Fayston Elementary Art

Warren Kimble, Vermont Folk Artist

2012-01-26T12:23:00.000-05:00

First and second grade artists looked at art by Vermont Folk Artist Warren Kimble. They chose a farm animal to draw and colored with crayons, making sure that the whole picture was covered with a thick, waxy layer of color. In order to make our pictures look old, like Kimble's, we crumpled them up and painted a black watercolor wash over the whole picture. I pressed the pictures under many heavy books to get out the wrinkles.

Fun at Clay Club!

2012-01-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

This week clay clubbers made coil pots, dragons and much, much more!

Happy Chinese New Year- Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-26T12:09:00.001-05:00

Third and fourth grade artists read "This Next New Year" by Janet S. Wong and discussed some Chinese New Year traditions. They then drew Chinese dragons to celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon. We used sharpie markers to outline before painting with watercolor paint.

Pre-K Chinese Brush Painting

2012-01-26T11:56:00.001-05:00

Pre-K artists practiced using bamboo paintbrushes to paint in the style of the Chinese Masters. We practiced basic brush skills on these "very special brushes" that I hope will carry over into all of their painting. We talked about moving all of the bristles of the brush in one direction at a time and lifting up the brush to change direction. We practiced changing pressure on the brush to make thin and thick lines. Pre-K artists painted on long pieces of paper that we displayed to look like Chinese Scrolls. We talked about common themes of bamboo or flowering trees seen in many Chinese and Japanese paintings. We also looked at the book "Zen Shorts" by Jon Muth, a beautiful fantasy about a Panda and his friend that shows some examples of brush painting.

Plum Blossoms: a Symbol of Luck and Happiness for the Chinese New Year

2012-01-23T12:32:00.002-05:00

Chinese New Year Lanterns

2012-01-23T11:38:00.000-05:00

Kindergarten Gingerbread Houses and Snowmen

2012-01-23T11:34:00.000-05:00

Paintings inspired by Vermont Artist Sabra Field

2012-01-19T10:41:00.001-05:00

Here are some of Sabra Field's beautiful prints that capture the essence of Vermont's landscape.

Fifth and sixth grade artists painted with acrylic paint in the style of Sabra Field.

ROBOTS!

2012-01-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

First and second grade artists read Robot Zot by Jon Scieszka and David Shannon. They made original robots using metallic paper and construction paper crayons. This was a "sub day" project.

Clay Club Artists, Hard at Work!

2011-12-22T13:56:00.001-05:00

Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

Perfect Square

2011-12-19T14:09:00.000-05:00

First and Second grade artists read Perfect Square by Michael Hall. Each student painted two squares of paper with watercolors, using warm colors for one and cool colors for the other. Then they turned their squares into pictures using collage.

Wind Paintings

2011-12-19T13:06:00.000-05:00

On a particularly windy day, Pre-K artists made wind painting using liquid watercolors and their own breath. We used short straws to help them move the paint with their breath. Some artists also experimented with turning and tipping the paper.

Dog Pictures inspired by Vermont Artist Stephen Huneck

2011-12-19T12:55:00.002-05:00

Third and fourth grade artists were inspired by much-loved Vermont Artist and Author Stephen Huneck. Huneck is the author and illustrator of the series of stories about Sally, a black lab. He is also founder of the Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

Here are some dog pictures by third and fourth grade artists.

Empty Bowls Service Learning Project

2011-12-09T14:37:00.001-05:00

Empty Bowls at Fayston School

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort created tohelp fight hunger and spread awareness about food insecurity. Although each group’s Empty Bowlsproject looks a bit different, the basic premise is simple. Participants work with potters tocreate handcrafted ceramic bowls. The community is invited to a simple meal and in exchange for a cashdonation, guests may keep a ceramic bowl as a reminder of the many empty bowlsin the world. Funds raised fromthe event are donated to an organization that works to alleviate hunger.

