From September 18 through October 3, 2021, the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, took on a new visage, being temporarily enrobed in 27,000 square feet of reflective blue and silver fabric and 10,000 feet of red rope against the Paris sky. The artistic concept was that of the late artist Christo, who, with permission, began wrapping monuments and structures around the world in the 1960s. Art educator Magen Peigelbeck, who was sponsored by Chapter C, North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and received a P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) grant supporting her pursuit of a teaching certificate in 2009, became enthralled with Christo’s work early in her career. After visiting one of his exhibits in New York City in 2006, she committed to seeing as much of his work as possible, knowing that his works were not permanent. Last summer, Magen became aware that Christo’s foundation had made plans to honor the artist by wrapping the Arc de Triomphe in accordance with his design. When the foundation requested workers for the project, Megan excitedly submitted her résumé and was thrilled to be one of only 400 people worldwide selected to serve as an installer and then as a docent for the showing during this
PCE recipient Magen Peigelbeck was thrilled to be selected as an installer and docent for the Christo project at the Arc de Triomphe
When the foundation requested workers for the project, Megan excitedly submitted her résumé and was thrilled to be one of only 400 people worldwide selected to serve as an installer and then as a docent for the showing during this unique opportunity.
unique opportunity. As a docent, her duties were to become knowledgeable about the project, address questions and offer information to observers. Magen describes the experience as a “dream come true.” She shared her experience with her students at Oglethorpe Middle School in Savannah, Georgia, by teaching directly from Paris via Zoom. P.E.O. and education are in Magen’s blood. Her mother, Alfreda Peigelbeck, C, North Kingstown, Rhode Island; aunt Karla Driscoll, past president, Northeast District Chapter and cousin Tricia Driscoll, secretary, Northeast District Chapter, are all P.E.O.s. A graduate of the University of Vermont with a Master of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art & Design, Magen found her true calling in the classroom teaching art. However, she needed to complete her education with education credits to become accredited. A PCE grant enabled her to do that in the required time frame while she was teaching. She taught grades K-8 at the Isle of Hope Elementary School in Savannah for eight years. During that time she was honored as Teacher of the Year. Two years ago, she was selected to teach at the Oglethorpe Middle School, a charter school in Savannah. Over the years, Magen has continued to interact with art professionals and teachers worldwide and continues to teach real-life art experiences to her students.
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May–June 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD
WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG
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