Bio
Jesse Ray Sims is a Fine artist - illustrator. He works primarily from his home studio in Cave City, Kentucky, working in various mediums on 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional art. He also has experience working in clay and various sculpture techniques. His wife, Jennifer Sims is an elementary art teacher in Hart County and they have an eleven-year-old son, Draven. Jesse's work reflects his past experiences as an architectural draftsman and his work in manufacturing and is inspired by the rural landscapes and urban sprawl of south central Kentucky. He has won several awards in juried exhibitions and a Professional Assistance Award through the Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship Program. He has shown work in several group and invitational exhibitions and has work in galleries in Kentucky and Florida. His work is in several private and corporate collections. He has done several mural projects with students in various schools, including a project combining science, design and physics that involves the students building model rockets and successfully flying and recovering them. Jesse’s goal as a teaching artist is to teach students and teachers the vital connections between science, math and art which help to unlock student creativity and better equip them for the learning process.
Potential Residency Project
Exploring Content and Design with Murals
1 to 4 week residencies
Grades 4 through 12
These residencies are designed to teach students design and painting skills. Residencies usually begin with discussions on the history and art of murals and then focus on the use of mathematical knowledge used in the design and layout of the painting, and the importance of understanding the subject matter of the mural and use of materials.
Murals are usually based on a school concept or content areas to leave a lasting work of art as well as a visual teaching tool. Through working as a group on a large mural project the students gain ownership and pride in their school.
Various Standards and Terms are addressed with this project. Once a design and wall has been selected the artist works with core groups and starts the painting. Since each mural project varies in design and scope, different approaches may be taken in the execution of the mural.