Archive
Visual Arts Update - March 2016
Kindergarten classes with Mr. Rae have completed folders and they will be making their way home in the next few days. Then those classes will be starting a clay unit that will tie into the science curriculum and the classes’ studies of fish.
Kindergarten with Ms. Bellve have finished self-portraits and have begun to explore a printmaking unit. Initially students “stamped” and made prints with various materials exploring line, shape, texture and overlap. In these art works students are exploring how to create a composition that transfers images using stamps, stencils and printmaking tools. Currently we are creating Collagraphs to explore printing many images from the same source.
First graders finished expressive self-portraits. They painted self-portraits in order to express an emotion and suggest a feeling. They choose colors in order to express their feeling. Now they are working on drawing their family. Students are making intentional marks to tell a story about who is in their family and what their family look like.
Second graders are also bringing home their portfolios filled with wonderful work that they have created so far this year.
Third graders have begun to look at the artwork of artists Georgia O’Keefe and Joan Mitchell. With this inspiration and the subject matter of flowers students are being asked to “stretch & explore” how they usually approach drawing and painting. Drawing in various ways and painting with multiple techniques to explore mark making, variety in line, visual cues to show form and space and overall an artistic expression.
Fourth graders recently brought home their portfolios filled with all their observational drawings and paintings from the year. The covers of those portfolios were covered with prints that were created by the students and inspired by their studies from earlier in the year. These students are now busy creating self- portraits.
Fifth grade students are busy finishing their imaginary bird sculptures. This work comes directly from their science curriculum. Students have been using newly acquired knowledge to create their sculptures. A wide variety of materials were used by all the students to decorate their birds.
Sixth graders are now actively creating endangered animals in clay. Students were asked to research an animal of their choice from the Endangered Species list. Using this new found knowledge and some images that were found and printed, students then created a series of original sketches. These sketches then were used to create an original sculpture. The finished pieces will be fired and glazed.
Many seventh graders have recently completed abstract name design paintings using fonts and colors of their choice. Some students have moved onto creating original monogram designs that will be transferred into original monogram sculptures.
Eighth graders are busy creating self-portraits through a printmaking unit. Students have created an original drawing and have transferred that drawing to linoleum and are craving and running test prints.
Visual Arts Update - November 2015
Kindergarten with Ms. Bellve has been using fall for inspiration in the art room. Students just finished painting and collaging pumpkins. Students began with a drawing by looking at pumpkins at their table. After they completed their drawing they mixed shades of orange and painted the pumpkins. In the next week students collaged shapes onto the pumpkins to create facial expressions. For our next project we are using leaves for inspiration find painting the colors of the leaves on coffee filters to create a fall leaf collage.
Kindergarten students with Mr. Rae have been exploring lines with colors and papers. We have been talking about contrasts in size, shape and color as we created a line composition that was balanced and pleasing to the eye.
Visual Arts Update - March 2016
Kindergarten classes with Mr. Rae have completed folders and they will be making their way home in the next few days. Then those classes will be starting a clay unit that will tie into the science curriculum and the classes’ studies of fish.
Kindergarten with Ms. Bellve have finished self-portraits and have begun to explore a printmaking unit. Initially students “stamped” and made prints with various materials exploring line, shape, texture and overlap. In these art works students are exploring how to create a composition that transfers images using stamps, stencils and printmaking tools. Currently we are creating Collagraphs to explore printing many images from the same source.
First graders finished expressive self-portraits. They painted self-portraits in order to express an emotion and suggest a feeling. They choose colors in order to express their feeling. Now they are working on drawing their family. Students are making intentional marks to tell a story about who is in their family and what their family look like.
Second graders are also bringing home their portfolios filled with wonderful work that they have created so far this year.
