Disabilities: Art for Special People

Special Art Classes For Special Kids - Knoxville,TN

2012-06-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Special Art Classes For Special Kids

Instructor: Bailey Earith, Teaching Artist, Mixed Media Fiber Artist, Disability Specialist

Art Books

July 9 2:00-3:30 at the Emporium Center

Students will learn to create an original art book. These books are wonderful for promoting creative expression like writing and drawing. Books can be made from a variety of common materials.

Mandalas

July 23 2:00-3:30 at the Emporium Center

Mandalas (energy circles) are found in cultures around the world. Students will learn to create their own original mandalas. Mandalas are a wonderful tool for developing attention span, focus, decision-making, and creative expression.

Tuition: $30 per class

Save $15 when you register for both classes. ($45 for 2 classes)

Call (865)719-9525 to register.

Registration deadline is July 5 (Art Books) and July 19 (Mandalas)

HVA project video

2012-02-03T06:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/203729/8/Students-create-huge-mosaic-tile-art-at-high-school

Class: Creating Mandalas for Meditation

2012-01-04T05:52:00.000-08:00

Mandalas are an ancient art form found in many cultures around the world. Also called “Energy Circles”, they are a creative and wonderful way to promote relaxation and meditation. The community is invited to start the New Year off right by joining local fiber artist, Bailey Earith at the Farragut Town Hall to learn how to create and use mandalas to decrease stress.

Enjoy the calm and beauty of this Native American and Tibetan art form as you create a decorative paper mandala. Students will learn to create their own unique mandala from decorative papers. This project is the perfect combination of meditation and art. No experience necessary.

When: Thursday, January 12 6:00-8:00pm

Price: $15 plus a $7 materials fee

Register at: Farragut Town Hall

11408 Municipal Center Dr.

Farragut, TN 37922

(865) 966-7057

About the instructor: Bailey Earith is a nationally-known fiber artist whose work can be found in collections around the world. Her work has been published in numerous books. Her mission is to bring peace to the world through art. She loves to help students reach their creative potential regardless of age or skill level.

Art Survey:

2012-01-02T06:06:00.001-08:00

we are updating our studio web site to better meet your needs. Your input is greatly appreciated!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VYSYMYN

VSA-TN Auction

2011-11-07T05:36:00.000-08:00

What does an autographed football from Don Shula, an autographed fiddle from Charlie Daniels, tickets to your favorite theme park and gift cards to your favorite restaurant have in common? You can find them on the VSA online auction.

For the next 2 weeks, VSA Tennessee's weekly will focus on our online auction. This auction is our only fund raiser for general operating support.

An update of high bids and photos can be found on the web site at www.vsatn.org under "news"".

Check out items #64, 84, and 94 for items from our studio.

You're invited!

2011-11-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority and Arts & Culture Alliance Present “Arts in the Airport”

Opening Reception: Tuesday, November 8, at 5:00 PM

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (McGhee Tyson Airport) and the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville are pleased to present “Arts in the Airport”, a new exhibition featuring selected artwork from over 45 artists in the East Tennessee region. “Arts in the Airport” was developed to allow regional artists to compete and display work in the most visited site in the area. The selected art features contemporary 2- and 3-dimensional artwork and will be exhibited in the secured area behind McGhee Tyson Airport’s security gate checkpoint from October 28, 2011 – April 19, 2012 with an opening reception on Tuesday, November 8, at 5:00 PM.

“Many aspects of this year's Arts in the Airport exhibition program are noteworthy: the sheer number of entries and participating artists (626 works by 156 artists); the high percentage of works in photography; and the range and character of the entries,” says juror Dorothy Habel, Professor of Art History and Director of the School of Art at the University of Tennessee. “In reviewing these entries, I was especially impressed and excited by the deep commitment of artists in our region to creating the works of art themselves.”

“The Arts in the Airport program has been a tremendous success, and we look forward to the opening of our newest exhibition,” said Howard Vogel, Chairman of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority’s Board of Commissioners. “Each of the featured pieces is a reflection of the amazing artist work found only in our unique region. The exhibition is our way of welcoming people to our community and showcasing its passions, creativity, and craftsmanship.”

