5th grade mandalas

Whenever I can, I like to make a connection to art and another subject. I use writing, math, science and social studies often, but for this lesson art was connected to not only math and social studies, but to health. Healthy and not so healthy foods was our subject as students learned about mandalas. Students also learned about cultures that use mandalas and the mathematical understanding that one needs when creating a mandala. Student teacher, Mrs. Pruitt taught this lesson and this is a lesson I will re-teach in future years. We were also able to hang the final masterpieces in the school cafeteria - thanks Ms. Chavannes and Ms. Soucy!

1st grade

Gingerbread boys and girls made by 1st graders! 3D art was discussed for this lesson. Cutting and gluing skills were utilized and of course...creative expressions. Take a look at these fun sculptures!

Look alike???? You decide :)

Art Club potluck holiday breakfast

WOW!! Can you say sugar??? Breakfast casseroles rounded out the SUGAR! Thanks to all the students who brought in food to share (donuts galore!!) great food great fun and a super way to start our day - love those art kiddos!!!

That was only 1 table of food!!!

2nd & 4th grade

Picasso & Warhol - now on exhibit at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta! 2nd graders studied Picasso - and 4th graders studied Andy Warhol. See these examples of great art - some of these should be on exhibit at the High Museum.....

3rd grade

Painting - tints and shades were the main focus of this lesson. Students also learned about complementary colors. When their artwork was completed, students wrote "turtle tales" about their artwork. Check out these examples!

5th grade fun!

Last day with Mrs. Covey's class - the students worked (kinda) and I snapped....pics that is :)

PTA SIlent Auction - Gingerbread Houses!!!!!

Our wonderful PTA sponsors a school wide silent auction to raise funds. Teachers, staff, etc donate their time in the form of an activity, movie, lunch, etc. Families bid on these posted activities for their children and the highest bidders win. In art, we sponsored one of my favorite holiday rituals.........making gingerbread houses!!! This year I kept it simple, and the students made gingerbread houses using graham crackers and recycled milk cartons. This was not only a holiday activity but a recycle art project as well. I had FUN and I hope the 11 little sweet girls had fun, too!!!

3rd grade

VVG that's what we call Vincent van Gogh - our inspiration for the lovely sunflower prints. Van Gogh painted sunflowers - DC 3rd graders printed sunflowers. Many stories circulate regarding VVG's life - ask your child if he/she can remember one fact about van Gogh - you may learn a thing or two about such a great post-impressionist artist!!

3rd grade

Yarn painting by Huichol Indians of Mexico was our inspiration for the beautiful yarn leaves. Students looked at maps of Mexico and examples of yarn paintings by the Huichol Indians and created similar artwork. See these great "leaves"!!!

4th grade

Kids love working with clay! 4th graders created "leaf bowls" using stoneware clay and leaves! They added decorative elements to the edges of their bowls, not disturbing the beautiful leaf imprint on their bowl. I let the students use some great glazes (from my personal stash) that created splots of color within color. Students got a chance to learn about the firing process which makes the clay "cook" and harden and students also used glaze in finishing their artwork and experienced the heating process and change that happens to the glaze during the second firing.

1st grade

Handtrees! students created trees using....literally...their hands. This mixed media artwork included lessons on paint, outlining, coloring, and printing. Look at this great artwork!

ART CLUB........

.....participated in The Bert Show's BIG THANK YOU sending in 40+ cards for our troops. The hope of this adio show was to send out 400,000+ cards to each active military service person, stationed near or far, a card for the holidays thanking them for their service protecting our country. Students watched a looping powerpoint to prompt them with images of yellow ribbons, flags, eagles, branches of the military icons, etc. Our DC kids did a super job of creating these magnificent, thankful letters and hopefully the military service men/women will appreciate the artwork and heartfelt thanks in the card coming their way. Check out the images below of a few cards that were sent....and by the way....the Bert Show DID reach their goal of 400,000+ cards!