I invite you all to share in the wonders and woes of Miz Em's jewelry classes at the largest high school in Texas.

Our school is 99% minority with 63% of the students qualifying for free lunches. We are considered low socioeconomic.

This year 2007-2008, there are about 70 students enrolled in art II, III Jewelry class.

Texas got into some issue a few years back over textbooks. Apparently it's not good to order textbooks if one doesn't have a clear class description.

Because the State of Texas bought a lot of copies of The Jeweler's Art, they had to justify it by providing an upper level course description called "Jewelry."

We are all so glad!!

Upper level art courses in Texas are varied. There are drawing, painting, graphic design, printmaking, fibers and weaving, ceramics, sculpture, and most important, jewelry and metalsmithing. (Big grin with tongue in cheek)

There are really NOT a lot of jewelry classes in Texas (compared to painting and drawing and ceramics) so we understand that we are unique in many ways.

Our needs are misunderstood. Hmm, Miz Em, you have three blister packs of copper wire and some pliers, you can teach jewelry. . .

You are invited to watch the next generation of ArtMetal discover and learn and grow. These are not the posh kids with privileges, these are the kids from the 'hood. A number of them have a rich cultural heritage to draw from. Some of them wandered into the class because they heard we got to play with torches. It's MY job to make sure they don't burn down the building.

It's my job to do this all on a shoestring. And a wink and a prayer.

Hugs,

Miz Em