Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts

Friday, August 11, 2023

Brushstrokes & Transformation: An Interview With Mike Kraus


In this interview with Mike Kraus, we delve into the captivating journey of an artist whose work serves as both a canvas of color and a canvas of values — honesty, kindness, and fairness. From his formative years in Muskegon, Michigan, Mike’s artistic voyage has been a dynamic exploration of the intricate interplay between the external world and his inner creativity.  Continue Reading at: https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/mike-krause-9dd86995d76c


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Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, November 5, 2021

William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202110091
© copyright Mike Kraus
We'd meet here in the morning before class.  The morning sun beaming as we'd prepare to study.  Learning more about each other than our scholarly topics.  Architecture like this is designed to make you believe in truth and things greater than ourselves.  We see that the possibilities are endless.

This piece would look best in a space that is dark red, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood.


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, January 8, 2021

Campanile At Iowa State University

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Campanile At Iowa State University
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20 (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202010102
© copyright Mike Kraus

A remote-learning final semester and virtual graduation seems like an appropriate situation for an independent, easy-going, software engineer.  Yet, days on the  Iowa State University (https://www.iastate.edu/) campus are full of experiences and a lifetime of memories.  Recollections that seem both forever ago and all too recent.  Now, there are new adventures with a great career opportunity at Capital One (capitalone.com) in the exciting city of Washington DC.  With the support of his family, he's taken the first step toward a successful life.





Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Learn Science; Don't Be the Science

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Learn Science; Don't Be the Science #381
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202008070
© copyright Mike Kraus

"Their plan is to reopen after disinfecting the school, though it is not clear how much of a difference that will make... and a single sneeze or cough could once again contaminate a classroom." - Dr. Sanjay Gupta (more at: Why I am not sending my kids back to school)


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Teaching Your Kids While You Work



Teaching Your Kids While You Work

Coronavirus (COVID-19) shut down your office and your kid's school along with everything else.  It's been chaos with 50 states having 50 different policies.  And over 13,000 school districts seemingly having 13,000+ different ideas for how to continue your child's education.  As if you weren't concerned about the stability of your job and the stress of working at your dining room table; you're being told to teach your kids at the same time.  


Let's acknowledge a few things first.  Everyone's situation is different solutions will require infinite patience and incredible flexibility.  That our haphazard, uncoordinated patchwork of school districts have various plans (including complete closure) with a wide range of success and failure.  Finally, that this is causing anxiety for everyone involved.  So, let's try to find some solutions.



1) Sync Your Schedules - Homeschooling one-on-one tends to be quicker than classroom learning.  What takes 6 hours at school can only take 2-4 hours at home.  Review the requirements for your kid/kids learning.  Now, compare your mandatory tasks for working from home.



2) HELP PLEASE! - Divide the subjects and kids between you and your partner.  Ask for help from friends, family, and other parents.  Does your school district provide any tools?  Look for online resources.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  We all need it.

3) Schedule and Routine - Find a schedule that works for you and your child.  Be flexible and patient your kids and yourself.  Is it possible to do some work a little earlier in the morning while your kids are asleep?  Math and science can be taught anytime after 3pm until bedtime as well.  Weekends can also be opportunities for learning.  This may be necessary for using limited resources like computers.

Make a schedule, write it down, and display it someone prominently.  This will help provide work time for your and your child.  Here's an example:

Family Schedule
7am – 10am
Adult 1: Work
Adult 2: Watch children
Kid 1: Breakfast and school work
Kid 2: Breakfast and school work

10am – 11am

Adult 1: Watch children
Adult 2: Check work messages
Kid 1: Online class
Kid 2: Zoom with friends

11am – Noon
Adult 1: Check work messages
Adult 2: Help children with homework
Kid 1: homework
Kid 2: homework

Noon – 1pm
Lunch for everyone.  Extra time to play outside or walk around neighborhood

1pm – 1:30pm

Adult 1: Help children with homework
Adult 2: Check work messages
Kid 1: homework
Kid 2: homework

1:30pm – 4pm

Adult 1 and 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Free time

4pm – 5pm
Adult 1: Chores and errands
Adult 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Chores 

5pm – 7pm
Dinner.  Extra time for own activities.

7pm – 10pm

Adult 1: Spend time with kids
Adult 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Theme night activities (Movie Night, Game Night, etc).  Free time.  Bed.