The following artists’ works will be shown:

+ Becky Weaver of ALCOA

+ Denice Bizot of CHATTANOOGA

+ Tad Moore of CHUCKEY

+ Sarah B. Weber of CORRYTON

+ Keith Dotson and Russell Schubert of CROSSVILLE

+ Cathy Horner of JOHNSON CITY

+ Travis Watson of KINGSTON

+ Ashley Addair, Greg Daiker, Nick DeFord, Bailey Earith, Diane Fox, Elaine Fronczek, Nathaniel Galka, Leslie A. Grossman, Jonathan Hash, Dawn Kunkel, Emmy Lingscheit, Ashton Ludden, Beauvais Lyons, Tom McDaniel, Sarah McFalls, Guen Montgomery, Althea Murphy-Price, Jane Nickels, Daniel Ogletree, David Pease, Clifton Riley, Wendy Seaward, Denise Stewart-Sanabria, Steve Swenor, Emily Taylor, Marilyn Avery Turner, Richard Whitehead, and Koichi Yamamoto of KNOXVILLE

+ Barry McManus of LOUISVILLE

+ Shirley Brown, Carl Gombert, Vickie Kallies Lee, and Denise Madison of MARYVILLE

+ Phillip Lanier Carter and Ron Plasencia of MORRISTOWN

+ John Edwin May of OAK RIDGE

+ J. Luman Dial of TOWNSEND

+ Laurie Szilvagyi of VONORE

A gallery of images may be viewed at www.knoxalliance.com/album/airport_fall11.html.

The Arts & Culture Alliance, with assistance from Dorothy Habel, juried the exhibition with final approval by the Airport Authority. Prizes include $1,000 in awards to be announced at the reception on Tuesday, November 8, at 5:00 PM (awards ceremony at 6:00 PM). For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543, or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

Free exhibit in DC

2011-10-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

VSA and the U.S. Department of Education will host an exhibition of artwork created through the 2010-2011 Arte Postale program. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition will take place on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the U.S. Department of Education, Lyndon Baines Johnson Education Building at 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. In addition to the exhibition, the event will feature guest speakers from the VSA and Accessibility Department of the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Department of Education, as well as musical performances by students of A Place to Be (Virginia).

Through your participation in Arte Postale during the 2010-2011 school year, one of your students’ art pieces will be on display at this exhibition. We would like to invite you to the event and hope a number of you can make it in November to take part in this celebration. We encourage you to share this e-mail with your student’s family in case they would like to attend. If you or your student’s family is interested in attending, please do not hesitate to contact me. You will need to RSVP to me either by e-mail or at the phone number below by November 10, 2011, because entrance into a federal building is only allowed by previous notification.

Another way you could attend the ceremony, is by video conference. The Department of Education would welcome teachers and students who participated in Arte Postale to join by video conference if they have access to this technology at your school. Please let me know immediately if you are interested in a video conference.

Below is a list of your classroom with the student whose artwork will be on display at the Department of Education.

Tennessee

Matt Coe and BaileyEarith

West Valley Middle School

Paulie

The Ruby Slipper

Stephanie Litvak

Manager, VSA Affiliates

VSA & Accessibility Department

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Tel direct: +1-202-416-8847

Tel general: +1-202-416-8898

TTY: +1-202-416-8728

Fax: +1-202-416-4840

goal acievement through game

2011-10-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

I just heard about this program on NPR. It sounds really exciting and innovative. I hope you will check it out. Let me know what you think... https://www.superbetter.us/

Sams Tall Tails

2011-09-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

The following message was sent to me by the mother of one of my students:

Sams Tall Tails is a new line of children's story books written by Sam Moses. This is our website,there are music videos to watch, art to look at and purchase if you like. News and updates on events and artist in our area, and much more. Please visit, enjoy and forward this post to as many people as you can. Thank You for your time and trouble. Tammy :)

http://themosesartist.art.officelive.com/SamsTallTailsisSpyExtreme.aspx

beaded bracelets for autism

2011-07-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

I am willing to hold a bracelet making event if you have a group who can sell them. E-mail me if interested.

