Ceramic Clocks!
This project is a FAVORITE!! I love how functional and creative the clocks are. Students always ask, "Are these actual, working clocks??!" Yes!! While it's on the expensive side to provide each student with a clock mechanism, it also makes this project one of the surest to be displayed and enjoyed. Students are given a rubric at the beginning of the process detailing the learning targets such as "creating both additive and substractive elements are their pieces." They're also challenged to create a clock which expresses something about themselves or their interests. The results are always delightful and proudly displayed at the sixth grade winter performance! Several will also be representing JA at upcoming local art shows!
Illuminated Initials (aka "tile trials")
There are a few projects that I've completed in the past five years that truly flopped - "tile trials" is one of them. Despite the fact that I've completed this project with students successfully the past few years, this year was a challenge! The project began innocently enough - the students were very interested in the history of illuminated initials and really enjoyed sketching out their design and symbols. In fact, the whole process seemed to be progressing without a hitch until I noticed that the first two batch of tiles were forming cracks. In the past, I've had a few pieces crack due to a quick temperature change or etching that went too deep . As a result, I decided to move the pieces to a warm spot in my room farther away from the window, figuring that the quick changes in weather were likely the culprit. Unfornately after returning the following week, I discovered that all four classes had serious cracking. Since students were already very invested in the project, I decided to redo the entire thing which involved quite a bit of work to prepare 100 lbs of clay (again)! Meanwhile, I visited my local clay provider and described the problem which they thought sounded like a bad batch of clay from the supplier. I wish I could say that the second batch was more successful. Sadly, the second set of projects were also completed with the same batch of clay and also cracked. I decided to proceed and fire the tiles with the cracks. There were some tears and some disappointed students, but we talked about how these bumps in the road are a part of the art making process at times. Despite our best efforts, sometimes we face challenges and its our choice how we proceed in light of those trials and flops. It was really inspiring to see students make the best of the situation, consider options for glazing to disguise the cracks and to support each other through the difficulty. I also learned that my local provider will reimbursement me for these unfortunate, and thankfully infrequent batches. Earlier in the year, we learned about the importance of a growth mindset and I'm thankful for the opportunity to exercise that mindset with my students in a very concrete way.
Fortunately, not ever tile cracked... here are a few for you to check out!
Fortunately, not ever tile cracked... here are a few for you to check out!
Snowmen!
With only a few days left until winter break, fifth graders transformed a bag of clay scraps into some truly adorable little snow guys. Students spent one day reviewing ceramic basics while they attached VERY small carrot noses and accessories. While most survived the kiln, we did resort to hot glue to repair a few misplaced parts. These were wrapped up and hopefully made their ways to mantles, Christmas trees and countertops!
Chihuly-Inspired Forms
Every year, at least one hopeful student asks, "Can we blow glass in our class?!?" As much as I would love to provide my students with the opportunity to see glassblowing up close, there's that little problem of the 2000 degree oven! As a result, I've searched for an alternate project in which students can create a 3-D form, without the safety concerns. So far, the answer has been Shrinky Dink! Yep, it's that plastic product from the seventies that can be used to make ornaments, jewelry and all sorts of goodies! In my third grade classes, students created an abstract design inspired by the art of Wassily Kandinsky. Using only sharpies and colored pencils, students transformed their humble sheet of plastic into a really fantastic, unique design. Students could hardly wait to watch their 2-D plastic shrink and reshape before their eyes. The trick is to pop the plastic into the toaster oven long enough for the plastic to wobble and shift, but not long enough to reflatten and harden. The results are truly unpredictable which makes this project particularly thrilling.
Venetian Masks
One of my favorite moments of the school year is watching the fifth graders proudly parade into our annual JA Renaissance festival! They strut with a sense of confidence that is unmistakable. Proudly wearing their handcrafted masks, they transform into the ladies and gentlemen of the Renaissance. Beautifully connecting with the fifth grade Core Knowledge history content, this project also provides an excellent opportunity for artistic skill development. After students gain background information about the incredible art of the Renaissance, they focus on imagining possibilities for their mask design. Students are also challenged to explore a painting technique such as blending or double-loading which can be challenging at times. Nevertheless, I have found that students are more than willing to persevere for the opportunity to select from a myriad of sparkly additions which truly give their masks a touch of the Renaissance.
