New Lineup of Classes & Creative Quotes
I hope to see you at one of my new April and May creative classes!
I hope you are enjoying your Sunday
“Your most creative act may be upending your own hardened definition of yourself.” — Caroline Paul
“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” — Mary Oliver
Upcoming Bad Art Co. Classes
Intro to Canva, Make a Zine
Self-publish an original work of writing and images. Tell your story. Learn digital art.
Sundays, April 21 - May 5, 12-3 pm (3 weeks)
At the Carrboro ArtsCenter
Each student will leave with a digital and printed zine. All supplies provided.
Making Stamps and Patterned Prints
Learn basic printmaking. Create custom stamps.
Saturday, May 4, 6-9 pm
At the Carrboro ArtsCenter
Students will leave with up to 6 stamps and at least 1 patterned print. All supplies provided.
Laminated Bookmarks & Artist Cards
Create business cards for artists. Practice mini-art. Laminate your work!
Saturday, May 11, 6-9 pm
At the Carrboro ArtsCenter
Students leave with up to 5 bookmarks and 5 trading cards. All supplies provided.
Intro to Canva: Designing Buttons
Learn digital art. Design wearable art. Make your message heard!
Sundays, May 12-19, 12-3 pm (2 weeks)
The Carrboro ArtsCenter
Each student will leave with 15 custom-designed buttons.
Digital Art with Canva
Monday-Friday, July 8-12, 1-4 pm (1 week)
At Artspace in Raleigh
Students will complete 5 digital art projects during the week.
Grades 9-12 only
Don’t want to read anything political today? Stop here! Discussion of LGBTQ+ Rights below.
What’s going on at Appstate?
I am an Alum of Appalachian State University. Alum is a gender neutral term for Alumni or Alumnus.
I safegarded this weekend to take time off as I work nearly every day of the week, and I needed to have a minor surgery. I prepared to spend my recovery time in Boone.
A few nights before surgery, I started to hear rumblings of increased anti-LGBT and anti-art/free speech movement at Appstate.
March 22, 2024
It was announced that:
The free expression tunnels would be closed.
Drag events were cancelled.
Pride week was renamed “Spring Fest”
The art department is forced to remain in classes in a building that is undergoing active demolition. I saw the buiding 2 days ago, half of it is destroyed.
This was followed by more specifics as many students, alum, faculty, and staff began sharing information, with information gathered and disseminated largely by the undergrad and graduate SGAs.
March 25, 2024
It was clarified that:
4 queer and trans faculty were fired, including the founding members of the Queer and Trans Support Group.
App Allies training was stoppped.
5-6 members of the Title 9 office were fired.
Adequate healthcare was not provided to queer and trans students.
I listened to the public Zoom of the undergrad SGA meeting where many students expressed their fear, frustration, and anger.
Many expressed regret about attending Appstate, felt they had been told a lie about the campus environment, and felt trapped due to limited financial ability to transfer schools.
I went into surgery and the next day made a few posters to bring with me to Boone.
March 29, 2024
Inside Higher Ed published an article covering more details titled: “Firing of LGBTQ+ Staff Leaders Raises Questions.”
Quote: “Four Appalachian State staff members, who led an affinity group for LGBTQ+ employees, say they were fired with no notice and little explanation.”
I posted a few posters on community boards around Boone and on campus in designated areas. Within 24 hours, several posters had been removed or destroyed.
A public rally was held on campus. I attended the closing of the Senior Graphic Design Showcase next to the crumbling art building. The students discussed their grief and anger while celebrating their accomplishments.
March 31, 2024
Today is Trans Day of Visibility, which started 15 years ago, in 2009. It’s a day of celebration for folks who are transgender, or gender non-conforming.
Do you see us?