[Kerry R]

My work involves medical students.For the first time nationally in 2017-18 was the first medical school class with more women than men. Some women physicians think that it doesn’t even occur to women that they are going into a male-dominated field anymore. However, most of the textbook learning is from male physicians and less than 15 percent of women who identified as holding leadership positions in medicine help top spots as department chairs, CEOs and Chief Medical Officers. As more women enter the profession, these metrics need to change. Feminist inquiry can help answer the questions as to why there are so fewer women in the higher ranks as the field begins to balance out.

[Kerry R]

Hi Andrea, I really like your questions to open dialogue in your classroom. The provocations allow for others to relate to someone or to understand a different viewpoint. I particularly like that you ask “What is stopping you from achieving your goals?” because there are always invisible barriers that people may be able to overcome with this poignant discussion that is solution-based. In my line of work, I am setting a goal to visually show socially-responsive art so that people in my sphere feel comfort and inclusion in my workspace.
My question is “What makes you feel at home?”
“What is your comfort and joy?”

[Kerry R]

I have hosted participatory art workshops for moms and by intention we set up in a circle so that it fosters open and equal dialogue. It allows that participants feel comfortable and open to offer comments and sharing. Also, people can see what others are working on for inspiration and to feel like they are part of the spirit of the group. One major benefit of the circle set up is that it feels so casual and communal. The moms talk about their kids and share stories as they continue to work on projects together. No one ever has their back to each other or the art project. I always notices a stronger bond at the end of these sessions than when they start because all are welcome in the circle.

[Kerry R]

Donald Woodman pointed out that President Obama’s response to the hypothetical question of asking if he would allow his son to play professional football should have been the realist remark that he “has two daughters that are not allowed to play football” was compelling. It is too easy to respond in generalizations when the real issue is concrete and undeniable. There is not a professional football league for women and that is more of an issue at hand than the question of safety in the sport. I enjoyed how Woodman changed the conversation. I will say I was amused about his impression of Penn State when he entered the University through Park Drive and first saw Beaver Stadium. I’m sure it cast long shadows over the cow pastures that you actually see first, but I would have to disagree on this point. I have found intriguing cultural awareness at Penn State and it is a short drive to see the paws in front of Palmer that is in the heart of campus.

[Kerry R]

It is undeniable that new media is going to need to be recognized as its own art form so that kids who are delivered all aspects of learning digitally have the opportunity to manipulate it in artful ways. I sat in on a traditional art show jury with the basics: painting, ceramics, jewelry, etc. This year, artists submitted digitally created art from an iPad and casts made from 3D printing. If we are unable to recognize the skill that is brought forth through new media, we could leave a generation of new artists behind.

[Kerry R]

I think that the consciousness is changing to be more culturally responsive – certainly not perfect, but changes in policy and awareness are gaining traction. In my line of work within the arts community, we have a policy on cultural inclusiveness that I am proud to do my best to implement. The arts are the way to ignite and implement recognition. I’m encouraged to learn that several leaders in environmental education are embracing the arts as a way to integrate the importance of aesthetics into curriculum. A local college near me has grouped outdoor environmental projects aimed at restoration with art courses so that the disciplines can work together to create beautiful and sustainable surroundings, each learning the value that the other expertise brings to projects. Steps in the right direction!

[Kerry R]

To me, culturally responsive means to connect communities with the arts in tangible ways. The arts are a way to build community, knowledge, interface and aesthetics. Neighborhoods centered around the arts mean that people work together in all capacities to support the arts whether or not they themselves are artists. For example, my hometown is centered around an outdoor theater that brings music, plays, children’s programming and the performing arts to the community in the summer. People work together to facilitate these productions for the artists, such as concessions, building and grounds, lighting, maintenance, box office, ushering, etc. Everyone has a chance to be a part of an artistic production. By way of volunteering, neighbors are exposed to the value and education of the arts as well as learning about the people they see throughout the year. Arts open doors to conversations and familiarity. In the end, a culture of community is built.

[Author]

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