4) Use Everything - Allow open access to every board game, book, art supply, toy, or whatever for your children.  Allow them independence so you can work.  Be honest with your children about your job.  When you are working, you're not to be interrupted unless it's burning or bleeding.  Also, there are millions of educational videos available for on streaming services.  Is your kid freaking out and you need to be in a Zoom meeting?  Let them watch Cartoon Network if it keeps them quiet.  We're in a State of Emergency.  No one will judge you for doing what you need to for survival.

5) Improv - With many school districts providing little to no guidance, it's good to employ the tactics of shortform improv theater.  The "structure" is education and it is driven by audience/student.  If your kid is really into roller coasters, make that a full day project.  Have them spend a couple hours researching the 10 best roller coasters in the world.  Write a report on why those are the best roller coasters.  What is the science and math behind roller coasters?  What is their history?  Create a design and build a model of your own roller coaster.  Use the techniques of Montessori education.  Let your student own their education by having fun.  


My grandpa was a master at this.  He'd teach me through every day experience.  It'd always start with, "Hey Mike, would you like to learn how to..." and end with me doing chores.  This is how I learned how to change light fixtures, write checks, read schematics, fix a leaky toilet, change the oil, cook a meal and so much more.  By college, I was completely independent and able to run my own household.  


=
6) Communicating With Others - It's good for your child to talk with their friends and play online games.  So, let them do it.  In fact, encourage them to use Zoom with their grandparents, mail a letter to a cousin, leave a note to a neighbor in need, or host an online party.    

7) Be Patient, Flexible, and Relax - This has been a big change for you, your kids, your boss, and everyone else.  Sometimes, the homework isn't going to be finished.  It's not going to prevent your kid from going to college.  It's okay and shouldn't interrupt your work.


There are nearly 50 million families in America experiencing the same problems you are right now.  So call, text, email, Zoom, group chat at least one of them.  Share your successes.  Laugh at your failures.  And remember to take care of yourself.  Everything is going to be fine.  





Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Kent Hall at the University of Chicago

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Kent Hall at University of Chicago
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (cm x cm)
201907062
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by
Many days and nights were spent at Kent Hall on the University of Chicago campus (https://www.uchicago.edu/).  He's passionate about "organic chemistry total synthesis" and just received his Masters Degree.  A devotion that will continue at Scripps Research Institute (https://www.scripps.edu/campuses/florida/) working toward his Ph.D.  While on a journey it's important to commemorate milestones and the friends, colleagues, and mentors we've made on the way.  To remember where we came from when we eventually find our success.



More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Friday, June 21, 2019

Eckhart Hall

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago
acrylic paint on canvas board
201906051
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

And just like that, her son is a UChicago (https://www.uchicago.edu/) college graduate.  Goodbye UChicago and hello Cornell (https://www.cornell.edu/)!  She raised him right and shares in his early successes.  And she wanted a piece to commemorate this impressive milestone.  What an exciting time for this young man. 



More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago

Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago, 2017
acrylic painting on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus
201706063

What place is special to you?  Is it a location that you use to visit frequently as a child?  Maybe it's where you got engaged?  Perhaps it's somewhere you go with your pet.  Commissioning a piece is a great way to celebrate your unique place on this earth.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:

Art Cats Gallery 1845 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 755-7606 http://artcatsgallery.com/

Rochester Contemporary Arts Center (RoCo)  137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 461-2222 http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/

Whitman Works Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Buzzed Science: Pocket Volcano

Welcome to a new episode of Buzzed Science! This time we use the tried-and-true bubbling volcano, except now I know what it means...sort of

Monday, March 27, 2017

Buzzed Science YouTube Show

Learn how Neil deGrasse Tyson turned Megan into a nihilist and buzzed scientist.

What is Buzzed Science?  The way you wished you learned science

Learn about Archimedes' Principle from an octopus wearing scuba gear.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Changing Tides Art Show-Rochester NY

Next week, I will be showing my work at the Spectrum Creative Arts Center and host an artist spotlight presentation with a brief talk and Q and A session.  More information below:

Spectrum Creative Arts Announces Changing Tides Interactive Art Show

By Rusty Allen

Rochester, NY – New creative arts center Spectrum Creative Arts is thrilled to announce Changing Tides, its first art gallery opening of the fall season.  This free event will debut a family-friendly collection of artwork with a water and “changing tides” theme on Saturday, November 15th from 3:00-4:30pm.

The Changing Tides exhibit will feature original works submitted by artists of all ages, including Spectrum students, instructors, and members of the Rochester community.  The gallery opening event will also include an interactive artist’s panel, in which exhibiting artists offer insight into their life and work as local artists, as well as live performances, interactive art activities, and light refreshments.

