The new CB Fall Challenge is now posted. What do your young artists have to communicate about "City"?
I realized long ago that I am a mentor who cares deeply about protecting and promoting individuality. In my co-op, my foremost goal is to draw out creative genius in my students. Blackbird & Company Educational Press was established as a result of this realization and to further this goal. I simply want to inspire my children, my students and students at large to dig into their imagination because I believe that creativity is a valuable academic pursuit. I believe that creativity fosters passion for learning and critical thinking skills.
Aaron, Best of Show – Painting, 9-12th grade (Fall 2009 Challenge "Freedom Within Boundaries")
It has been my experience that there is very little opportunity for student artists, writers and particularly student musicians to showcase their work. About a year ago CollectiveBanter.com was established for students to have a safe place to develop their craft and to collaborate with artists across creative domains.
Klarence, Best of Show – Drawing, 6-8th grade (Spring 2010 Challenge "Express Yourself Through Color")
There are three ways for students and teachers to participate:
The Creative Banter Challenge is a competition for student artists, writers, and musicians to explore a specific directive within their chosen art form. Winners are awarded cash prizes and their work is published on CB site with the potential to be included in the CB Review.Twice a year a new directive is posted challenging students to express and communicate a specific concept through visual art, music, or writing. The directive is presented in the form of a lesson plan suitable for use by teachers or individuals. The directive is designed to be used as an extended project, enabling students to develop and refine their ideas over a period of time. This is a great opportunity to show that the best work only comes through diligence and devotion.
Collective Banter Review is an annual online and in-print arts journal dedicated to providing an opportunity for student writers and visual artists to showcase their craft.
The Creative Banter Salon is forum where creativity is published in various stages and critiqued constructively by peers.
Please visit collectivebanter.com to see what all the banter is about!
A Choregraphy of Hues
The day was stained with gray
I turned to a blank canvas
Pouring out my fighting hues
Ideas crashing upon my actions
Blue tumbled to a halt
Giggling yellow jumped in his path
Emerging color
Splashing their way together
Green joined the rushing escapade
Living, breathing color
Red crashed upon the surface
Sprinting from corner to corner
White prowled unseen
Consuming a quite nook
She discovered a cherished friend
Seizing a silent embrace
Pink leapt from within
Unfolding the swelling pigments
Twirling across the exterior
Color and rapture collapsing into one
Emotions clear as crystal blue
Joy strong as radiant yellow
Life lived as fearless red
My portrait, feelings, thoughts
Grace, 2nd Place – Poetry, 6-8th grade (Spring 2010 Challenge "Express Yourself Through Color")