Finishing strong was the topic of a recent presentation to Montpelier Art Students by Chris Kannel of Kannel Superior Insurance Agency in Montpelier. Chris spoke to six classes of art students about their unique opportunity to learn HOW to finish. With several small projects every semester, art class is one of the best places to learn how to finish – a skill they will use no matter what they go on to do after they graduate!
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Chris used the renovated Hip Klotz Press Box in Montpelier as an example of the process he uses to finish projects:
- Goal. What do I want to accomplish?
- Time. How long will it take to accomplish my Goal? OR How long do I have to accomplish my Goal?
- Steps. What do I need to DO in order to accomplish my goal?
The Press Box project illustrated for the students the steps to complete a building project. Chris, who was the architect for the Press Box, used photos from the Construction phase of the project to show how the building came together.
Chris also used a game called “Silent Squares” – developed by PCMI – to illustrate how students need to work together. “It’s not JUST about you,” he explained, “you may have a skill or tool that another student needs – they don’t know who to ask!” He suggested that students look beyond themselves and their own projects to see how they can help their fellow classmates succeed.
“It seems to be working!” noted Bobbi Miller, one of Montpelier’s art faculty. “Many students have said ‘I’m going to FINISH this one’. I have also asked several students: ‘Is this done or is it FINISHED’. They know exactly what I mean.”[/emember_protected]