Art is a real meeting place of ideas, experiences, cultures, and histories. I truly believe that every person has the capacity to be an artist – to communicate their ideas and experiences with the world through visual means, just as we are all capable of learning to communicate through oral and written means. Art is also a place where we get to exercise a unique set of faculties – creative thinking and problem-solving, manipulation of fine motor skills, collaborative working and sharing of ideas, and personal responsibility in the use of materials and the studio space.

I grew up in Minnesota. Music and art were both a big part of my childhood. I made my own pinhole camera when I was in 7th grade, and I have especially loved taking photographs ever since. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Studio Art/Photography. I later went on to study Art and Art Education in New York at Teachers College, Columbia University. I taught art in New York for nine years, and this is my fourth year teaching at ECA.

I look forward to a great year of learning and art making! Students and parents, please feel free to e-mail me at the address below at any time.

Michael Anderson

Middle School Art

Escuela Campo Alegre

Caracas, Venezuela

michaela@eca.com.ve

August 2011