled with fun in all classes.  When I arrived, I saw drawings from my books displayed in the hallway all over the school.  That was a wonderful surprise. Everyone welcomed me and made me feel right at home.  Thanks goes to Michelle Rolfe, who organized the entire week of events.

  
 

 

  
 

My visit with the students at Our Lady of Fatima in Lafayette, Louisiana was terrific !

The library is one of the best I have seen, and the students take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.  I received an email from one of the students today, and here it is.

 

I was a kid in fourth grade at Fatima. When I got back into my classroom I tried to draw a cartoon like you did. But I wasn't that good. Don't worry i won't give up! 

Did this email make my day?  You bet it did!

I had the privilege to visit the students at Puis X  in Lafayette.  More great students greeted me with smiles and we had a good time.  Some of the upper elementary and middle school students worked with me to create an "Abstract Expression" style painting and each student singed the work, and I left it at their school.  Thanks to everyone at Pius X for giving me a wonderful day.

 

My 2 day visit at Cathedral-Carmel School went great !!! The students were awesome.  Thanks goes to Tanya, the librarian, who made my visit so very pleasant.  It was so much fun working with the faculty and administration in the "art across the curriculum" workshop.  So, thanks again for such a great week in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Thanks to all the wonderful students at Our Lady of Fatima who sent those Super "Thank You" letters and drawings.  That made my day when I opened two stuffed packages of delight. 

Marguerite at Fatima sent me a card saying "the students enjoyed your visit so much!  One Mom said her child came home and repeated your talk WORD for WORD !"

 

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More photos at Eastside Elementary School in Clinton, MS
   

 

  

 
 

Introduction

 

Rick feels right at home in the classroom.  After all, he was in and all around the classroom for 25 years teaching art to thousands of children.  His career began in 1970 teaching art at Coleman Junior High School in Greenville, Mississippi.  From there, he went to South Natchez High School for 12 years, and finally, in the Jackson, Mississippi school system for 9 more years.  He retired from the classroom to continue his professional art career.  During that time, as well as now, he conducts watercolor workshops, group art classes, demonstration lectures, and serves as juror for many art exhibitions, both children's and adults.  Rick is also a member of the International Reading Association.

  
 
 

                                                             Preparation

Having students ready for my presentation makes it more exciting and successful.  It would be good for students to be familiar with the books I have illustrated.

  
 
 

Presentations

 

 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  I prefer to give three to four  presentations, dividing them in the morning and in the afternoon.  The class size can range from 75 to 250 children per presentation period.  K-2 presentations are about 40-45 minutes, and the upper elementary presentations are generally 55-60 minutes. During the session I  give a short introduction about who I am and where I live, and give a bit of background information. Students learn how I became an illustrator, and the differences in being an artist and an illustrator.  Students learn my process from the time I receive the manuscript from my publisher, how I research, when I create sketches to painting the final illustrations. Students learn how I work with the author, the editors, and everything   involved in creating paintings for my books.  I may include magic,  create a drawing or two, and always finish with a fun filled 2 minute 11 second surprise. Time permitting, I allow students to ask questions.

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FEE: conatct me about my fees at   rickandersonart@yahoo.com

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDIO SESSION:  For middle and high school, I offer two - 2 1/2 hour sessions - one in the morning and one in the afternoon.  These sessions are hands-on studio type, so class size is limited to 30-40 students per session.  As with the elementary presentations, I begin with and introduction and PowerPoint presentation.  Then I conduct drawing and painting demonstrations which include various drawing and painting techniques.  After my demonstration, I encourage students work in the same manner to create a several small abstract designs.  These designs can be in color or black and white.  These sessions are fast paced, very structured, and highly motivating.  Hopefully, by the end of the day, participating students will together to create at least one abstract work on paper suitable for framing. This piece of work  will remain at the school and hopefully be proudly displayed in a prominent place.                    