Third graders have begun to look at the artwork of artists Georgia O’Keefe and Joan Mitchell. With this inspiration and the subject matter of flowers students are being asked to “stretch & explore” how they usually approach drawing and painting. Drawing in various ways and painting with multiple techniques to explore mark making, variety in line, visual cues to show form and space and overall an artistic expression.
Fourth graders recently brought home their portfolios filled with all their observational drawings and paintings from the year. The covers of those portfolios were covered with prints that were created by the students and inspired by their studies from earlier in the year. These students are now busy creating self- portraits.
Fifth grade students are busy finishing their imaginary bird sculptures. This work comes directly from their science curriculum. Students have been using newly acquired knowledge to create their sculptures. A wide variety of materials were used by all the students to decorate their birds.
Sixth graders are now actively creating endangered animals in clay. Students were asked to research an animal of their choice from the Endangered Species list. Using this new found knowledge and some images that were found and printed, students then created a series of original sketches. These sketches then were used to create an original sculpture. The finished pieces will be fired and glazed.
Many seventh graders have recently completed abstract name design paintings using fonts and colors of their choice. Some students have moved onto creating original monogram designs that will be transferred into original monogram sculptures.
Eighth graders are busy creating self-portraits through a printmaking unit. Students have created an original drawing and have transferred that drawing to linoleum and are craving and running test prints.
Visual Arts Update - November 2015
Kindergarten with Ms. Bellve has been using fall for inspiration in the art room. Students just finished painting and collaging pumpkins. Students began with a drawing by looking at pumpkins at their table. After they completed their drawing they mixed shades of orange and painted the pumpkins. In the next week students collaged shapes onto the pumpkins to create facial expressions. For our next project we are using leaves for inspiration find painting the colors of the leaves on coffee filters to create a fall leaf collage.
Kindergarten students with Mr. Rae have been exploring lines with colors and papers. We have been talking about contrasts in size, shape and color as we created a line composition that was balanced and pleasing to the eye.
First grade looked at the work of Vincent Van Gogh. After looking at a few of his art works including Starry Night, we talked about his painting Wheatfield with Crows. The nighttime painting is a fall-like painting with cool colors in the sky and warm colors in the fields. Students have begun to paint their own landscapes drawing inspiration from Van Gogh and the fall like colors.
Second graders have just completed family collages.
Third graders read the book, The Night World. We discussed the change of season and how it is getting dark out earlier. Using the night sky for inspiration third graders illustrated their own nighttime scene, students used oil pastel, pencil and Sharpie to create various values in their night world.
Third graders read the book, The Night World. We discussed the change of season and how it is getting dark out earlier. Using the night sky for inspiration third graders illustrated their own nighttime scene, students used oil pastel, pencil and Sharpie to create various values in their night world.
Fourth graders are in the middle of a series of observational drawings of natural objects that are inspired by the season. They are using a variety of materials as they build their drawing skills.
Fifth graders have completed a Positive/Negative design project using cut paper. They considered color contrasts and shapes to create a strong positive /negative design. They are now at the beginning stages of a new project that ties in their classroom study of birds. Students will be making a mixed media piece with a bird that best represents them.
Sixth graders are just now completing self-portraits in black and white. Students were asked to include visual evidence that will share something about themselves with the viewers.
Seventh graders have completed making folders and have begun a long-term personal collage. They will be creating collages from one of four categories – an early memory, themselves in the future, a favorite place or something that scares them. They are responsible for selecting not only the subject but also the size and shape of the collage and supplying some of the materials to be included.
Eighth graders just completed a nature-inspired collage. We looked at the artwork of Alma Thomas and nature references to construct abstract images using mixed media. These final pieces reference nature in a creative, expressive way. In our next project eighth graders will be envisioning thirty years into the future and illustrating a picture that shows Brookline in the year 2045.
Sixth graders are just now completing self-portraits in black and white. Students were asked to include visual evidence that will share something about themselves with the viewers.