Fayston Elementary School has received a grant from theVermont Principals Association to implement an Empty Bowls Service Learningproject in the early part of 2012. Fayston students will work with local potter Leslie Montalto to createceramic bowls with handbuilding and on the potter’s wheel. Additionally, they will learn aboutmany aspects of food insecurity and hunger prevention efforts in theircommunity and beyond. Over thecourse of the project, students will work to create products that demonstratetheir knowledge, specifically drawing upon the many technology resources thatare available and incorporating learning in many disciplines.

In order for this school-wide project to truly succeed,support from parents and our surrounding community is essential. If you are interested in being acoordinator for the Empty Bowls project for your child’s classroom, pleasecontact your child’s teacher or Nora McDonough at Nora@madriver.com. As a classroom coordinator, you mayhelp put together a learning activity, join the planning committee formeetings, participate with the bowl making process, or help organize donationsfor the final event. This is anexciting opportunity for the Fayston School and your support and involvement isgreatly appreciated!

For more information about the Empty Bowls project, visitthe Empty Bowls page on the Fayston School web site http://faystonelementary.org/empty-bowls-projector contact Nora McDonough at Nora@madriver.com.

Holiday Clay Workshop

2011-12-02T14:26:00.001-05:00

Clay Workshop

Ornaments and Small Gifts

Mondays, December 12 and 19

2:30-4:00 Fayston Art Room

$30 per child, includes allmaterials

(second child discount,scholarships available)

Contact Nora to sign up orfor more information

nora@madriver.com 793-8881

Meet Vermont Artists Woody Jackson, Sabra Field, Warren Kimble and Stephen Huneck

2011-12-01T12:02:00.001-05:00

I am embarking on a school-wide Vermont Artist unit of study. We are starting with several very well-known Vermont artists.

Kindergarteners, First and Second graders are studying Woody Jackson, whose cows became the mascots of Ben and Jerrry's ice cream.

This video about Woody Jackson features Fayston's own Doug and Kelly Lewis as interviewers.

First and Second graders are also studying Warren Kimble, a folk artist from Brandon, Vermont. Warren Kimble is known for his "primitive style" animal paintings.

Learn more about Warren Kimble on his website. Click here.

Third and Fourth graders are studying Stephen Huneck. They are all quite familiar with his series of children's books about Sally the Dog. Huneck is well known for his dog prints and carvings, as well as his Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Click here to see a list of Huneck's books.

See an interview with Stephen Huneck and learn more about the Dog Chapel in this video.

Fifth and sixth graders are studying printmaker Sabra Field. Sabra Field's iconic images of Vermont's landscape truly capture the natural beauty of our state. We are specifically looking at how her works captures the different seasons.

Click here to visit Sabra Field's website.

Thank you notes

2011-11-21T13:55:00.001-05:00

Fifth and Sixth grade artists took some time in art class to make thank you notes for the people in their lives who deserve to be thanked. We practiced different types of lettering and looked at some pretty crazy styles of alphabets.

Kindergarten Turkeys

2011-11-21T13:48:00.001-05:00

Up, Up and Away! Hot Air Balloons by Third and Fourth Grade Artists

2011-11-10T13:18:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Birch Bark Bracelets

2011-11-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

Two first graders came in from recess making this creative fashion statement

First and Second Grade "FunFlowers" or WILD Flowers

2011-11-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

After spending time with Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Picasso's Hand with Flowers, first and second grade artists made free-form flower paintings. We used these for our Original Works school-wide fundraiser.

Pattern Owls, Peacocks and Other Birds

2011-11-07T13:24:00.002-05:00

For our school-wide Original Works fundraiser, fifth and sixth grade artists made pattern birds. We looked at many different artists' interpretations of owls, peacocks and other birds. I posted many of them to my Pinterest page. Check it out here. Students used brightly colored watercolor paints and crayons and didn't worry about making their product look realistic. Results are beautiful and a lot of fun!