FEE: email me

 

HIGH SCHOOL ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP:  I offer an intense, power-packed creative workshop for high schools that are interested in a unique and wonderful opportunity for students who are interested in the art of illustrating children's books.   This one day workshop is a "how to - start to finish" process that includes   developing the text, layout of the page to incorporate both the text and illustrations, explaining the correct and incorrect layout page design, and terms used in the industry.  I also talk about various awards and show children's books that have been selected as award winning books.

FEE: email me

 

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:  These sessions are informative, casual, and fun, and can be scheduled from an hour , to a half day, or to a full day.  These in-service workshops are great for all levels of instruction.

“Art Across the Curriculum” – (Arts Integration)

Diorama?  Rain Stick? Are you serious?  Find out how art can connect to Science, language arts, math, and Social Studies.  In this session you will discover ways to infuse art into the classroom.  Participants will receive a handout with over 50 art related websites. I will demonstrate how a number of art projects can be integrated into the core classes. Depending on the session time, participants may begin a number of these art projects.

“Illustrating Children’s Books” –

Artists aren’t magicians. Learn why the ABC’s of illustrating children’s books are not as easy as 123. 

In this session, you will see my process of illustrating children’s books, from the time I receive the manuscript to the time I mail my finished illustrations to the publisher. 

“Picture Books” 

A true picture book tells the story both with words and pictures.

In this session we will discover how the illustrations in a picture book help to move the story along.  Participants will be divided into groups and each group will work to create a short picture book.

“Poetic Illustrations”

The Llama Who Had No Pajama – Insectlopedia – My Dog May Be A Genius

Join us in this session as we rediscover the art of illustration and poetry books. And, in this hands-on workshop, you may even discover your hidden talents.

FEE: Varies depending on the time frame

 

LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY:  I am also available for presentations to library organizations, PSAT's, and Civic organizations.  Contact me for details.

 

Any questions about my workshops can be sent to me using my email address.

 

  

 
 
 

Supplies needed

  • Large room - cafeteria or gymnasium or  library

  • LCD projector and screen

  • AV cart

  • Extension cord and power strip

  • Flip chart with unlined paper. (3-M flip chart can be found at Sam's Club, or any office supply)

  • One small table

  • Bottled water (several)

 

  

 

 
 

Quotes

 

"Rick Anderson has an amazing talent that enables him to not only  draw wonderful illustrations, but to also convey to students in a way that is appropriate for students at each grade level how he does his work.  Rick also uses humor as a tool to sustain interest.  He has a wonderful sense of humor which everyone enjoyed.  His presentation was well organized and flowed smoothly. He was very professional with both staff and students"

Margaret Guitard

Stewartsboro Elementary School

Smyrna, Tennessee

 

"We certainly enjoyed your visit to Riverdale School.  Your artistic ability coupled with your experience with children of all ages created a wonderful learning experience for our student body.  You were able to captivate their attention and weave a world of fun and leaning for them.  You are truly an effective teacher during your assemblies."

Dave Carlisle

Principal

Riverdale School

Germantown, Tennessee

 

"Rick's  presentation was wonderful!  The children learned so much about what is involved in creating a book as well as the illustrating process.  I especially appreciated the way Rick included children with his presentation.  We love your alphabet book and look forward to your new one soon!

Michelle Smith

Madison Avenue

Art/Drama Coordinator

Second Grade Teacher

 

"Thank you for the sparks you ignited in the hearts of our boys and girls.  And most of all thanks for the contributions you have made to children everywhere.  Your books are not only beautiful, but they provide rich gifts of literacy that will invoke the imaginations of children for years to come."

Margrit Wallace

Principal

McWillie Elementary School

Jackson, MS

 

"What a great day!  Thanks to you, our students now have a better understanding of just 'what does an illustrator do'???  Thanks again for being so dynamic and friendly."

Sara Christy

Teacher - Montessori 6-9

McWillie Elementary School

Jackson, MS



 

 

  
 

 

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