Seventh graders have completed making folders and have begun a long-term personal collage. They will be creating collages from one of four categories – an early memory, themselves in the future, a favorite place or something that scares them. They are responsible for selecting not only the subject but also the size and shape of the collage and supplying some of the materials to be included.
Eighth graders just completed a nature-inspired collage. We looked at the artwork of Alma Thomas and nature references to construct abstract images using mixed media. These final pieces reference nature in a creative, expressive way. In our next project eighth graders will be envisioning thirty years into the future and illustrating a picture that shows Brookline in the year 2045.
Visual Arts Update – May 2015
Kindergarten students are busy making and glazing clay fish.
First grade students are busy creating collagraph prints with flowers as their subject.
Second grade students are beginning a collograph printmaking project. To come up with ideas for their collograph plates, they thought about stories they know and like.
Third grade students just completed a printmaking unit and are exploring the different seasons with watercolor.
Fourth grade students are completing their "Spirit Animal Self Portraits." They have done some careful painting and color-mixing while working on these.
5W and 5VW just put the finishing touches on their Northwest Coast Native American Bird Paintings!
5A and 5G have completed their face cups and are busy creating sketches for their printmaking unit.
Sixth grade students have completed some stunning stain glass pieces. You can see them on the windows around the school. They have surely added the much needed color in the building after such a long hard winter.
Seventh grade students are deeply involved in a book project that will require lots of creative decision making before they are completed.
Eighth graders have completed carving their linoleum block self-portraits and are beginning the printmaking process.
Visual Arts Update - April 2015
Kindergartners brought home folders of all their work to date. They are now exploring clay.
First graders are busy finishing glazing self-portraits in winter clothes.
Second graders are finishing their "Nora and the Great Bear" winter woods paintings and will be moving on to printmaking.
Third graders are working in printmaking with structures as their theme.
Fourth graders are painting Spirit Animal self-portraits. Ask your fourth grader which animal they chose to paint!
5W and 5VW students are adding backgrounds to bird paintings inspired by the art of the Northwest Coast Native Americans. 5A and 5G students are busy glazing portrait cups made of clay.
Sixth graders are completing stained glass projects. Several have been put up on display to share this terrific work. More will be displayed as they are completed. Keep your eyes open.
Seventh graders have completed clay plaques or monogram tiles and have just begun working on a personal book.
Eighth graders are transferring self-portrait drawings to linoleum blocks in preparation for carving and printing!
Visual Arts Update - March 2015
Visual Arts Update - February 2015
Kindergarteners are working on a small color-mixing painting. Students have created a small composition and are busy exploring color and building their painting skills.
First graders are completing a snowy-day painting, which should be going up on display soon.
Second graders are glazing their clay projects and looking forward to seeing what they look like when they emerge from the kiln.
Third graders have been been busy working with paper structures, and will continue with the theme of structures in other media once we return from vacation.
Fourth graders have been making colorful linoleum prints of their personal logo designs.
Some of the fifth graders are at the beginning of creating a face cup out of clay. The focus is on making a clear expression on the vessel and building on clay skills.
Ms. Yahn's fifth graders are hard at work on colored pencil self-portraits. Each student has included one object of their choice in their portraits, e.g. pirate eye patches, knit hats, and baseballs.
Sixth graders are at the beginning of creating a stained glass composition using colored tissue.
Seventh graders have started working in a clay unit. Some students are making personal plaques and some are making carved monogram tiles.
Eighth graders are busy glazing their clay shoes.
Remember to visit https://twitter.com/yahnart
Kindergarteners are working on a small color-mixing painting. Students have created a small composition and are busy exploring color and building their painting skills.
First graders are completing a snowy-day painting, which should be going up on display soon.
Second graders are glazing their clay projects and looking forward to seeing what they look like when they emerge from the kiln.
Third graders have been been busy working with paper structures, and will continue with the theme of structures in other media once we return from vacation.
Fourth graders have been making colorful linoleum prints of their personal logo designs.
