Art for Life

Make Art. Cats Do

Martha McCormickJanuary 17, 2017Art for LifeLeave a Comment

It’s winter in Iowa. An odd winter, but winter nonetheless. No snow to speak of; temperatures vacillating wildly from single digits to 40s and 50s. Yesterday an ice storm hit, but today temperatures in the 30s have melted it all away. No winter wonderland for us; we’re yearning for sunshine or snow to color gray winter days. I’m not the … Read

Clear Boundaries. No Limits

Martha McCormickFebruary 17, 2015Art for LifeLeave a Comment

Art is unique in requiring that hands and mind be in the same place. Distraction and anxiety are at the forefront of challenges for Des Moines Art Center Outreach students. Art class provides opportunities for quiet, focus and mindfulness.

Color Me Calm

Martha McCormickNovember 28, 2014Art for Life2 Comments

Last week I sat in a meeting and listened to a group of adults talk about how much they hate the holidays. It made me a little angry. I believe we have choices about how we experience the world, and that staying in the moment allows us to enjoy life to the fullest. I also understand that our culture puts … Read

Tell Me Something Good

Martha McCormickOctober 22, 2014Art for Life1 Comment

I’ve worked with Des Moines kids since 1980. Sometimes it’s hard to be optimistic when the challenges seem to multiply each year. But this article and the statistics it uses to illustrate its points provides some tangible examples of progress. This morning I taught art to half a dozen boys who attend a group home for various problems they’ve had … Read

Get Happy!

Martha McCormickMay 16, 2014Art for LifeLeave a Comment

“We’re happy!” declared the Burmese refugee group as they finished their Des Moines Art Center tour on May 8, 2014. This was the culminating activity of their four-week art class. According to the ELL teacher at Lutheran Services in Iowa, “many elderly clients are dealing with vision, hearing and general health problems. Some have endured torture and malnutrition… Many … … Read

Do Art

Martha McCormickSeptember 16, 2013Art for Life1 Comment

When we were little, my brothers and sisters and I used to sit on the floor under our big square kitchen table and draw on its underside. Thirty years later when I took my daughter back to see our old house, that art work was still there. Something akin to cave drawings. Art has been part of my life as … Read

Don’t Forget to Travel

Martha McCormickNovember 13, 2011Art for Life, Coaching for GrowthLeave a Comment

When I retired, my brother gave me luggage and said, “Don’t forget to travel.” Going on the road keeps my juices flowing. Last Thursday Tim and I took a little road trip to Mason City to explore some local architectural history. The city recently opened the Historic Park Inn, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and meticulously restored to the tune … Read

Stipple Your Eggs

Martha McCormickDecember 11, 2010Art for Life1 Comment

I was actually sad when I attended my last school conference nearly nine years ago. As my daughter grew up, each passing semester offered a new adventure. The year she changed her name, I introduced myself as “Kate’s mom.” The blank stare was followed by, “Oh! You mean Lucy!” By the way, she’s still Lucy! Spring semester that same year, … Read

Write You a River

Martha McCormickSeptember 21, 2010Art for Life4 Comments

The summer after my daughter LucyKate graduated from college, we wrote a daily Haiku. It was a really fun way to recap the day, or put our hopes and dreams out there for the universe. The traditional basis for Haiku is nature; I’d compare our Haikus to droplets, poems sparkling in the sun. Soaking into moss. Here is an opportunity for … Read

Go to the Library

Martha McCormickSeptember 7, 2010Art for Life5 Comments

A major highlight of my growing up years was the weekly (Really? Weekly?) trip to the library. We had two–Covina and the Los Angeles County Library in West Des Moines. The LA Library opened when I was older, and seemed just huge. Mom read to me and my brother every night long after we could read to ourselves. Then I … Read

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Thanks for a great conversation yesterday. You started the meeting with an observation of my noticeable happiness I receive from my passion for my work. Last evening as I sat on my deck watching the sun set and reflecting from the day, your statement was at the top of my list for appreciating the day. A few tears of being overwhelmed with joy may have also transpired.
Jerah Sheets, Iowa DNR
Thank you thank you! I'm just beginning to find my tribe here and this was a boon.
Mary Beth Einhorn, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant
The Mindful Movement and Mingling was just so inspired! I've never been to a retreat that did that type of program. The usual sitting around, alone, and slowly meeting one or two people can be pretty isolating. You guys brought us to that place of connectedness in a fun way.
Lisa Evans, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat participant
Thank you again for coming on Friday. It was an incredible hands-on learning experience for the students. Once the simulation was finished students reflected on their experience and newly gained insights into life near the poverty line.
Kenny Baker, 11th grade - Gilbert High School
Next Step was an excellent addition to our Super Power Summit for middle school students. They incorporated hands-on learning activities that involved dirt, art, leadership, and the great outdoors!
Carrie Scheidel, Iowa Department of Education
Thank you so very much for your love, care, and support on this journey. You truly are a great teacher and healer.
Therese, Yoga student
The STEM Camp at Harding this summer was awesome! Our students were actively engaged in activities, learning, and lots of fun! It was a great experience for students to connect with their school, community, and science!
Joy Linquist, Principal
Next Step has been a solid addition to our student leadership workshops. Their connection with students is thoughtful, purposeful and brings great energy.
Chad Elsberry IHSAA Assistant Director
I thought the Poverty simulation was fantastic...it did a great job of forcing you to deal with the everyday complications of those living in poverty. It was impossible not to get frustrated. The simulation forced the participants to come up with "creative" ways to solve problems or cut corners that were going to have a lasting impact on their family, job, or both. I was extremely impressed with the entire process.
Wil Wiemann, 8th Grade Social Studies, Edward Stone Middle School, Burlington, Iowa
I heard great things about the training and would like to find a time this fall for an early out training for our staff to visit the park as well as hear about the wonderful things offered.
Brian Crook, Principal, Studebaker Elementary School, Des Moines, Iowa
It only takes a minute or two and can totally change the classroom atmosphere. One minute they can be going a million miles a minute coming in from lunch and recess, and after a quick breathing technique, they settle down, giggle a little, and then get to work.
Mychele, Kindergarten Teacher