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pedagogy​

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I teach for the conversations; the connection with others.  I believe teaching and learning are partnered activities.  Collaborating with others over the practice, theory and history of art is a highly engaged form of art education.  Through this reciprocal relationship, I can use dialogue to reinforce curiosity within students to develop lifelong learning habits.  I also hope to be challenged; to hear fresh perspectives, and to learn from the innovative cultural forms of the next generation of creatives.

Fostering a growth mindset is embedded within the syllabus. Course modules start with interactive demonstrations and exercises to build skills and confidence.  Eventually, the modules culminate with students creating their own works based upon the early demonstrations.  Modules build in complexity over time, requiring students to perform research and collaborate with one another to solve studio problems.  As courses progress, my role evolves from instructional to documentary as students take ownership of their projects.

As a professor and community member, I celebrate a range of backgrounds, beliefs and orientations.  When validated within the studio or classroom, these myriad identities enrich the environment with their perspectives and cultural contexts.  In my experience, this reinforces social trust and models tolerance for others; valuable currency in an interactive classroom.

I wield studio affairs as an inroad into professional skills relevant to the business of art and design.  Critical thinking, communication and collaboration are learned alongside studio projects.  Discussions, written responses, critiques, and digital interfaces mimic professional environments, where a combination of meetings, presentations, and group projects coalesce to form the day-to-day duties of many careers.

Once students can thoughtfully develop ideas and solve problems creatively, they will be prepared not only for studio careers, but jobs at museums, galleries and nonprofit centers.  In addition to studio skills, the writing, teamwork, communication and project management practiced in class are transferrable to a range of vocations outside of the arts.

Ceramics

Sculpture/3D Design

2D Design

Performance and Participatory Art 

Drawing

Student Reviews

Performance and Participatory Art

"This class taught me to be comforatble in my own skin and the teacher encouraged us to be open and outspoken, which was a great thing for me since I'm now more confident in myself.  I think he made everyone feel comfortable and addressed everyone's concerns and gave ultimate respect.  He gives great criticism on our work without butchering it."

"Eric pushes students to get rid of any fear for performing and challenges students to be more creative.  This course changed the meaning of art for me."

"This class encouraged students to participate, have freedom of speech and artistic expression.  I honestly can't think of a way to improve the class, it's actually already awesome.  I would definitely recommend other students to take a class with Eric as the instructor.  He is respectful, passionate about performing, and is very engaging.  He allowed us to become the authors of our own performance and have the flexibility in how we choose to be seen in the public view."

Fundamentals of Sculpture

"Strengths of this class include freedom to experiment, a balance between focus on technical and creative elements, and the variety of tools available for student use.  He explains well and is clear in presenting assignments and critique.  Overall a fair grader."

"The instruction, materials and topics were well thought out.  Creativity and individuality were always encouraged.  I would recommend this instructor because he is professional and does a great job of not only teaching but allowing students to express themselves."

"The professor pushed us to think outside the box.  He is concise and clear with his expectations , but pushes you to not settle for 'okay'."

"Eric's teaching style is open and generous.  I never expected to enjoy sculpture this much and I feel that Eric really made an impact on me with his passion for art.  I am SO impressed with Eric's willingness to share ideas and processes and I hope he continues to teach."

"His communication and overall helpfulness to students [was a strength of the class].  He is very open and friendly and I think he genuinely enjoys his time with the students.  I appreciate his bluntness in critique and how he points out flaws as well as commends uniqueness."

Ceramics I

"This was a great class and Eric is an extraordinary teacher.  Eric has respect for the art of ceramics and is enthusiastic about sharing what he knows with his students.  He is patient and joyful, which makes the classroom a happy place, conducive to learning.  I've never had a teacher so present in the classroom, always available to help with questions, prolems, however small.  Individualized instruction is Eric's MO."

"Professor Thayer is not only a master at his craft, Ceramics, he is also a master teacher.  He took the time to know his students, always had helpful suggestions and was extremely encouraging.  He created an atmosphere that allowed his students to experiment and think outside of the box.  It was a safe place to grow and make mistakes.  He encouraged his students to interact and share their expertise and created a collaborative environment.  I really enjoyed the course and plan to take a course with Professor Thayer next Fall."

Design II (3D)

"Professor Thayer was really good as a teacher, but he was also very straightforward with what he expected from the final product and all assignments in general.  I really needed that to improve as an artist and I got to see a glimpse of what the art industry expects from designers."

"I do strongly believe this course is helping me develop skills that will help me in my future work and career.  The reason I say this is because I have learned to have good communication skills as my professor has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone by interacting with different classmates."

Art Appreciation

"I did not know what to expect coming into this class but I can say that I am satisfied and I enjoyed it very much.  I like how everything is organized and we know what we are goind to do ahead of time, that way if you are aware that you are going to miss a day, you will know what you need to do or catch up on."

"I would take this class again!  I can tell Professor Thayer is very passionate about art and truly wants to get his students to understand the subject on a deeper level.  [The Learning Management System] is very organized and easy to navigate."

"I appreciate the professionalism of this teacher delivers his course.  What amazed me the most was his patience my God with me since I'm not an English expression he took all his time to explain to me the course and even sometimes translated the assignment into French so that I could understand them well."

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