Launch of new Artist Outside The Classroom website

Artists outside the classroom - the new website is finally up and running.

It does require some work so please be patient.

www.artistsoutsidetheclassroom.org

It's a new year and I'm using this as the opportunity (and kick up the backside) to finally start work on the website for Artists Outside The Classroom.

The idea

I've been teaching in higher & secondary education for almost 30 years. 

It has been a constant source of fascination and frustration to see the lack of encouragement, support & value given to arts specialists who wish to continue to develop their creative professional practice.

I have been very fortunate throughout my teaching career to have had unique opportunities and a supportive partner ..............

which have allowed me to develop my skills as a ceramicist, sculptor, printmaker and textile maker.

I've worked with amazing artists, spent years in evening, weekend and summer schools and enjoyed sharing the journey with so many creative, inspiring makers.

Why is this important?

* I am a better, more confident and knowledgeable teacher

* The thousands of students, trainees & teachers who have passed through my 5 departments have had access to a huge range of art, craft & design experiences I could never have offered with simply my training & commercial experiences as an industrial textile designer & a PGCE in Art Education.

* I hope I have been able to support & encourage young and older makers along the way to continue their creative journeys.

..... And the exciting bit of it all is I'm still learning!

Artists Outside The Classroom was conceived as an idea (many years ago) to bring together 

teacher-makers who could share, encourage and support others who wanted to 

.......  continue developing their own creative professional practice.

In 2015 nine teacher-makers exhibited in a successful Mayfair show.

I'm working with another group of textile teacher-makers on our next big exhibition.

In 2017 three makers (retired teachers) are showing work at RHS Rosemoor.

Hopefully the new website & media links can provide new opportunities for a wider community of teacher-makers to:-

share, support, encourage & promote 

the importance of continuing creative professional development.

Why not join us on the journey?

Douglas Anderson

www.artistsoutsidetheclassroom.org