Greetings! And welcome to a creative space where inspiration is documented and shared. My name is Mary Jo Allegra and I have been teaching Visual Arts for 8 years. I currently teach Art to children ages 2-11 (Pre-Nursery through Grade 4) at a progressive private school in Bridgehampton, NY. I received a BFA in Art Education with a minor in Painting from Pratt Institute and an MA in Arts and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and hold a NY State certification in K-12 Visual Arts. I have studied at the world-renowned preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy and experienced first-hand how language, environment and access to tools can empower children to become life-long learners. A believer in the power of the arts, I have developed and organized art events from inner city school programs to fundraisers, such as Empty Bowls and Draw-a-thons, that engage children in the arts while also serving their local community. I am passionate about art and teaching and am invested in utilizing research in brain development and eduction to build and maintain an engaging and safe, creative learning environment for my students. An inherent humanist, I am eager to share my ideas about what works in art education with you through this blog.
Inspiration is all around! Please visit MY BLOG for insight into developing a creative workspace and promoting artistic exploration in your home or classroom. Scroll through my reviews of meaningful children’s literature and references for teaching art to children. You will also find my creative thoughts, sightings of beauty, and engaging art activities for you to discover the artist within. Feed your artistic curiosity.
And if you live on Long Island, you must visit THE STUDIO for upcoming children’s art classes and adult art workshops.
when are you coming by?