Some of the fifth graders are at the beginning of creating a face cup out of clay. The focus is on making a clear expression on the vessel and building on clay skills.
Ms. Yahn's fifth graders are hard at work on colored pencil self-portraits. Each student has included one object of their choice in their portraits, e.g. pirate eye patches, knit hats, and baseballs.
Sixth graders are at the beginning of creating a stained glass composition using colored tissue.
Seventh graders have started working in a clay unit. Some students are making personal plaques and some are making carved monogram tiles.
Eighth graders are busy glazing their clay shoes.
Remember to visit https://twitter.com/yahnart
Visual Arts Update - January 2015
Kindergarten has just begun exploring paint and color mixing.
First graders are beginning a painting of an outdoor winter activity.
Second graders are thinking of warmer days as they work on clay sculptures of themselves in pools.
Third graders completed small fall watercolor paintings just before the holiday break, and are now creating paper sculptures.
Fourth graders are designing personal logos, and will make multiple copies of their designs using linoleum block printmaking.
5VW & 5W made miniature ceramic sculptures of special places in their lives, including bedrooms, sleepaway camps, and grandparents' homes. 5A & 5G have just completed the last of their positive/negative design exploration. We connected the project to their science curriculum, and used bird images as our design elements. The work is on display in the Pit and in the art room. Come and see!
Sixth graders are in the middle of a line and value exploration after completing some beautiful self-portrait paintings. The self-portraits are on display in the school, so please stop and take a look.
Seventh graders recently completed some very impressive collages, some of which are on display in the cafeteria. Students are now at the beginning of a clay unit that should last for several weeks.
Eighth graders completed their name design paintings with great success and have begun their next project, creating clay shoes.
Kindergarten has just begun exploring paint and color mixing.
First graders are beginning a painting of an outdoor winter activity.
Second graders are thinking of warmer days as they work on clay sculptures of themselves in pools.
Third graders completed small fall watercolor paintings just before the holiday break, and are now creating paper sculptures.
Fourth graders are designing personal logos, and will make multiple copies of their designs using linoleum block printmaking.
5VW & 5W made miniature ceramic sculptures of special places in their lives, including bedrooms, sleepaway camps, and grandparents' homes. 5A & 5G have just completed the last of their positive/negative design exploration. We connected the project to their science curriculum, and used bird images as our design elements. The work is on display in the Pit and in the art room. Come and see!
Sixth graders are in the middle of a line and value exploration after completing some beautiful self-portrait paintings. The self-portraits are on display in the school, so please stop and take a look.
Seventh graders recently completed some very impressive collages, some of which are on display in the cafeteria. Students are now at the beginning of a clay unit that should last for several weeks.
Eighth graders completed their name design paintings with great success and have begun their next project, creating clay shoes.
Visual Arts Update - December 2014
Kindergarten has been busy exploring shapes with cut paper. Students are now completing large cut-paper initials.
First grade has completed a small tree painting that focuses on foreground and background. Students are now working on a painting set outdoors at night in winter.
Second grade students became experts at mixing watercolor paints to create skin tones while finishing their self-portraits. They painted their serious self-portraits realistically, but you'll see some wild colors for their silly ones (think rainbows and plaid)!
Third grade is in the middle of a fall watercolor painting that focuses on mixing autumn colors.
Fourth grade students are combining their knowledge of structures and color relationships in a drawing and painting project inspired by Paul Klee. For a change of materials, they are drawing and painting onto book pages.
Fifth grade students in Ms. Yahn's class had a whirlwind few weeks of printmaking. They first printed their collographs by hand, then moved on to using the press. The results are amazing.
Fifth grade students in Mr. Rae's class are busy at work creating positive/negative compositions using bird silhouettes. Fifth graders study birds as part of their science curriculum, and bring that knowledge to use in their art class.
Sixth graders are wrapping up large self-portraits with watercolor, which will be on display shortly. Keep an eye out for these amazing paintings!