You may remember seeing Michala Riggle from Beading to Beat Autism on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Good Morning America in 2008. Michala, then age 10, was busy raising $200,000 to help her local children’s hospital incorporate an experimental treatment study for 50 children with autism, a treatment that she'd seen work well for her younger brother Evan. Armed with her “You Gotta Believe” motto, Michala reached her goal by making beaded bracelets and selling them for $3 each. She recruited volunteers, who Michala calls her Peeps, to help her make thousands of them. And together, they raised more than $300,000 in just six months and put autism on the country’s radar screen.

Now, she's setting her sights even higher: she wants to build the most comprehensive Autism Research and Treatment Center in the world. Her goal is to raise $300 million to create the “We Believe!" International Autism Research and Treatment Center where autism patients can receive treatment and care regardless of their financial circumstances, and a premiere, independent research facility where research can be conducted to find the cause of autism, and a cure.

She has a three-year plan to get it done, and this time she needs the help of the beading community and crafters around the country. Beaders, you can help make a difference and join Michala in this next campaign. This is a unique opportunity to receive a free beading kit (each kit makes approximately 300 seed-bead bracelets), teach others how to bead, and do something for a good cause. But don’t just take my word for it. Watch this video as Michala explains her plan.

Click to view the video: Beading to Beat Autism 30-Day Challenge

Feather Hair Extensions

2011-06-27T08:49:00.001-07:00

Feather hair extensions are taking flight this summer!

While this hair trend echos the boho style of the '70s, it hasn't just returned, according to Hair Flairs Canada (custom hair extensions and accessories manufacturer) manager Trina Marr, it's taken over.

"Technology has coupled with an old idea and made it new. We're not looking like Pocahontas," Marr tells StyleList. "It's classy and a bit rock 'n' roll."

Faced with a rough economy, Marr believes that women were in search of a budget-friendly way to dress up their hair. Feather hair extensions are a fun and flirty alternative to costly highlights, and the appeal sparked a frenzy among stylists.

Hair stylist Joy La Rosa of the Sam Brocato Salon in SoHo has noticed that women are sitting down in her chair for natural hued feathers because it looks natural and organic.

GOOD NEWS!!! I'm offering natural hued feathers that have been naturally shed, at a bargain price. I will do hair extensions for $10 each or clip-ins for $15. If you'd like some or know of a location where I can set-up a booth, please contact me. Thanks.

Win This Bowl (as you change the world)

2011-06-08T05:02:00.000-07:00

Win This Bowl!!! Find out how at http://baileyfiberart.com/RussiaTrip.aspx

Video Interview: Temple Grandin

2011-05-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

Autism advocate, animal behaviorist and teacher. Colorado State University Animal Sciences Professor Temple Grandin talks about her life, autism and the impact of her work. In the interview, Grandin discusses with one of her doctoral students, Ruth Woiwode, her teaching goals, some of her significant innovations and helping kids with autism. Grandin -- who thinks in pictures -- describes her life experiences to demonstrate that people with different abilities

Art classes at Renaissance center

2011-05-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Beginning Journal Making with Bailey Earith

Journals are a wonderful way to organize your thoughts, pictures, and mementos. They are extra special when you make them yourself. Join internationally-known fiber artist and instructor, Bailey Earith for this fun-filled class as we explore a variety of collage and book assembly techniques while we create uniquely personal journals. All materials will be provided. No experience is necessary, just a desire to have a good time and a willingness to learn. Supply fee of $20 is payable to the instructor on day of class.

