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Educational Services

SCHOOL VISITS | TOURS OF THE ARTIST'S CASTLE & STUDIO | WORKSHOPS
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Photos by Dennis Woodgate                             A class trip to the artist's castle & studio

Visits to Schools

T. E. Breitenbach is available for a limited number of school visits each year. He has talked and demonstrated to students of all grade levels from Kindergarten through College and has also worked with artist's groups and individuals. He was artist-in-residence for Albany Academy during the 2007-2008 school year and in 2015-16 he worked with 8 classes from 6 area high schools to create creature masks for his musical Hieronymus, which was performed at Proctors and filmed for public television. His subject matter is easily adaptable to all age groups, needs, or interests. Subjects include, can be mixed, but are not limited to:

LIFE AS AN ARTIST – This talk is designed to provide inspiration and encouragement for young artists and includes: a slide show discussion of the artist's paintings (and their meaning and construction) along with his castle, a display of at least one original painting and other items, a discussion of art as language, the business of art, new and old tools for the artist, advice for young artists, and more.

CREATIVITY – This talk encourages young people to follow their dreams, but emphasizes that ideas are fleeting--it takes hard work to make dreams a reality. The artist shares the story of his own dream to build a castle and how he made that happen. The second part of the talk discusses why people are afraid to use their imaginations (because of the pressure to conform), followed by the artist sharing the personal tricks he employs to break away from traditional thinking and to develop new and original ideas.

DESIGNING CREATURES – This workshop focuses on creativity. The artist first demonstrates creative tricks he used to design thousands of unusual creatures for his Grumparar's the New Creatures book. Then the class designs their own creatures, and gives them names and a purpose. Grades 1-12. Materials needed include only paper, pencils, and crayons or colored pencils.

PAINTING LESSONS – The artist will demonstrate simple tricks from his painting course and the students will do the exercises. Recommended for advanced art classes. Please consult with the artist for needed materials.

THE ART OF WRITING A MUSICAL – If your school plans to perform one of the artist's musicals, (or even if it isn't) it will be a special treat for the actors, crew and directors to meet the/a playwright in person. He will tell how he writes shows, how a musical is constructed, lessons he learned along the way, and much more.

RULES FOR YOUNG ARTISTS – The artist shares his experiences as he lists ways to improve artistic skills, learn new disciplines, promote one's work to the public, and earn a living.

Fees start at $400 for schools within a 45 minute driving distance. This entitles you to two classroom talks of about 45 minutes each. Additional talks cost $100 per class. There is an additional charge for long distance travel, and school visits which will pretty much take up the artist's entire day are billed at $800 per day plus expenses for travel and hotels. We are listed for B.O.C.E.S. funding. Fees may be negotiated in cases of hardship.   E-MAIL US 

Studio/Castle Tours & Talks

 
Photo by Dennis Woodgate - Kids have fun on their visit!
In the background are students studying pond life.

If you can arrange a bus trip for your classes (art groups, senior citizens too) to visit the artist at his studio/castle DO IT! The children (and their chaperones) love this experience and go away very inspired. A typical visit might include, an artist guided tour of a working blacksmith's shop, then a walk around the outside of the castle where he tells how the castle was built and points out fossils in the walls, explaining a bit of the geology of the area (there are also some Native American artifacts indoors). Next, smaller groups are escorted inside, where they learn more of the castle's construction, view the artist's paintings and other works, learn how he makes a living in the arts, and much more.

The artist will answer any questions, pose for photographs with the kids, and even bring out his giant beetle and butterfly collection. Later the students may picnic on the extensive grounds, visit a giant stone labyrinth built by the artist's wife, or study pond life. There are two different types of ponds near the castle and one is home to a particular species of frog which travels for miles each year to mate there, arriving around April 1st. To view additional pictures of the castle CLICK HERE.

(Studio tours/talks are billed at $400 minimum per school visit. This includes two tours of the interior. Indoor groups are limited to about 40 people per tour. Fees may be negotiated in cases of hardship.   E-MAIL US

Private Instruction

Painting Workshops

The same painting course described above under "Private Instruction" can be given to small groups at schools, at the artist's studio, or through continuing-education programs. Contact the artist to make arrangements and set fees.   E-MAIL US
 

  FOR TEACHERS . . .

LESSON PLANS
    In response to the many teachers who have said they are using our posters in the classroom, we have created these Lesson Plans. Each contains discussion, activities, handouts for photocopying, & lists of other resources. They are easily adaptable to challenge programs. The plans are to accompany the posters of the same name which are purchased separately. The Lesson Plans cost $6 each, (shipping included) & can be ordered by school purchase order.

CLICK TO VIEW POSTER COLLECTION

SHAKESPEARIENCE - Junior & Senior High 
      An easy introduction to Shakespeare. These plans help make Shakespeare less intimidating. Students learn to appreciate the beauty of his language, & the extent of his influence.     

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