LET’S GET MESSY!

Welcome to 9th grade Fiber Arts! In this class we will explore the history of fiber arts
around the world as well as contemporary artists. We will apply this knowledge to our own
work, creating embroidery, screen-printing, and frame loom weavings that explore themes of
identity and social justice. You will learn introductory techniques for each mediums.
Teacher contact information:
Amber English (970) 833-9037, amberbe@rams.colostate.edu
 I believe every one of you has infinite intrinsic value and is worthy of opportunities for
success. I believe art education is essential to deepening understanding of oneself and the world
around us. It is my duty and passion to provide a successful learning environment that focuses on
growth mindset, vulnerability and inclusivity, choice and exploration. Personally, when I learned
about growth mindset as an adult, it transformed my art making and learning! It is my job as the
teacher to provide you with the skills and techniques necessary to explore materials and make
your own choices. I believe you will succeed in an inclusive environment that allows for
vulnerability. When I am humble, admitting mistakes and asking questions, it creates space for
you to do the same. When you feel safe, seen, and understood, honesty and meaningful work
takes place. Teachers should provide a triad of communication between the student, their
guardian(s), and the teacher, with the child’s wellbeing and learning as the central focus. It is my
mission to provide you all a space to make deep connections through mistakes and play. I hope
to create an accepting space made from empathy and self- compassion. Empathy allows us to
understand one another, and self-compassion allows us to understand ourselves. Art allows for
both. I can’t wait to create with you!
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I expect each of you to work your absolute hardest in this class. I expect and attitude of growth
mindset, self-compassion, and perseverance every time you walk through the door. I also expect
you to make ridiculous mistakes, to fail horribly, and to learn and grow exponentially from these
mistakes. I expect respect, and I expect everyone to participate at least once in group
conversations and critiques. Please show up on time and ready to create!
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Supplies: Supplies needed for each project (that are not provided in the classroom) will be
posted before each project. I will give you time to get them, and I expect you to come ready to
work with all the materials you need. If you need financial support with this, PLEASE shoot me
an email or talk to me in person!
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You will for sure need:

 Scissors
 2 yards of 100% cotton fabric
 Sketchbook
Embroidery thread, yarn, and screen-printing ink will be provided.

GRADES:
 Your Weekly Weavings will be graded for a completion grade after you present your
process to the class every Monday!
 All Projects and Process Notebooks will be graded after class critiques
 Participation in class critique is graded as well. You must speak about at least 2 peer’s
artworks in order to earn your full points.
 A= 100-90
 B=89-80
 C=79-70
 D=69-60
-Grades are entered weekly.
-You may always, always, always turn in missing work or re-turn in assignments after critiques
for credit or a better grade.
-Late work is docked 10% unless you communicate with me BEFOREHAND as to why it is
going to be late, and hopefully we can work something out! If you do not have your project
ready on Class Critique day, you will also miss your participation points for the critique.
-Rubrics will be provided for projects.

TARDIES:
 I understand that life happens, and sometimes we end up late. However, please do your
best to be seated in your chair independently weaving at the start of class. I will also give
announcements and take attendance at this time, so please do your best to be on time. If
you are late, you need a pass from a different teacher or the front office as to why you are
late. If you do not have pass, after 3 tardies, your overall attendance/participation grade
will be affected.
ABSENCES:
 If you have an EXCUSED absence, on the day a project is due, please have it ready for
critique the day before. We will still look at your beautiful work without you!
 Unfortunately, points for critique cannot be made up.
 If you have an UNEXCUSED absence, (meaning you do not communicate with me why
you are gone) your work will be counted as late, meaning 10% off your grade. You have
until the next project is due until it’s docked another 10% and so forth.

EXTRA CREDIT: Extra credit will occur depending on events through out the semester for you
to participate in and/or attend (artist talks, art shows, etc). If you have missing work, you cannot
get extra credit.

Please talk to me or email me with questions!

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Please sign on the line below showing you and your guardian have read and understand the
syllabus and return by next class:

Student Signature: ________________________________________

Guardian Signature__________________________________________

Guardian(s) Contact Information: (Phone Number(s) and

Email(s)):
________________________ ________________________________

Best time to contact: _______________________________________