ARTW8452 Fri June 17 10-noon 1-3pm $ 50

Energy Circles: Beginning Mandala Making with Bailey Earith

Mandalas (Energy Circles) are a powerful way to express oneself creatively while providing a centering, calming, positive energy. Students will be introduced to this ancient art form that can be found in Tibetan, Japanese, and Native American cultures. They will create their own mandala using an assortment of decorative papers, pens, and other materials. Join internationally-known fiber artist and instructor, Bailey Earith for this fun-filled class. All materials will be provided. No experience is necessary, just a desire to have a good time and a willingness to learn. Supply fee of $15 is payable to the instructor on day of class.

ARTW7550 Thur June 16 6-8pm $25

http://www.rcenter2.org

Free Artisan Demo at Renaissance cntr

2011-05-24T08:44:00.001-07:00

When: Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11:00
Where: Renaissance center, Dixon, TN

I will be demonstrating how I create fabric baskets. I will also be presenting the finished wall art from the Momentum Dance collaboration as well as the video.

I hope you can come join me.

PS: I will be teaching journal-making and Mandala-creating classes as well at the center. Details to follow.

http://www.rcenter2.org/

Visiting Artist Comes to Warren East Middle School

2011-04-19T06:05:00.000-07:00

A visiting artist from Knoxville, TN, recently came to Warren East Middle School. Bailey Earith, owner of Bailey Fiber Arts Studio, brought with her a new and exciting kind of art class.

Posted: 8:07 PM Apr 15, 2011
Reporter: Craig Dehut

Art Show at Knox visitors cntr

2011-03-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

I will have a display at the Knoxville Visitor's Center on Gay street. Saturday 1/2/11 from 2-5. I will be showing my latest works and will be demonstrating techniques. This event is free and open to the public. Please stop by.

Vsa: Free lecture

2011-03-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Professional Development Opportunity

Dear Artist,

Please be our guest at ArtsACCESS Gallery for a free presentation by VSA Kentucky Teaching Artist, Pat Sturzel from Louisville and VSA Tennessee Teaching Artist, Bailey Earith from Knoxville. They will share their experiences in the VSA Regional Innovation Project including a residency they co-taught at Warren East Middle School.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the VSA Kentucky Roster of Teaching Artists, this session is for you. VSA Kentucky would like to have more teaching artists available in this part of the state to facilitate residencies in schools, health care facilities, arts organizations and disability organizations. Find out how to apply and talk with artists who have worked with the organization for a number of years.

If you are a student, school teacher, teach workshops or private lessons, this session has something to offer you as well. Pat and Bailey are both professional artists whose knowledge and experience will be of value to your own professional development. Come meet the artists and learn more about what VSA Kentucky has to offer.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Join us

April 14th

from

1-3pm

Call 270-781-0872

(or)

Email: vsaky@bellsouth.net.

We look forward to seeing you!

New Education Standards

2011-02-01T05:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.districtadministration.com/viewarticlepf.aspx?articleid=2693

Common Core’s Implications for Special Ed Students

The Common Core State Standards are raising the bar for special education students.

By Marion Herbert

February 2011

Forty one states, to date, have jumped on the Common Core State Standards bandwagon, adopting common curriculum benchmarks for general education courses in language arts and mathematics. The standards, created by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, are raising the bar for special education students as well. According to the standards, students with disabilities— defined as students eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA )—“must be challenged to excel within the general curriculum.”

“We have to provide all students with an education to be ready to have a career when they leave their K12 experience,” says Chris Minnich, senior membership director at the Council of Chief State School Officers.

Special education students will be held to the same both in the classroom and on the assessments. Two consortiums— Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PAR CC) and SMARTER Balanced Assessment—were granted Race to the Top funds to develop assessments for the new standards by 2014. The assessments apply to what’s known as two percent special education students, which are special education students without severe cognitive disabilities.

According to Minnich, states are in various stages of adopting the standards, with some states and districts farther along than others. Florida began modifying its special education curriculum nearly six years ago. As of 2011, Florida will no longer approve modified courses, in which special education students aren’t expected to master as much material as in general education courses.

“It’s about having higher expectations for all of our students,” says Bambi Lockman, chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services with the Florida Department of Education. According to Lockman, since the state began its alignment of standards, special education students have improved 3 to 5 percent annually on both language arts and mathematics.