Seventh graders are deeply involved creating very personal collages – a long-term project with many creative decisions to be made by each student. The collages will be on display in the next few weeks as they are completed.
Eighth graders have begun to paint their name designs. The drawings are original and intricate; adding color to them will be really exciting.
Additional update from Ms. Yahn's art classes: a Twitter account has been created to showcase ongoing projects, inspiring artists, and relevant articles. Follow us at https://twitter.com/YahnArt to see what's happening in the art room!
Kindergarten has been busy exploring shapes with cut paper. Students are now completing large cut-paper initials.
First grade has completed a small tree painting that focuses on foreground and background. Students are now working on a painting set outdoors at night in winter.
Second grade students became experts at mixing watercolor paints to create skin tones while finishing their self-portraits. They painted their serious self-portraits realistically, but you'll see some wild colors for their silly ones (think rainbows and plaid)!
Third grade is in the middle of a fall watercolor painting that focuses on mixing autumn colors.
Fourth grade students are combining their knowledge of structures and color relationships in a drawing and painting project inspired by Paul Klee. For a change of materials, they are drawing and painting onto book pages.
Fifth grade students in Ms. Yahn's class had a whirlwind few weeks of printmaking. They first printed their collographs by hand, then moved on to using the press. The results are amazing.
Fifth grade students in Mr. Rae's class are busy at work creating positive/negative compositions using bird silhouettes. Fifth graders study birds as part of their science curriculum, and bring that knowledge to use in their art class.
Sixth graders are wrapping up large self-portraits with watercolor, which will be on display shortly. Keep an eye out for these amazing paintings!
Seventh graders are deeply involved creating very personal collages – a long-term project with many creative decisions to be made by each student. The collages will be on display in the next few weeks as they are completed.
Eighth graders have begun to paint their name designs. The drawings are original and intricate; adding color to them will be really exciting.
Additional update from Ms. Yahn's art classes: a Twitter account has been created to showcase ongoing projects, inspiring artists, and relevant articles. Follow us at https://twitter.com/YahnArt to see what's happening in the art room!
Visual Arts Update - October 2014
Kindergarten students are exploring lines this month. We’ve already looked at lines with crayons and paint and are now creating lines with paper.
First grade students have just completed a “Me and My Shadow “ collage that ties into their science curriculum. Look for some of these collages on the walls in the next week or so.
Second grade students are completing their “serious self-portraits” and will be moving on to “silly self-portraits” this week.
Third grade students have all completed personal sketchbooks and are busy working on studies in contrast. We are exploring contrasting sizes, shapes, colors and textures in a cut-paper design. These will be on display shortly.
Fourth grade students have been practicing using their tight brains through blind contour drawing exercises, and are now working on contour line drawings of still lives.
Fifth grade students in Ms. Yahn’s class are creating collagraph plates by collaging different types of paper and mother materials to cardboard. They will begin printing these plates next week. Mr. Rae’s fifth grade classes are deeply involved in studying positive and negative space. Some of their completed work is hanging in the lobby.
Sixth grade students are completing self-portraits. These too will be on display shortly.
Seventh grade students have just completed folders and have begun sketches for personal collages. These are long-term projects and will be on display when they are completed.
Eighth grade students are in the early stages of their Name Design Project. They have been creating many varieties of original fonts and lettering.
Kindergarten students are exploring lines this month. We’ve already looked at lines with crayons and paint and are now creating lines with paper.
First grade students have just completed a “Me and My Shadow “ collage that ties into their science curriculum. Look for some of these collages on the walls in the next week or so.
Second grade students are completing their “serious self-portraits” and will be moving on to “silly self-portraits” this week.
Third grade students have all completed personal sketchbooks and are busy working on studies in contrast. We are exploring contrasting sizes, shapes, colors and textures in a cut-paper design. These will be on display shortly.
