The Power of Claiming Face

Posted on September 7th, 2011 by Reflection Press

In August Maya did a CLAIMING FACE Educator Training through the Arts Council for Monterey County. The participants were bursting with creative energy and passion. After the class, we received this wonderful quote from one of the participants that reminded us why we do this work.

I want to extend my deepest appreciation for the training class with Maya Christina Gonzalez. It was just a wonderful experience for me as a mother, artist and teacher.

So many important points were discussed regarding children’s self esteem and feeling like they belong in our world and to participate in our society. I’ve always taught with the underlying intention for children to recognize their place in our world and to feel great about themselves on all levels.

Maya has developed a great program that I can use in my classroom. In reading her Claiming Face, I feel so blessed, because she has laid out everything I’ve been desiring to teach in my heart. I absolutely loved the discussion she had on the history of our country, cultures and the differences that must be understood and addressed when we teach children of other backgrounds. As an African American artist, I’ve always known this to be true. Maya’s elaborating, writing and integrating it in her lessons, is just what I need to allow my own creative way of teaching to expand. As artist, as she discussed, we need to share what we have sown. By working together, we can develop our techniques and skills.

The books that she has written are just perfect for the children on the Central Coast!!! I intend to use them along with “Claiming Face Educator’s Guide” and saving the earth, recycling etc in the upcoming classes. Presently, I’m studying her Educator’s Guide she so lovingly gave us. I cannot put it down!!!

Many thanks to you Laurie for bringing to the council uplifting lessons for us to learn and expand our own ways of thinking creatively and thereby inspiring our students. I look forward to being PRESENT and REFLECTING with the children of Gonzales Elementary School.

Peace and sincerely,
Kenji Tanner
Let Color Inspire Your Life!
www.KenjiArtDesign.com