Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Kindergarten Leaf Rubbing Watercolor Resist Paintings

A video posted by Nora (@artclass_allday) on

Nature Art inspired by Andy Goldsworthy

 
I always love introducing young artists to Andy Goldsworthy! Because we are lucky enough to live in such a beautiful location, Goldsworthy's work resonates with many of us. After viewing examples of Goldworthy's natural creations, we headed outside to gather and construct.  In just a short amount of work time, students came up with some beautiful collaborative pieces of nature art.

Our study of Andy Goldsworthy ties in with our up-and-coming Artist-in-Residence, stone artist Thea Alvin. This fall, Thea will join us to work with students to build a rock wall installation around the front of our school. Click here to see more of Thea Alvin's work.

Here is a short video of Andy Goldsworthy's Art in Nature. 

Monday, September 12, 2016

The Dot!

 
Students at all levels will be celebrating Dot Week during the week of September 12th in Art Class and Library/Technology.  This special event is based on the book “The Dot,” by Peter Reynolds. It is a story that encourages artists to “just make a mark.”


International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009.
The Dot is the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark”.

What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire countless children and adults around the globe.

And each year on International Dot Day – with the help of people just like you –the inspiration continues. What started as a story in the pages of a book is transforming teaching and learning around the world as people of all ages re-discover the power and potential of creativity in all they do.
(From www.thedotclub.org)



This collaborative Dot Art Mural was created by students in grades 1/2 and 5/6. We rotated through Dot Art stations so that only three or four students were painting on the mural at a time.  We started with our largest paintbrushes and finished with Q-tips dipped in paint. I think I'm in LOVE with this piece of artwork!

The other Dot Art Stations were Collage and Dot Zentangles. I felt like I could see the creativity pouring out of students! 
 
Students also used Dot-a-Dot stamper a to create dot art and painted paper plates with liquid watercolor. 






Friday, September 9, 2016

The Global Cardboard Challenge


The Global Cardboard Challenge is an annual event presented by the Imagination Foundation, which celebrates children’s creativity and the role that communities can play in fostering it.  This event was inspired by the short film “Caine’s Arcade,” a story of a young boy’s cardboard creations.  This project encourages kids to collaborate, innovate and think outside the box.  Click here to learn more about the importance of creativity. 




Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Art stations and Expectations

 
Today's art classes began by reflecting on what our school-wide expectations look like in art class. How can you be respectful, safe and ready to learn in the Art Room?

We explored a variety of arts media at Art Stations.  Students enjoyed the fast pace and the opportunity to create four different pieces of art work in one class.  

Friday, September 2, 2016

Arting!

A photo posted by Nora (@artclass_allday) on