At the beginning of the summer, with great pleasure, I accepted a K-3 teaching position in Milton, WI at Harmony and Consolidated Elementary Schools. I am beyond excited to have my own classroom and to teach the age group that I am most passionate about. I look forward to getting to know and become part of the Milton community.

Throughout my college experience, I was surrounded and encouraged by great artists. I cannot thank them enough for all that everyone has done for me. My professors are not solely professors, they are also working artists. After spending long days helping students like me hone our crafts, they go home to work on their own projects. Many artists make a living by selling their work. Today, I went down to a local ceramic shop and bought several pieces that were done by a couple of my professors. It is but a small way to thank and remember them by when my adventure here in Eau Claire has come to an end.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the first ever Eaux Claires Festival. 22,000 people attended this two day music festival put on by Eau Claire's very own Justin Vernon. I oftentimes don't give musicians enough credit and wanted to take a moment to thank Justin for this wonderful experience. The festival promoted collaboration between musicians, as well as spontaneous start-up bands put on by the crowd. As soon as we entered the festival grounds, we were greeted by a large string art installation that hung above our heads. It was a piece that Justin commissioned Minneapolis-based yarn artist, Eric Rieger, aka HOTTEA. The piece was breathtaking as the strands of yarn showed the gentle shifting of the breeze, creating waves of movement as we walked beneath it.

I often find that younger students are surprised that I have a life outside of school. I know, crazy right?! Although I haven't made some of my own artwork in a while, typically I paint when I do. However, this summer I have found that I have become more interested in ceramics. I have had the chance to stop at several ceramic shops over the summer and check out fellow Wisconsin ceramicists work. I also had the opportunity to throw some pottery in Tomah, Wisconsin with Margi and Julia Genrich. It's always great learning and working with other artists and fellow educators.