Large Butterflies by Third and Fourth Grade

2011-10-31T11:11:00.001-04:00

Third and fourth grade artists worked with partners to make giant butterflies. They chose different butterflies and moths from around the world. We discussed symmetry and color mixing. They outlined with permanent markers and then painted with liquid watercolor paints.

Kindergarten Butterflies

2011-10-31T10:59:00.002-04:00

Pre-K Pumpkin Patch and Nighttime Pictures

2011-10-31T10:52:00.002-04:00

Pre-K artists made collage pumpkin faces using cut paper and nighttime pictures with gel markers and construction paper crayons. They loved watching the gel marker ink "magically" appear as it dried.

My example. Pre-K'ers love to sign "Five Little Pumpkins."

Collages by First and Second Graders inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers

2011-10-20T12:25:00.001-04:00

I cannot figure out why some images are sideways. It's just one of those days! Sorry!

Gargoyles!

2011-10-17T10:54:00.000-04:00

We read "Night of the Gargoyles" by Eve Bunting, illustrated by David Weisner. We talked about the mood of the story and looked at the creepy black and white illustrations of gargoyles.

We also looked at "View of Toledo" by El Greco. This painting also captures a creepy mood and it is easy to imagine mystical stone gargoyles on the castle in the background.

Click here to read more about El Greco.

Artists used black and white charcoal to create their own original gargoyle creatures.

Symmetrical Name Designs

2011-10-17T10:43:00.000-04:00

Words of wisdom from our inservice yesterday

2011-10-11T08:58:00.001-04:00

The Junkman comes to Fayston School!

2011-10-03T11:51:00.001-04:00

This year's Artist-in -Residence is Donald Knaack, a.k.a. The Junkman. He uses junk to create percussion instruments. He will be working with students all week to create a unique Junk Music Machine, which will end up on our playground for future junk music.

Van Gogh Sunflower Day!

2011-09-29T17:28:00.000-04:00

Today was Sunflower Day in celebration of the sunflower explosion in my garden at home. We looked closely at two of Van Gogh's famous sunflower paintings and used some real flowers as models. Students created their own original compositions based on Van Gogh's sunflower paintings.

Click Here to read more about Van Gogh's sunflower paintings!

3rd and 4th grade Sunflowers inspired by Vincent Van Gogh

2011-09-29T17:12:00.001-04:00

5/6 Sunflowers inspired by Vincent Van Gogh

2011-09-29T13:49:00.000-04:00

Pre-K Sunflowers inspired by Vincent Van Gogh

2011-09-29T13:14:00.000-04:00

Self Portraits by Third and Fourth Graders

2011-09-29T12:26:00.001-04:00

Kindergarten Watercolor Paint and Crayon Guided Discovery

2011-09-26T15:36:00.001-04:00

A campsite with a tent- Evan

Dots around a big movie screen with a scary pirate movie- Lucy

A rocket ship blasting off to space- Tim

A monster truck- Evan

A flower- Mae

Star Wars- Quinn

Outer Space- James

James the Train Engine- Ben

Self Portraits by First and Second Graders

2011-09-26T15:15:00.000-04:00

Pre-K "Shrinky-Dink" butterflies

2011-09-22T14:09:00.002-04:00

The Pre-K class is studying bugs and butterflies. We made butterflies using shrink film and Crayola Gel markers. I baked them in the oven at 325 for 3 minutes. They got a little bendy- it looks like the butterflies are flying. Next time I might sandwich the pieces between two sheets if parchment paper. The preschoolers loved using these new materials and they will be so excited to see their finished, shrunken butterflies!

Fifth and Sixth Grade Self Portraits

2011-09-22T14:09:00.000-04:00

Kindergartners Explore!

