Dear OWP,
  Some of you may know me personally, some may not, but I am a TC from the class of 1993. Many of you may remember me through various continuity activities through the summer institute during the 1990's, or you may have participated in my demonstrations during the summer institute--maybe marbling or wordweaving.
 I am currently re-creating myself yet again from OWP TC to Artist-in-Residence to teacher in rural New Mexico to AHA ! CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS.(www.ahacreativityworkshops.com )  
  I am trying to construct a way to connect art, writing, and curriculum into the classroom.  It all really began at OWP with my very first presentation that summer.  I am so thankful for all the friends that helped me along the way:  Anne, Johnnie, Cindy, Mike, Kevin, Vivian, Claudia, Janis and many, many more TC's. 
  This AHA! adventure is a way, I believe, to help teachers, artists, non-artists, and students, integrate art and writing.  I think creativity is the key, the scaffold, the means to an end for self-discovery, writing, critical thinking, and yes, even art.  
  This enterprise targets writing, art, and self-discovery.  It utilizes Gardner's Multiple Intelligences as a basis for individual creativity integrating various disciplines. It is a way to go from process to product creatively.
 
  AHA! has three modalities:  

1.  Workshop kits available to teachers for implementing creativity through writing and art while meeting the standards and benchmarks of school districts
2.  Workshops to attend in picturesque places (Santa Fe, Chama etc) to learn how to apply techniques while experimenting intrapersonally
3.  Workshops whereby I facilitate and guide teachers, classes, or groups in the creative process integrating art and writing.
  The reason for this email is a request for your help.  I need a way to "test" the kits with writing teachers in a real classroom.  I am looking for an elementary, middle school, and high school teacher who would be willing to try out the kit.  There would be no cost to you or the school district.  I would provide the kit for one classroom.  In exchange, I would ask for feedback, problem solving strategies, and possibly referrals or testimonials. (If the kit is successful--and I believe it will be!)  I realize that it might be too late to implement this approach within this school year, but I would be open for planning it into your curriculum next term.  
  I have spoken briefly to Janis about this, and she recommended I invite OWP TC's to participate.  I currently have about ten workshops. (Magical Marbling, The Memoir Book: Creating an Oral History, Wordweaving/Flagweaving, Maskmaking, Manifesting the Mandala, Variations of Van Gogh, Spilling over, The Book of Days, Penning a Philosophy of Life, and Altered States.)
  If you are interested in this endeavor, you can email me at [log in to unmask]
  For more details on the workshops and the AHA! experience visit www.ahacreativityworkshops.com.
  Thanks and I hope to hear from you soon.
Cindy Cotner