General Artist Information
Name: Myra Klein
Artist Discipline: Multi-Disciplinary Visual Arts
Grade Level Preference: K-12
Address: Mott, ND
Geographic Availability: throughout North Dakota
Fee per-day: Negotiable
Email: artwithmissmyra@yahoo.com
Phone Number: (701) 880-8752
Biography and Teaching Philosophy
I am a multidisciplinary artist with a deep passion for inspiring a love of the arts in people of all ages. Continuously expanding my skill set, I take courses to learn new techniques that I can share with my students. Since 2017, I have worked full-time as a teaching artist and muralist, collaborating primarily with small, rural K-12 schools across North Dakota. My experience working alongside students, teachers, administrators, and community leaders has been incredibly rewarding.
Building personal relationships within the communities I serve is a core value of mine. In one instance, I was invited to participate in a local chalk fest, where I created a sunflower artwork and had the opportunity to connect with my students, their families, and local business leaders. Events like these reflect my commitment to engaging deeply with the communities I teach in.
As an enthusiastic instructor, I encourage students of all ages to take ownership of their creative vision. My goal is to create a positive and inspiring environment that leaves students eager to continue exploring their artistic potential.
Art Residency Themes for the 2024-2025 School Year
Residency Title: Art with Miss Myra
Grade Level: K-12
Number of Sessions: *I prefer to teach at each of my schools once a month throughout the school year. This schedule allows me to introduce students to a variety of art mediums at a comfortable pace, without the intensity of a shorter residency.
Monthly Themes
September – First Name Scratch Art
In this lesson, students will learn about color theory and color families. They will choose to work with warm colors, cool colors, or a combination to create a background using wax-based crayons or oil pastels. Once the background is complete, students will paint over it with a mixture of paint and an additive. While the paint is still wet, they will scratch their first name and any design into the surface. The finished pieces will be mounted on heavy cardstock for display.
October – Fall-Themed Acrylic Painting
Students will receive a lesson on proper paint techniques. They will see an example of a seasonal acrylic painting that they will recreate with their own twist. (The theme may change depending on the weather, holidays, or seasons.) Students will be instructed on brush sizes, how to create different strokes, and how to blend colors for various effects. Once dry, the canvas paintings will be ready for display.
November – Let Freedom Ring!
In honor of Veteran’s Day, students will learn about patriotism and create a mixed-media project reflecting the meaning of the holiday.
December – Glass Mosaic Ornaments
Students will design their own glass mosaic ornaments by selecting and gluing glass pieces to an ornament base. Once assembled, they will grout their ornaments. This is always a student favorite!
January – Printmaking Fun!
Students will explore different printmaking techniques, such as monoprints, gelli prints, and linocuts. Elementary students will create monoprints using materials like crayons, oil pastels, and acrylic paint. Middle and high school students will learn to create gelli prints or linocuts. For gelli prints, students will use acrylic paint, stamps, and various materials. For linocuts, they will receive instruction on safely using carving tools and lino plates (or large erasers) with printing ink. Students can also bind a small booklet of their prints for easy display.
February – Fun with Clay!
Students will work with either polymer clay to sculpt a figure or regular clay to hand-build an object. They will learn about clay tools and techniques. Projects will be taken to my home studio for firing or baking and returned the following month.
March – Clay Glazing or Collaborative Art Project
For those who created clay projects in February, this session will focus on glazing their work. Additionally, students will start a collaborative art project, the details of which will be announced closer to the date.
April – Collaborative Art Project: Working Together
Students will continue and complete the school’s collaborative art project. The theme for the project will be revealed in advance of the session.
May – Fiber Arts Fun
Students will learn about the history of fiber and textile arts. They will choose from a variety of fibers and yarns to create a "fiber painting" using wool felting techniques. Instruction will be provided to guide them in crafting their fiber masterpieces.