Art for a Cause! |
For a second year in a row, JA's intermediate artists contributed art to the Military Working Dogs Team Support Association or MWDTSA. This year we created collages inspired by Denise Fielder. Using newspaper, students created a dog shape and added paper embellishments and a note of thanks. We hope that the military dog handlers enjoy their holiday care packages beautified by our very own artists!
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Original Works!
Growth inspired this year's Original Works project! Using a variety of media, each grade level approached this theme in a different way. Third graders studied the art of Georgia O'Keeffe and created a collage based on her painting titled "Ladder to the Moon." They created a monoprint for their background, drew and cut out a ladder and explored the use of symbols in art. After brainstorming and drawing a number of symbols in their sketchbooks, students selected one symbol which best represented an area of they would like to grow in. Most students chose a symbol related to sports, a future career or a hobby. The results are pretty adorable and inspiring! Next, fourth grade students created a botanical print. Students also used a monoprint for the background and then etched a botanical image into styrofoam for printing. After printing in black ink, the students added color using oil pastel. Fifth grade students really enjoyed the opportunity to explore a variety of materials while creating a mixed media bird. Students began by printing a branch and leaves. The students sketched birds using charcoal and practiced adding value with a blender. Students also used water color to add value and color to their birds. In the end, these young artists were very proud of their work and particularly enjoyed experiementing with charcoal. Lastly, sixth graders brainstormed botanical images and decided if printmaking or collage would best represent their selected image. The project ended up being a great learning experience with some interesting and unique results. This year's artwork will be awesome printed on the variety of high-quality products that Original Works offers.
Thank you for supporting the art department with your purchases. Our Original Works fundraiser accounts for nearly half of our yearly budget and enables us to do more costly projects.
Thank you for supporting the art department with your purchases. Our Original Works fundraiser accounts for nearly half of our yearly budget and enables us to do more costly projects.
Third Grade:
Fourth Grade:
Fifth Grade:
Sixth Grade:
September 6th: Sketchbooks
We made our own sketchbooks! Blick art supply sells these awesome bookmaking kits with really high quality paper. This year, I decided to give the students the opportunity to make their own sketchbook with the hopes of incorporating more drawing into my curriculum. Our young artists were very excited to create their covers and construct their books. Each grade level focused on a different element, principle or facet of art. Third grade reviewed color theory as they mixed and painted sections of their covers created using a tape resist. Fourth grade explored the use of line, pattern and emphasis as they created a sharpie design and colored either the positive or negative space. Fifth grade repeated a pattern of geometric shapes and mixed different tints and shades of a selected color to fill in some of their shapes. Sixth grade explored abstract art by blowing ink across their covers and filling in selected areas with the colors of their choice. Our artists are anxious to begin using their sketchbooks with our upcoming Original Works projects.
August 28th: WELCOME to the Intermediate Art Room!
The onset of a new school year is such an exciting time of possibility in the art room. Although the Core Knowledge sequence remains the same, I inevitably tweak and reinvent to accomodate new ideas that best meet the needs of my students. This year we are exploring the theme of GROWTH beginning with exposure to the differences between a "growth mindset" and a "fixed mindset" as described by Carol Dweck in her research around success. I'm very hopeful that these concepts will serve as a positive foundation for the learning adventures ahead. This month, students will also be creating art work for our yearly Original Works fundraiser also focusing on the theme of growth. Look for updates and photos in the week ahead! Details about our upcoming October art club will be sent our this month as well!
As always, feel free to come and visit the art room or contribute a couple of hours as a volunteer. We welcome visitors and greatly appreciate your support!
~ Lisa
As always, feel free to come and visit the art room or contribute a couple of hours as a volunteer. We welcome visitors and greatly appreciate your support!
~ Lisa
March 15th: 6th Grade Landscapes
Sixth graders wrapped up a very challenging project this month in art. After taking an extensive look at famous landscapes and how artists create the illusion of space, students jumped into the design process. Their objective was to envision and paint a landscape with a clear foreground, middle ground and background. Most students also attempted to add value and cast shadows to their landscapes. You can see additional work on display in the 6th grade hallway.
District Art Show!!!
Ms. Staggs and I were so excited to feature some of our exceptional young artists at Jeffco's district show and the Young at Heart show! With over 750 students at our school, this small display of art is extremely difficult to select! We are so proud of our young artists featured and all of our young artists at Jefferson Academy!