2011-09-20T08:01:00.000-04:00

To begin the year with the Kindergarten classes, I like to make sure the young artists have a complete understanding of the most basic art materials. We practice care and clean up and explore the different ways to use the materials. This helps students to become familiar with each of the tools before they are inundated with other directions. We set up crayons, markers, colored pencils and oil pastels on four different tables. I also included some stencils and pattern rubbing plates. We rotated through the fours stations so that each artist had a chance to explore all of the tools. Kindergarten artists were extremely productive and creative and definitely enjoyed the chance to draw whatever they wanted.

CRAYONS!

COLORED PENCILS!

OIL PASTELS!

MARKERS!

Burlington's South End Art Hop

2011-09-12T07:58:00.000-04:00

I saw some amazing art and great music at last weekend's South End Art Hop in Burlington. This annual event showcases all types of artists' work. The South End of the City of Burlington came alive with different types of art and open studios around every corner. I was thrilled to see so many people exploring and appreciating the arts.

I would definitely recommend this cool event to anyone who needs a serious jolt of creativity in your life!

Ways to Stay Creative

2011-09-09T11:44:00.000-04:00

Here is some advice for artists of all ages. I will try to remember these tips myself on a daily basis.

Source: nepatyliukais.blogspot.com via Jody on Pinterest

Helping Hands

2011-09-08T14:13:00.000-04:00

In the days following the destruction of Hurricane Irene, we saw something beautiful happen within our community: Many folks lent a hand to neighbors and friends to help them clean up and get back in business after the flood. Students reflected on ways that they had helped their community recover and how they can "lend a hand" whenever it is needed. We used markers and colored pencils to create hands that express each student's individuality and creativity.

Why is ART important?

2011-09-08T14:08:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the reasons why Fayston Artists think that art is important:

Youhave to use your imagination!

Artis a fun way to learn

ExpressesCreativity

Artis a creative break from schoolwork

WithoutArt, the world would be colorless.

Artis more than just fun and games.

Artis an escapefrom reality.

Artmakes you see the beauty in things.

Artis a break from academics.

Itis a relaxingway to let your thoughts go.

Artis a great way to express yourself.

Artcalmsyou down and makes you happy.

Youcan draw your imagination!

Thereis no right or wrong.

Itmakes the world colorful.

Arthelps you use your mind.

Artcan help you learn.

It’sFUN!

Ifyou didn’t make art, your walls would be blank. You need color and pictures in your life.

Ifyou make a mistake, you can always fix it.

Artcan show loveand peace.

Inlife you need to be creative to solve problems.

Artis inspiring!

Artmakes me feel free!

Manydifferent jobsuse art.

Welcome Back!

2011-09-06T08:51:00.000-04:00

It is so good to be back at school! Despite our delayed start due to Hurricane Irene, our school is finally filled with smiling children and eager teachers. Personally, I feel like I have an awful lot to be thankful for as this school year begins. I am excited to be returning to school after spending five wonderful months with my son Willis. Thank you to everyone who has made my first day away easier by asking about him. He is a wonderful, healthy, happy baby!

Summer Clay Camp at the Fayston School

2011-04-18T10:06:00.000-04:00

Summer Clay Camp at the Fayston School!

Come explore the exciting world of ceramics! Students entering grades 1-7 are invited to get creative with clay this summer.

Two separate sessions:
Wednesday through Friday, July 6-8

and

Monday through Wednesday, July 11-13

$100 per session

Contact Nora for more information nora@madriver.com

Willis Sumner McDonough arrives!!

2011-04-18T09:57:00.000-04:00

Willis Sumner McDonough arrived on March 19, 2011 at 4:33 am. He weighed 5 lbs. 1 oz. and was 18 ". Dana Davis will be teaching art while I am out on leave.

Tar Beach Story Quilts

2011-04-07T12:50:00.000-04:00

In celebration of Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March), we read Tar Beach by Faith Ringold. In this story, the main character says that she can "own" any building or place just by flying over it.

What special place would you make your own if you could fly over it?