Fourth grade students have been practicing using their tight brains through blind contour drawing exercises, and are now working on contour line drawings of still lives.
Fifth grade students in Ms. Yahn’s class are creating collagraph plates by collaging different types of paper and mother materials to cardboard. They will begin printing these plates next week. Mr. Rae’s fifth grade classes are deeply involved in studying positive and negative space. Some of their completed work is hanging in the lobby.
Sixth grade students are completing self-portraits. These too will be on display shortly.
Seventh grade students have just completed folders and have begun sketches for personal collages. These are long-term projects and will be on display when they are completed.
Eighth grade students are in the early stages of their Name Design Project. They have been creating many varieties of original fonts and lettering.
Visual Arts Update - September 2014
My name is Ceara Yahn and I’m very excited to have joined the Pierce School Community as the school’s new Part-Time Visual Arts teacher! I’ve been a part of the Brookline Public School system for several years now, first as a student teacher at BHS, then as a maternity and paternity leave substitute teacher at the Lawrence School. I’ve also been a member of the teaching staff at the Museum of Fine Arts, where I love combining art history with art-making. My classes at Pierce include grades 2, 4, 8, and half of 5th grade. I’m looking forward to getting to know Pierce students and families as the year progresses!
My name is Ceara Yahn and I’m very excited to have joined the Pierce School Community as the school’s new Part-Time Visual Arts teacher! I’ve been a part of the Brookline Public School system for several years now, first as a student teacher at BHS, then as a maternity and paternity leave substitute teacher at the Lawrence School. I’ve also been a member of the teaching staff at the Museum of Fine Arts, where I love combining art history with art-making. My classes at Pierce include grades 2, 4, 8, and half of 5th grade. I’m looking forward to getting to know Pierce students and families as the year progresses!
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Visual Arts Update - May 2014
Kindergarteners are finishing up printing their fish collagraphs. First graders are completing their insect prints. Second graders are finishing their "sakura" printmaking project. Sakuras are cherry blossom tress in Japan, and students are using a variety of printmaking methods to create their spring scenes. Third graders have completed all the glazing of their clay structures, and the firings are happening as fast as we get the completed work! Fourth grade is deeply involved making clay insects, and should be completing those this week. Fifth graders are exploring watercolors to create abstract paintings inspired by spring. We've looked at the work of watercolor artist Sylvia Edwards and others to understand all the ways an artist can use certain materials, gain inspiration from nature, and simplify complex ideas. Sixth graders are busy constructing plates for printmaking, using masks as their subject. Print-making should take place in the next two weeks. Seventh grade has begun a monogram project: students will carve an original monogram in clay, while exploring the concept of foreground, middle ground, and background. Eight graders are finishing the printing process of their linoleum portraits, and are beginning to explore the idea of an altered print. We’re always busy in the art room. Keep your eyes out for the announcement of our annual all school art show next month! |
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Visual Arts Update - April 2014
Kindergarten Students are busy making collagraph fishplates that connect to their recent trip to the aquarium. Finished work will be available soon. First grade Students have recently completed their clay snow people, many of which have been sent home. Some are on display in the show-case in the back of the cafeteria, along with second-grade clay penguins. Second grade Students are studying trees through a variety of processes including collage, painting and printmaking. Students are exploring light and shadow, line and shape, and a variety of interesting effects through our combination of materials. Third grade Students are finishing creating clay structures and will be glazing them in the next few weeks. Fourth grade Students have completed their books, which will be making their way home before vacation. Fifth grade Students just completed building narrative portrait vessels in clay. Each vessel brings a story to mind through the expressive faces sculpted onto it. Students will be asked to think about how colors have ties to emotions, and which colors will best enhance their ideas. Sixth grade Students have completed their endangered animal sculptures, and are almost finished glazing them. Watch for information where you can see these wonderful animals once they are all done. Seventh grade Students are in the final stages of completing their All About Me books. This long-term project has required lots of creative thinking and planning while using a wide variety of materials. Eighth grade Students are busy carving their self portraits in linoleum, and will be making a variety of prints in the near future. |
