Category Archives: art

MacDowell – An Artist’s Dream

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Jennie

MacDowell For all the artists out there; writers, painters, musicians, sculptures, film makers and more – there is an artist retreat open for you.  Really! It all began in 1907, founded by composer Edward MacDowell and his wife, pianist Marian … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, literacy, wonder, Writing | Tagged , , , | 88 Comments

The Art Show

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Jennie

My art palette pin.  I wear it every year.  I introduce art for the Art Show step-by-step, easy to difficult.  Since we studied Italy in March, our first art was ‘spaghetti art’.  Children stood on a table (that was exciting), … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 99 Comments

More on Music

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Jennie

Yes, we have been playing music on my old record player to inspire art for the Art Show, mostly musicals which the children thoroughly enjoy.  My record albums are well loved, slightly yellowed and musty – much like a good … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, music, preschool, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Music Inspires Art

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Jennie

Music plays a huge role in preschool.  It fills the hearts of children and inspires them to ‘be’, to open up and express their feelings.  They dance to music and soak up the feeling it gives them.  While young children … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments

A Visit to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Jennie

I have always loved Paddington Bear.  My two books are well worn, including puppy teeth marks.  I’ve read the books a zillion times to our children and to my preschool class. When I learned that R.W. Alley, the current Paddington … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum, Inspiration, literacy, museums, reading, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 63 Comments

Lost and Found!

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Jennie

‘Lost and Found’ is a story that has eclipsed most stories that have happened over the past 40 years.  Milly the Quilter and Gloria remain #1, and I’d be hard pressed to tell a story that is more meaningful than … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, young children | Tagged , , , | 75 Comments

The Carle, and More

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Jennie

I never tire of visiting the the Eric Carle Museum, because every visit has something new and exciting.  Yes, every visit. I had no idea his favorite color was yellow. No wonder he has created so many suns. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, Dogs, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

Penelope Rex, Classic Books, and Eric Carle

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Jennie

As always, a trip to the Eric Carle Museum is full of the unexpected, with moments that linger long after my visit.  First, I met Penelope in the hallway. Penelope Rex is the character in Ryan Higgins’ new book.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, David Wiesner, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

New Books, Authors, Art and Birds – at The Eric Carle Museum

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Jennie

A great day at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Two new picture books just came out, and they are terrific.  I had the pleasure of meeting and greeting both of the authors, as they read their books … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Nature, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 75 Comments

The Kandinsky Epilogue – From the Hood Museum of Art

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Jennie

My visit to the Hood Museum of Art was the start of a great journey.  It began back in February. https://jenniefitzkee.com/2024/02/17/a-kandinsky-painting-at-last/ when I visited the museum.  When I returned to school I was excited to show children the real Kandinsky painting I … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 65 Comments