​When I was in grade school, my teachers taught us language arts, math, and history from blackboards. Lots of writing and chalk dust. Rarely was there any drawing, or use of any color other than white. But I actually look fondly back at those times - it was part of my childhood. 

When I became a teacher and I had my own blackboards to use, I remember being deeply and humbly moved, knowing I was in the company of those wonderful souls who were my mentors and role models. However, having trained as a Waldorf teacher, I regarded the chalk as more than a form of communicating verb tenses and long division, it was a medium for creating art.

These large scale drawings were created during my time as a teacher, finding inspiration from the curriculum with my students. I drew from nature, history, and science - beauty and art were present everywhere.  Most of my drawings were over four feet by six feet, created from between three hours (like the Cupcake drawing) and twelve hours (as with the Last Supper drawing). Thank you for visiting!

​Rick Tan

There is a quaint little cottage tucked away under the trees at the end of a gravel path. Every Tuesday morning, it beats with the rhythm of the hearts and souls of homeschooling families of Davis Wholistic Learning Resources.  

Founder Sandi Russi's team of Rick and Jennifer Tan of Syrendell and Robyn Wolfe of Waldorfish host children from five years to thirteen years in handwork, woodwork, art, movement, and drama. With teaching backgrounds in public school, homeschool, and Waldorf, and as professional artists and musicians, the trio offer a mixed bag of goodies. In short, they teach from the heart.

In their 10-week Fall session ending November 15, the teachers and children engage in a vast number of hands-on, hearts-on activities! On those Tuesday mornings, where the Tans affectionately call the Homeschool Cottage, children are inside and outside, learning, doing, moving, being. In short, they are creating from the heart. Creating capacities and skills. Creating friendships and values. Creating joy.

Our Winter-Spring session will resume on January 24. Until then, the Homeschool Cottage at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis will rest, awaiting the sounds of hammers tapping, brushes swishing, and children's voices in song and in play.