Japanese Dojo

Great Wall of China

The Savannah

Grandma's House

Yankee Stadium

Pizza Putt Mini Golf

The Humane Society

Empire State Building

Candy Land

Story Portraits on VoiceThread

2011-04-04T18:28:00.000-04:00

Pot o' Gold

2011-03-17T14:44:00.000-04:00

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Pre-K artists made pictures of the legendary pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I try to not get too wrapped up in holiday oriented art projects, but rainbows and glitter are two things that always get preschoolers excited!

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

2011-03-14T14:48:00.000-04:00

Kindergarten artists read The Dot by Peter Reynolds.

This is the story of a young artist who is convinced that she can't draw until her teacher has her begin by simply making a mark. The girl explores making dots in all sizes and colors until she is proud of her artwork and looked up to by other students.

In our classroom, we have a class expectation that we will never say "I can't." Sometimes, though, we need a little extra encouragement just to get beyond the "polar bear in a a snowstorm" blank paper stage. The Dot gives young artist the inspiration to get started without fear or scrutiny.

Kindergarten artists used watercolors on fine watercolor paper to create their original Dot paintings. I used masking tape to create tape borders on each student's paper, which helped keep the paper need and create a finished-looking composition. These are absolutely beautiful!

Click HERE to read an interview with Peter Reynolds about The Dot.

Isabella and Grady make Dot paintings.

Sarah dressed very appropriately for "Dot Day!"

Our dot paintings

Do your best!

2011-03-10T10:09:00.000-05:00

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." ~ Steve Prefontaine

My Artful Vacation

2011-03-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

Since I am reluctantly taking this season off from skiing, my husband and I were looking for a winter get-away during my February vacation. We decided to take a quick trip to New York City. As an art teacher, this visit turned out to be incredibly inspirational. It was a thrill to see so many works of art that I teach about up close and personal!

We visited the Metrolopolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, and The Scandinavia House

Visit my Google Art Project collection from the Met and the MoMA - click here

If you can't make it to a museum, www.googleartproject.com is a really neat way to explore the collections from your computer at home.

Ish

2011-03-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

Third and fourth grade artists read the book Ish by Peter Reynolds. This books talks about how artwork does not have to be perfect, it can just be "ish." Students worked with open minds and loose paintbrushes to create "Ish" paintings.

Blind Artist featured on CBS Evening News.... Amazing!

2011-03-03T13:31:00.001-05:00

Story Portraits

2011-03-03T13:30:00.000-05:00

Fifth and sixth grade artists have spent many weeks working on painting portraits. They chose pictures of people from magazines that looked interesting to them. As they painted their portraits, students thought about the life and challenges of their subject. We used VoiceThread to record the stories.

District Art Show at Red Hen Bakery

2011-03-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

March is Youth Art Month!
Celebrate Youth Art Month with the fantastic artists of Washington West School District. For the week of March 1-6, artwork from all of the schools in the district will be on display at Red Hen Bakery in Middlesex. There is a closing reception on Sunday, March 6th at 4:00.

Fayston Artists featured in the show are:

Clara Kelly

Phoebe Pacheco

Sally Read

Katie Rush

Lillian Vasseur

Kindergarten Paper Clay Hearts

2011-02-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

Paper clay is a great media for young artists! It is easy to clean up and children (generally) love the way it feels. When it is dry, a thick coat of acrylic paint makes it beautiful. To finish the hearts in an extra special way, add glitter and a coat or two of Modge Podge for added shine.

Clay Club!

2011-02-11T11:27:00.000-05:00

Clay Club meets after school at the Fayston School on Mondays, 2:30-4:00. This group of students have decided that they would like to further explore working with ceramics. Our kiln fired last night and our pieces will be ready to glaze on Monday!

Here are our clay artists hard at work:

Watch a video of clay project ideas:

Jim Dine Inspired Valentines for the American Cancer Society

2011-02-10T11:49:00.000-05:00

Third and fourth grade artists made Valentines to give to cancer survivors and their caregivers at a very special Valentine's Day Tea, hosted by the American Cancer Society. Visit www.cancer.org to find out what you can do to help the American Cancer Society.