“The transition to the Common Core will be challenging, but it’s not going to be extremely difficult because we’ve already had high standards in Florida,” she says. “I think we are going to see students having access to the general curriculum.”

Lockman notes that this change doesn’t come without intervention as specified in each student’s individualized education plan (IEP). Extra classroom support, variation in the instructional approach, small group discussions and assisted technology are just some examples of intervention that will be needed for the students to excel in a general education classroom.

According to Minnich, states that have adopted the standards will implement them between 2012 and 2014. He expects a few more states to be on board by the end of 2011.

interactive art follow-up

2011-01-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

This fall I invited everyone to come see Momentum Dance Lab paint fabric I designed. We had a lot of fun! Here are some pictures.

FHS Artist Residency

2010-10-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

FEATURED PROGRAM: CALL FOR WRITING

Bailey Earith will be working with CDC students at Farragut High in October with a residency that is support by a grant that VSA Tennessee received from the Tennessee Department of Education and from support from the VSA national office.

In this residency, the students will create a fabric doll that will be used as a writing prompt for a work of fiction. The stories will be submitted to the VSA national Call for Writing program. Submissions will be judged on creativity, technical proficiency, adherence to the theme, and presence of personal style and vision. The selected pieces will become part of the VSA online writing journal, Infinite Difference

The VSA Call for Writing can be the catalyst for a lesson on writing. It is an opportunity to draw out the expressive minds of students of all abilities through the written word. Teachers can easily connect instruction with national language arts standards, which are generally comparable to local and state standards. The Call for Writing’s theme of capturing a moment in time can help teachers address the following standards from the National Council of Teachers of English’s The Standards for the English Language Arts:

#4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.

#5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.

#6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions, media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and non-print texts.

#9. Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles.

#10. Students whose first language is not English make use of their first language to develop competency in the English language arts and to develop understanding of content across the curriculum.

#11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.

#12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes.

Arts education conference scheduled for Nov. 15

2010-10-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Johnson City Area Arts Council’s 2010 arts education conference, "Inspired Learning through the Arts," will be held Monday, Nov.15, at the Millennium Centre in Johnson City, Tenn.

Participants may choose from 23 concurrent workshops on a variety of topics in all disciplines that explore the ways arts impact student achievement in all subject areas.

The featured speaker will be Lisa Fitzhugh, who is the founder and former executive director of Arts Corps, the largest arts education program in Washington state reaching under-served communities throughout Seattle and King County. Arts Corps’ award winning program became a national model for combining arts education with social change. Her keynote address is titled “Creativity: Harnessing our Innate Dynamic Potential,” and will be given during lunch from 12-1:30 p.m.

Those who attend visual arts workshops will seek to understand different cultures and link them with history, science, math, social studies and language. Claudia Lee will address these themes by teaching hand-made book forms and bindings that will be variations on the concertina format and Japanese designs. Artist Shona Cowart will use found and readily available materials in a variety of textures to show participants basic monoprint methods that can be easily done in the classroom. Other visual arts sessions feature hand building with clay, spotlighting themes such as installation art, Japanese Zen gardens and mythology. Patti Lawrence will engage participants with ways recycled PET bottles may be used as an art medium to create sculptures that can become installation pieces. Fiber artist Bailey Earith will take traditional African art forms and make modern adaptations to create three-dimensional figures that can become objects for cultural studies and writing prompts.

Music sessions include “Traditions of The Great Mali Empire of West Africa,” a hands-on percussion workshop that also introduces the history and artistic traditions of this region. “Music of the immigrants of America” will be explored through maps, various Chinese, African and European instruments and food. Other workshops will offer tips for vocal techniques and repertoire, a collaborative workshop where teachers share their best ideas and activities for classroom projects, productions and performances and an a capella singing group session. Music technology will round out the day, along with other technology sessions where participants will learn how to integrate software programs more effectively into their schools and classrooms.