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Visual Arts Updated - March 2014
Kindergarteners have been busy exploring color-mixing with giant letter and penguin paintings. First graders have recently completed stunning outdoor winter scene paintings. Second graders have completed some paintings as well, and are now working in clay. Having built their clay penguins, they are adding glaze to them. Third graders have completed some long-term color harmony paintings inspired by Paul Klee. Fourth graders are compiling drawings in a book. Fifth graders are embarking on a clay unit, and will be designing narrative portrait vessels. Sixth graders are completing their endangered animal clay sculptures and will be glazing in the next few weeks. Seventh graders are busy working on a book about themselves. Eighth graders are working on portraiture. They are beginning a printmaking unit, and working on the drawing of their self-portraits as their subject. |
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Visual Arts Update - January 2014
First graders are almost finished with painting an outdoor winter nighttime scene. Second grade students are using the penguin as a focus for building, in multiple projects with different media. We worked to understand the form of the penguin through collage, finding and assembling shapes in cut paper. Now the penguins will take true form in the medium of clay, as we build the shapes into a sculpture. Fifth grade is wrapping up a painting unit with a focus on monochromatic color families. Exploring these families in abstract design as well as scenic landscapes, students are working to understand how color can create space and depth. Seventh graders have completed their collages, which are on display throughout the building. Many eighth graders have completed their name design paintings, which will be on display in the art room and around the building. |
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Visual Arts Update - December 2013
Students have been very busy in the art rooms working on a wide variety of projects. Please enjoy the 6th-grade portraits on display in the lobby and on the windows of the main staircase, as well as Kindergarten work in the cafeteria. We hope you enjoy the holidays, and that you find time to make art at home over the break. Happy New Year!
Visual Arts Update - November 2013
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This month, we are sharing some images of work created in the art rooms these last few weeks. Kindergartners have been working with lines to create designs and images. Second graders are working with observational drawings using gourds as the subject. Fourth graders are completing some long-term observational drawings and watercolor paintings. Fifth graders are nearly finished with creating bird collages. Sixth graders are completing large watercolor self-portraits. As classes complete their projects, much of this beautiful work will be on display around the building. Keep an eye out for the new displays.
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Visual Arts Update - October 2013
Kindergarten is busy exploring lines with different materials. First graders are completing cut paper images,- Me and My Shadow. This project ties in with science curriculum. Second graders are about to begin some observational drawing of the interesting and quirky vegetables that are harvested in the fall. Line observation drawings will give way to a study of their color and texture. Third graders are completing cut paper shape designs. Some of them are on display in the lobby of the building. Fourth graders are busy working on observational drawings of fall leaves and plants. Some of the drawings are also on display outside the music room. This drawing unit ties in with the botany unit. Fifth graders are connecting to their study of birds in science by looking specifically at birds that have fascinating color, shape and pattern to appreciate them from an artistic perspective as well as a scientific one. A multi- layered collage will begin shortly. Sixth graders have completed self portraits just this week and will add color to them starting with their next class. Seventh graders are begriming a long term collage that will come from their life experience. The eighth graders have started their Kaleidoscope Name Design project which allows students to explore letter forms and color. Next time you are in the building please take a look at all the work that is on display.
Visual Arts Update - September 2013
As we begin our third week of school, classes are settling in to routines in the art rooms and getting busy with new work. Many classes are exploring compositions using lines and shapes for more involved work in the next few weeks. Other classes are beginning to explore imagery and symbols that are reflective of the artist.
It is an exciting time of the year as we reflect on previous learning and look forward to building on skills, develop deeper understandings of materials, and express new thoughts and ideas.
Please keep in mind that classes meet once a week, and learning takes time. Keep an eye out for new art on display in the next few weeks as classes complete their work.
