Do’s and Don’ts for All Artists

Do put everything in writing; be clear and explain even the most fundamental things.

Do plan schedules well in advance with the coordinator.

Do let the coordinator know what your needs are – send a checklist if possible.

Do let the site know your preferences concerning size of rooms, number of participants, types of equipment needed.

Do let the participants know your expectation for the class.

Do handle any upsets with participants before they leave the session.

Do familiar yourself with the local situation. Seek the advice of the coordinator concerning local attitudes. Be sensitive to the local community.

Do include opportunities for students to reflect upon what they have experienced.

Do explore the heritage and cross-cultural influences in your art form.

Do cultivate intellectual bases for making justifying aesthetic judgments.

Do relate your art form to the other things that are happening at your site or to other art forms or curriculum.

Do leave the space you work in the same way you found it. Rearrange chairs, clean up supplies, etc.


Don’t undermine the authority of the staff on your site.

Don’t use specialized vocabulary unless you take the time to explain the meaning of the words.

Don’t insist that reluctant students participate if they are not ready to do so, but do encourage their participation.

Don’t allow a disruptive or domineering participant to lessen the experience for the rest of the group.

Don’t avoid problems when they arise. Address them one at a time and work out agreeable solutions.

Don’t evaluate in terms of right or wrong, but rather discuss. Why? What other way? How else? This method of evaluation encourages rather than discourages the participants.

Don’t isolate yourself.

Don’t agree to work with more participants than you can handle.

Don’t be late.

Don’t begin any workshop without being fully prepared and organized.