A two-part session about prehistoric petroglyphs of Mongolia by Richard Cortum and his wife, Theresa Markiw, will offer provocative ideas connecting art, art history, history, geography, archaeology, anthropology, communication, science, culture and religion. Part one consists of a slide presentation of Cortum’s research on Mongolia’s rock art. In part two, Markiw will lead a hands-on group project to create a petroglyph wall of clay.

Participants will have opportunities to “get moving” in three dance workshops. Jen Kintner will teach participants to think on their feet through dance improvisation, which can be used to help children find new ways to learn, express themselves and interact positively and honestly. Her other workshop begins with a sweeping look at African influences in American dance and then will focus on the evolution of break and hip-hop dance forms. Finally, ballroom dance instructor Lance Halverson will introduce skills for successful partnership dances. Teachers will gain ideas for creative ways to integrate movement into their classrooms in these workshops.

Other workshops in writing, literature and reading will offer teachers ideas to develop students’ creative expression. Karin Keith will explore the possibilities of students’ writing as teachers scaffold the students’ understanding with children's literature.

On the second floor of the Millennium Centre, attendees can browse through a wide selection of exhibitors’ resources, gather new ideas and shop for unique artist-made gifts.

Registration for the arts education conference will begin in early October. Registration information will be available online at the Johnson City Area Arts Council’s website, www.arts.org. Early registration is strongly recommended, as many of the workshops have limited enrollment numbers.

The cost of the full day’s conference, including lunch, is $65 before Nov. 8, and $75 after that date through the day of the conference.

For more info or to request a registration packet, call 423-928-8229 or e-mail jcarts@mounet.com.

This arts education conference is supported by the Tennessee Arts Commission, the City of Johnson City, and members of the Johnson City Area Arts Council.

Free Art Event: You're Invited!

2010-10-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

Three Knoxville area art groups collaborate to present free performance

Date: October 23^rd at 1:30 pm

Where: On the Krutch Park Extension lawn on Gay street across from the Regal cinema.

Artists involved: Momentum Dance Lab with Bailey Fiber Art and Tin Soldiers Productions

What: "Paint in Motion" improvisational multimedia event

Momentum Dance Lab, Bailey Fiber Art, and Tin Soldiers Productions are collaborating to present a free multimedia event.

On Saturday, October 23^rd at 1:30 pm on the Krutch Park Extension lawn (on Gay street across from the Regal cinema), members of Momentum Dance Lab will present a moving painting project where dancers will paint fabric with their improvisational movement. The painted fabrics are based on color palettes designed by fiber artist, Bailey Earith. Videographer, Tin Soldiers Productions, will be on hand to film the performance. The public is invited to attend this free, community arts event.

After this public event, Bailey Earith will manipulate the painted fabrics in her Farragut studio to create a piece of 3-D wall art. Tin Soldiers Productions will document this process and edit the footage from Krutch Park and Bailey Fiber Art Studio into an art film. This project will culminate in a multi-media performance piece at Momentum Dance Lab’s annual show, “Art Moves” which will be presented at the KMA on March 12th and 13^th, 2011.

Momentum Dance Lab strives for excellence in dance through artistic exploration, professional training and original performances. MDL offers opportunities in most aspects of dance production and arts administration, while creating innovative outreach programs to enhance our community. www.momentumdancelab.com

Bailey Earith is a nationally known fiber artist whose work can be found in collections around the world. Bailey enjoys creating fabric art that has visual and/or actual textural elements. These elements often include beads, vintage buttons, feathers, hand-painted fabric, manipulated fabric, cords, yarns, and found objects. Bailey's art is eco-friendly. She creates with recycled and repurposed items as much as possible. Bailey hopes viewers will experience a sense of joy and well being upon seeing her work. www.BaileyFiberArt.com

Actor, writer, director, producer, videographer Jeff Delaney is founder and operator of Tin Soldiers Productions in Knoxville, TN. Tin Soldiers produces plays, short films and documentaries. Mr. Delaney has an extensive resume of production and performance credits.