- Alicia Mitchell, Michelle Allain & Steven Rae
It is an exciting time of the year as we reflect on previous learning and look forward to building on skills, develop deeper understandings of materials, and express new thoughts and ideas.
Please keep in mind that classes meet once a week, and learning takes time. Keep an eye out for new art on display in the next few weeks as classes complete their work.
- Alicia Mitchell, Michelle Allain & Steven Rae
Visual Arts Update - June 5, 2013
Last Night June 4th, we celebrated our third annual K-8 All School Art Festival. .The visual arts and performing arts department shared their work with the community through performances, and an art exhibition. How wonderful it was to have the voices of the choruses, the instrumental musical performances in the amphitheater and 759 art works, one for every student, on display in the cafeteria,. Congratulations and thank you to all the artists who brightened our day with their wonderful creations!
Visual Arts Update - April 3, 2013
Today the last of the hand made paper pulp orbs made by the 6th grade were planted in the amphitheater. This was a huge environmental project that included all 6th grade classes, all three art teachers (Mrs. Mitchell, Ms. Allain, Mr. Rae and student teacher Ms. Berman.) Students created the pulp by shredding recycled paper and colored paper, soaking the paper and grinding it in blenders. Then students created 2 spheres with the pulp. When the spheres were dry a spring quote was tucked inside and the two halves were glued together. The idea was to plant these orbs in the amphitheater and have them interact with the elements. As the pulp breaks down the spring quotes would land on the ground and be visible to the viewer. Over time the paper would then melt into the garden as the plants returned to life. Stop by the amphitheater this week and take a look before they disappear.
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Visual Arts Update - February 6, 2013
“A picture is worth a thousand words”
This familiar expression can be a valuable tool for parents to gain an understanding of what children are learning as they create art.
In our art classes, we dedicate most of those thousand words to addressing the critical thinking skills that students exercise when creating art. In the art studios, students engage in problem solving, decision making, and reflection.
From the earliest years where the question might be “Tell me about your Picture” to the more formal artist’s statement of advanced students, those thousand words express, the intentions, the problem solving, the decisions during the process, the learning through doing and the honest evaluation of personal work.
So when the next piece of art work comes home, ask your artist to tell you about their work and listen carefully. The thousand words will give you a picture of the importance of art education for your child.
Steven Rae, Alicia Mitchell and Michelle Allain
This familiar expression can be a valuable tool for parents to gain an understanding of what children are learning as they create art.
In our art classes, we dedicate most of those thousand words to addressing the critical thinking skills that students exercise when creating art. In the art studios, students engage in problem solving, decision making, and reflection.
From the earliest years where the question might be “Tell me about your Picture” to the more formal artist’s statement of advanced students, those thousand words express, the intentions, the problem solving, the decisions during the process, the learning through doing and the honest evaluation of personal work.
So when the next piece of art work comes home, ask your artist to tell you about their work and listen carefully. The thousand words will give you a picture of the importance of art education for your child.
Steven Rae, Alicia Mitchell and Michelle Allain
Visual Arts Update - December 17, 2012
Students in the visual arts classes create art work that has meaning based on their own lives and personal experiences. We have just completed a cycle of work designed on the beauty of fall in New England. The season is ripe with visual stimulus, allowing us to present challenges in observational drawing, painting, printmaking and clay. Looking closely at the delicate, intricate organic leave patterns, learning to carefully apply ink and paint to print with leaves, rolling clay slabs to emboss with found objects falling all around us, and creating expressive color painting studies with coffee filters and foliage as a starting point. Pumpkins and gourds make their way into the work as well; we engage the students in drawing and painting from observation, illustrating poetry with paper from memory of pumpkins, apple trees, fall leaves and imagining what else gourds and pumpkins might become. Our art classes are full of the colors of New England as the students use all of their senses to create beautiful meaningful work that express their understanding of the world around them.