We looked at "heart art" by Jim Dine and then created our own Valentines using oil pastels and watercolors.

Check out Jim Dine's crazy hearts:

Here are the artists hard art work...

... and the beautiful Valentines that they created for cancer survivors and their caregivers.

"Art is... not a frill"

2011-02-07T12:40:00.000-05:00

"Art is humanity's most essential, most universal language. It is not a frill, but a necessary part of communication. We must give our children knowledge and understanding of civilization's most profound works."

—Ernest Boyer, former president, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

Snow on Snow

2011-02-07T12:31:00.001-05:00

Students in first through fourth grade worked collaboratively on a mural based on the book Snow on Snow on Snow by Cheryl Chapman.

We used colored paper to create a collage of all of our favorite snow activities. We completed our collage on the morning of one of our all-school ski days, so children were excited to get out and enjoy the fresh snow!

Kindergarten Kandinskys

2011-01-31T08:23:00.000-05:00

Kandinsky's Squares with Concentric Circles

Kindergarten artists hard at work

Kindergaten artwork:

Welcome to the Jungle! Henri Rousseau Paintings

2011-01-31T08:10:00.000-05:00

Third and fourth grade artists studied the painintngs of Henri Rousseau. We specifically looked at his lush jungle paintings. They used acrylic paints on canvas board to create jungle landscapes. We learned about foreground, middle ground and background and we also focused on mixing different shades and tints of green, rather than using the green paint straight from the bottle.

A few of Henri Rousseau's jungle scenes:

Student work:

Rainbow Fish

2011-01-06T14:41:00.000-05:00

Kindergarten artists read The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.

This is a favorite children's story about sharing and making friends. We drew our rainbow fish with crayons first, using the letter C, D or M to make fish scales. Then we painted our fish with liquid watercolors and observed the resist technique. Finally, we used colored foil to add the rainbow scales onto our beautiful fish!

2010-12-17T10:35:00.001-05:00

"I always loved art teachers because they were so bizarre. They were like the homeless people of the faculty -- all disheveled, wearing smocks, covered in paint, always digging through the garbage, looking for bottles and egg cartons and things." -Ted Alexandro

Festive Winter Prints

2010-12-16T14:28:00.000-05:00

Third and fourth graders used foam board to create stamps of winter themes. Some chose to turn their stamps into cards or gift tags.

Winter Watercolor Birds

2010-12-16T14:20:00.000-05:00

Poinsettias

2010-12-16T14:14:00.000-05:00

Kindergarten, First and Second grade artists created beautiful Poinsettia paintings. We looked at the flowers to observe the shapes of the leaves and petals. We used acrylic paints.

FIRST/SECOND GRADE POINSETTIAS

KINDERGARTEN POINSETTIAS

Line Paintings

2010-12-16T14:10:00.000-05:00

First and Second grade artists used black acrylic paint to "collect" all of the different types of lines they could think of. Then they chose two primary colors to mix to paint the background.

Kindergarten Leaf Rubbings

2010-11-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

Turkeys!

2010-11-30T10:37:00.000-05:00

First and Second grade artists made turkeys to decorate for our annual school Thanksgiving lunch. These are the most colorful turkeys you've ever seen!

We are Thankful!

2010-11-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

Fayston students have so much to be thankful for! We celebrated the true meaning of THANKSgiving by working in small groups to paint pictures of the things we are thankful for.

We are thankful for our families.

We are thankful for living in a beautiful place!

We are thankful for our warm homes.

I'm the Best!

2010-11-16T10:17:00.000-05:00

Kindergarten artists read "I'm the Best," by Lucy Cousins. This book has beautiful watercolor paintings. Kindergartners recognized that when Dog said "I'm the best," it hurt his friends feelings. We talked about the things that we are each good at and then painted watercolor pictures in the styles of Cousins' illustrations.

Here are Kindergarten artists painting "I'm good at..." pictures.