Guest Blogger: "How to Have an Amazing Blog"

2010-08-26T04:54:00.000-07:00

Today's post is going to be a little different. Recently, the good folks at BlogEnergizer.com have offered to write any blog an exclusive interview so I said yes and here's the interview with team leader, Lynette Chandler. I hope you find lots of good information in it as I have and don't forget to vote for me because the interview with the most votes will win some cool prizes.

Interview question submission from Bailey

What are some sure-fired ways to get more readers to my blog?

Just to name a few things:

Keep writing good posts
Promote those good posts for example if you are answering a question in a conversation (forum, Twitter or comment) don't be afraid to refer them to a previous post that is relevant and digs deeper. But please do so respectfully especially if you are in a forum or on someone else's blog.
Practice search engine optimization for your posts
Accept interviews - don't just think guest blogging. Seek out podcasters or Internet radio show hosts or webinar hosts. Even if you don't get asked, if you know of someone who hosts shows or is running a webinar series, think of a topic that relates to what they are doing and offer your expertise to be a guest expert.
Write articles for reprint article directories
Link to other bloggers in your post - be generous about it
Consider writing useful posts for annually recurring holidays or events people search for such stuff as the time gets close and you can get a small bump every single year without fail
Sometimes, controversy can be helpful. Don't be afraid to write what's on your mind in a calm and reasonable manner of course.
Drum up your own buzz by creating some kind of activity like a simple contest, an awesome free download, strike a deal with a product owner for exclusive coupon, easter egg hunt something fun and creative

What are the top five ways to get lots of comments posted on my blog?

Ok, are you ready for this? Ask. Invite comments. Say things like, "What do you think?", "Have you experience this before?", "Do you know of another alternative/option?" get them talking.
Add something like a subscribe to comments option so people can be notified of followup comments
You know the point about controversy in the answer before? A little controversy usually helps people to add their two cents.
Allow your readers to do the writing. Ask them a question about a topic. Ask them for suggestions and tools for a particular task. Let your readers shine. For example let them share their blogs or share their best tips or best work.
Answer readers' questions and get them to ask you questions too.

Finally, I know you only asked for five but we can fit in one more can't we? Respond to commenters. It sounds so elementary but if you don't interact, there is little incentive for people to leave comments again.

How can I encourage readers to forward my content to other interested parties?

Before answering this question, I want to put in a little note about this and the previous question. There are certainly ways to encourage people to act. Sometimes, despite our best effort, people will not take up on your offer. But don't let that stop you from continuing to ask and doing little things here and there to encourage interaction. Back to the question.

Try adding icons or messages at the bottom of the post that say something like, "If you liked this or think someone will find this helpful, click the buttons below to share this post". Lead people to take action. Then, make it easy for people to bookmark, tweet or share on Facebook. There are many plugins that help you do that.

My dog would like to guest post on my blog. What should I consider before saying "OK"?

Why haven't you said yes already? I would never turn down a guest post that is highly relevant to the blog topic, least of all from an adorable pup who probably can give us some awesome perspective too ;-)

But seriously, if it is relevant say yes, if not say no.

Is it best to write about hot things or cool things in the summer?

It's never a bad time to write about 'hot' topics :-). Coming back to earth here. Both. It all depends on the subject matter, for example, hot fashion and staying cool is relevant for this season but hot drinks is perhaps a little off.

If you liked this interview, show Baily your support by voting for it at http://blogenergizer.com/teip-vote/

Artful Items for a Good Cause

2010-08-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

I am being featured on a wonderful site: www.peacefulproducts.info . They sell artwork from artists who are willing to donate to worthy causes. My cause is VSA-TN. As you may know, VSA provides art opportunities for people with disabilities, which is a mission near and dear to my heart. On Peaceful Products, I am offering Hand-dyed fabric note cards, Fiber jewelry, Mini notebooks, and "Thanks for Being" fabric postcards. Payment is easy through PayPal. I have one low shipping fee so the more you buy, the more you save. I hope you will stop by this site and explore my work along with the other beautiful work being offered. Thank you for supporting VSA-TN