Spectrum Creative Arts recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its opening in Pittsford, NY in September.  With a diverse catalog of course offerings including individual instruction, therapy, group programming, or activity-based workshops, Spectrum brings a unique take to creative arts education.

About Spectrum Creative Arts

Spectrum Creative Arts, LLC is a community-based arts center with a fresh perspective on what it means to be an artist.  The Spectrum Team utilizes a person-centered, strength-based approach to inspire and empower students through active participation in the arts. With the belief that every individual has the power to create and shape the world around them, everyone can find a meaningful arts-experience at Spectrum.

Contact

For more information please contact

Rusty Allen, Office & Marketing Manager
3300 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
Local: 585-383-1999
Toll Free: 855-444-0201
rusty@spectrumcreativearts.org
www.spectrumcreativearts.org

###

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Don't Forget the Outrun the Sun Race Against Melanoma!


The Outrun the Sun Race Against Melanoma is the largest evening event of its kind in America benefiting skin cancer education and melanoma research. The evening start time helps keep participants out of the sun's harsh daytime rays! The event includes a melanoma heroes recognition program, live music, refreshments, educational information booths, a Kids' Zone and more. This event engages people of all ages to run or walk for an important cause.


Rochester, NY

August 2

Webster Park

Monday, November 6, 2006

Animals For Your Viewing Pleasure!

Hey all,

Just a little bit of something to get out of the way here. I'm coming home to Muskegon for T-Day and was wondering what is going on? Who's back? Who's still there? Who's up for hanging out? Keep me posted...

Megan and I. I really owe a lot to this little lady. She brings me on trips all over the place. She doesn't fight, nag, or guilt trip me. She's so relaxed and fun to be around. But most of all, she doesn't mind the scruff or beard.


You know the drill: USA!
USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!


I don't know which cat this is at my apartment. I will give the credit to Lloyd.


The King Tut exhibit. Megan and I got VIP passes and saw an awesome show. Unfortunately, I couldn't take pictures in there. There were all these cool coffins, jewelry, furniture, jars, daggars, and stuff in there. I highly recommend it, but try to see it during the week if you can.


Megan: Queen of the Erie Canal. I'm glad that I buttered her up earlier because she'll hate this. In fact, she said "I hate you" when I took this. Nothing that a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors can't fix...


Sue, the T-Rex


Welcome to Jurassic Park.


This is one of my favorite exhibits. I believe it was titled "Things you wouldn't have without soil."


I don't know if this is a raptor or what...


Look how big this Brontosaurus is.


An Allosaur, I think. I'm trying to recall my dino-obsession from third grade.


It's hard to imagine anything this big just roaming around. It's about the size of a dump truck.


This seems to be part bird/part dog or something.


This prehistoric sloth stands about 10-15 feet tall.


This prehistoric sloth wants to dance.


An ancient deer or something.




A Mammoth!


A Mastodon!


Ah, to be back home in Michigan!


It looks like some women shopping on the Magnificient Mile


Kentucky Fried Chicken


A Red Panda


Either a Grizzly or Brown Bear. You would think I know since I lived with one for a year...


A Meercat. Has anyone ever seen Meercat Manor on Animal Planet? It's like the OC, only with animals. Way more interesting than the OC too.


A lion with her cubs.


I think this is the rabbit from Alice In Wonderland.


A Malabar Giant Squirrel.


Just your normal squirrel from the Midwest. Man, I have these things all around my apartment. There's a family of black squirrels that are real timid because they have youngins.' The brown squirrels (pictured above) just go through all of our stuff looking for food.


A beaver


another beaver?


Isn't this the guy from Neverending Story? Kind of a creepy fella.


This is an Aye-Aye. Probably named by a pirate. Why are pirates so trendy these days? I'd rather be like Mad Max than some silly Johnny Depp pirate.


I should put this in my livingroom.


African animals!


I forgot what this is called. I know they have them at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Which reminds me that this is a good time of year to go to the LPZ because the tourists are back in their cages in the suburbs.


This guy needs a monicle, a top hat, and a martini.


A Detroit Tiger. Known for being the 2006 American League Champion. I think this one's named Kenny Rogers.


This is my habitat in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago.


That's about it. I have to put up an educational blog every-so-often so I can pretend to be an intellect. I'm planning on taking a vacation this winter. At this point, I'm looking at going to Rio de Janeiro, Vienna, or somewhere in southern Europe. Anyone have any advice? I have about a month of vacation time and some cash to burn. So...

xoxo,

Mike

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