Michael B. Schwartz

Approval Type

Community Based

Artistic Discipline

Visual Arts

Program Type

Workshops, Residencies, Lecture/Demonstation

Populations/Areas of Interest

Grades K-6, Grades 7-12, In School, After-School / Out-of-School, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults, Intergenerational, Persons with disabilities, At-Risk, Underserved

Artistic Approach

I am a muralist who works in a variety of settings both public and private. My work is grounded in traditional painting and drawing practices and relies more on observation and hand eye coordination than technology. I seek to create work that is empathic and beautiful, and to balance a community engagement process with a beautiful, safe, secure and durable final product. I use the latest materials and techniques in the field combined with a passion for the arts and strong humanistic values.

Teaching Artist Approach

When teaching I encourage critical, creative and poetic thinking. The arts develop aesthetic sensibilities, sharpen perception, promote investigation and reward experimentation. The arts remind us that all things are inter connected. I believe that the arts must play an active role in our communities and neighborhoods. The art room is a cultural resource center, museum and hotbed of civic dialogue.

I encourage students to think about their classrooms and schools as an integral component of the community. From this point of view we can examine our many cultures, physical and social structures from a unique and exciting vantage point. I utilize a mix of popular education methodologies, enriched with a commitment to the multiple intelligence, organically allowing the magic of the arts to enhance every area of the curriculum with out diminishing the intrinsic or traditional values a disciplined approach to fine arts teaching offers.

Program Management Strategies

Project start with planning meeting where we discuss the perimeter of the project. We also discuss the project theme and the type of community engagement the client would like to see happen. Sometime a client wants me to collect ideas and develop a design. In this approach I return with a design and have it approved. Often this approach involved a community paint day, and I return to do touch ups insuring the professional look of the work. This approach works best for larger murals that might include scaffolding or a lift. Other projects involve a more hands on participatory approach including a community design process where participants design, paint, touch up and seal the mural. I develop involved curriculum for each project I work. Within this curriculum we learn about the historical and cultural context of murals as well as specific technical subjects. These subjects include scale, proportion, and treatment of art supplies as well as the elements of art and principles of design. We look at tons of images, conduct visual research and work collectively on design elements. One of the most exciting aspects of my work is using a cross disciplinary approach to working with people. I employ movement, writing, mathematics, music and dialogue throughout the process.

As a community based artist I often work in classroom and community settings. In each case I request that the classroom teacher or group leader be present throughout the process. At the end of the project I work with team members to plan a project unveiling or celebration. This is a great time to celebrate and reflect upon our work. At the end of each project I coordinate a reflection meeting where we discuss what went well, what could use improvement and possible follow up activities. It is very important to me that there be a sense of ownership to the process and product and that my work inspires participants to continue their involvement in the arts.

Program Description

As a community based artist I seek to transmit a joy and passion for the arts. I start projects with a slide show or power point presentation where I share my work and process. I build a relationship with the audience by doing fun things together as a group. This might be a brainstorm session, kinesthetic ice breakers or a field trip. Each project involves developing a plan or curriculum that is age specific. I have experience working with all age groups as well as intergenerational and special needs groups. In each case I use a team approach to develop a plan that is specific to the location of the project.

Technical Requirements

Each project is different. In general I need a water supply , a place to mix paints and store materials and free access to the area. If a lift or scaffolding is involved I visit the site and determine a course of action. Other tools include slide and opaque projectors, paint brushes, rollers, naps, drop cloths, dust masks, caulks, tape, rags, primer, mural paints and sealers. I have a materials list (computer) program that I use for each project that will generate a specific materials cost.

Space Requirements

A space to paint - a wall.
A place to store materials and or scaffolding.

Supply Requirements

Each mural has a different story. In general make sure the wall is free of cracks and is safe and secure.The more smooth the wall the better.

Before the projects start supplies need to be purchased by the artist, this should be reflected in the overall project cost and dollar amount specified in the contract.

Special Considerations

I am open to working with any number of students. I do request that a teacher be present at all times, and that each group be 25 students or less.

References

Susan Silverman, Jewish Arts Alliance
(520) 326-5844

Gina Renzi, Director The Rotunda
(215) 573-3234

Deborah Zuchman, Project Manager Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
(215) 685-0739

Fees

Please Contact Artist.

Educator/Staff Training

Each organization I have worked with has is unique, so I tailor the project to revolve around their needs. Initial small planning meetings insure the success of the project.

I offer an introductory slide show about my community and studio based work to staff/educators. This includes examples of my studio and community based works and a brief history of community based cultural development. This initial session can incorporate training's for staff, parents and community members who want to assist on the project.
Once the mural is laid out there is an opportunity to have one or more community paints days. These festive paint days can be attended by as many people as you like.

How Arizona State Academic Standards are Addressed

Having worked in many Arizona Schools over the years I am familiar with state and federal academic standards in the visual arts. I develop curriculum for each project that meets or exceeds these standards. I have a great deal of experience in developing units that meet standards in more that one subject area.