A Feast for the Eyes

In preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday, our students made their own placemats that they will use to mark their special spot for The Kids’ Place Thanksgiving Feast! Our art discussion was focused on the ABAB pattern, which reinforces what the students are learning with their classroom teachers. Emphasis was placed on color and shape patterns and how artists use patterns to create interest. The class discussed Native American symbols and had the chance to embellish their place mats with original imagery. Yum!

Another Quilt Finished!

This past summer I spent a week as the resident artist at Kirkwood Camp in the Poconos. The campers worked on several projects to celebrate the "Joy of Creation". Using nature as our inspiration, each camper worked on a 12 inch square over the course of a couple of days.  Today I finally sewed on the sleeve so that it can be hung properly for all to enjoy. A few pictures follow that document the process and remind us of those warm sunny days!

If I was a tree...

Inspired by the work of Tony Demura, students finished the statement: "If I was a tree...". Each student illustrated his/her idea using the media of his/her choice. The students were encouraged to take the perspective of how he/she would feel and see as a tree. Focus was planed on using their imagination and creating a unique image. (This was a project that I saw on http://newcityarts.blogspot.com/)

Don't Forget to Vote

13 Lines and 50 stars... of course that could make up the American flag, but we decided to deconstruct the elements and make our on designs to celebrate the upcoming elections.  The students use red paint to make 8 (or so) different lines and then added 50 (or so) blue shapes. The blue shapes were a combination of cut paper and painted dots. The class discussed how simple shapes and colors can be put together to make very meaningful designs.  Rock the Vote!

International Dot Day (week!)

September 15th is International Dot Day! After reading Peter Reynold’s “The Dot”, we decided to celebrate for a few weeks instead! Students spent a few classes working hard cutting and gluing dots and finding “dots” to reuse from the recycling bin (well-washed of course!). These colorful works of art remind us that even the simplest forms can bring the most beauty! Dot-o-licous!