February: Asian Festival
If you've visited the commons lately, you've probably noticed a huge selection of beautiful Asian art! A number of grade levels participated in this display. Second graders created several pieces including ceramic koi fish, printed kimonos and watercolored koi kites. Fourth grade enjoyed making a mixed media Chinese scroll which included a painted porcelain vase and cherry blossom branches. Fifth grade also explored the prints of the famous artist Hokusai. Using the Great Wave as an inspiration, the students drew, added zentagle designs, and painted their own versioin of the great wave. Fifth grade also investigated the characteristics of Japanese gardens and made batiks with images representing those lovely landscapes.
December 15th: 6th Grade Ceramic Clocks
The 6th grade ceramic clock projects is absolutely one of my favorites! Not only do students create a functional piece of art, the creative process is just brimming with surprises and delight! Because this project focuses so heavily on the creative process, students spend a significant portion of the project working through design possibilities and then adapting their ideas as they work with the clay itself. Students begin the sculpting process with a slab of clay and are required to include both additive and subtractive elements. What takes form is usually surprising in some way and students must wrestle a bit to stay flexible and overcome obstacles. Problem solving, dialogue and strategizing abound as they meet the requirements of the project, adapt to challenges and strive to capture the essence of their vision. The students proudly displayed their creations at the sixth grade winter performance.
December 13th: 5th Grade Renaissance Masks
The 5th grade Renaissance performance was an amazing night and a great opportunity for students to showcase one of their most recent projects. The costumed students paraded into the performance each wearing a unique, Renaissance-inspired mask. The students really enjoyed the creativity of this project as it seemed to awaken a kind of fantastical imagination! After designing, painting and embellishing their masks, many students simply couldn't resist wearing them in class until the big day as well! Here are a few examples for you to enjoy.
December 9th: 4th Grade Illuminated Initials:
Illuminated initials are a great example of how art and other disciplines can intersect! We began our project connecting students' historical knowledge of the Middle Ages with the intricate art of decorative lettering. Students discovered a world where the printing press did not yet exist, but an appreciation for the value of books and art certainly did. They explored the team of individuals needed to create books and the meaning and tools behind these lovely creations. As a culminating project, students created their own illuminated initial on a ceramic tile. Like illuminated initials from the Middle Ages, students include symbolic images with their letter. These symbols represent themselves or their families and were a great way to practice sculpting and attaching skills! Many students chose to create a tile for a friend or a loved one to give as a gift for the holidays.
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November 15th: 3rd Grade Still Lifes
"Great things are done by a series of small things put together." ~Vincent Van Gogh
This was certainly a truism during our recent third grade still life project. Students began the unit by studying the lovely still lifes created by one of my favorite artists - Vincent Van Gogh! The students studied his interesting life and admired his bold colors and thick paint texture. Next, students set to work creating their own composition based on fall-themed still lifes at their art tables. After drawing an oil-pastel sketch, students double-loaded their brushes to paint with at least two colors at a time. What a great lesson in mixing colors as many students were surprised at their results! Students also endeavored to apply with the acrylic paint to create a textured appearance. As an introduction to the use of value, the final step was to add highlights with chalk pastel. The still lifes are currently on display in the west wing for your enjoyment!
This was certainly a truism during our recent third grade still life project. Students began the unit by studying the lovely still lifes created by one of my favorite artists - Vincent Van Gogh! The students studied his interesting life and admired his bold colors and thick paint texture. Next, students set to work creating their own composition based on fall-themed still lifes at their art tables. After drawing an oil-pastel sketch, students double-loaded their brushes to paint with at least two colors at a time. What a great lesson in mixing colors as many students were surprised at their results! Students also endeavored to apply with the acrylic paint to create a textured appearance. As an introduction to the use of value, the final step was to add highlights with chalk pastel. The still lifes are currently on display in the west wing for your enjoyment!
November 11th: Happy Veteran's Day!
The fourth grade students gave a touching performance for their families and local veterans today! In addition to their beautiful presentation, the students also created patriotic wall hangings. These adorable creations were an excellent opportunity to learn basic sewing skills including threading a needle, tying a knot, stitching and attaching a button. The classes were very proud of their work and many hope to further their sewing skills in the future.
October 31st: 6th Grade Nature Mandalas
Artist Andy Goldsworthy inspired a recent project in 6th grade. Goldsworthy demonstrates a unique, naturalistic style of art in which he creates art entirely out of natural materials. He often photographs his art before leaving it in the natural environment. Students simulated Goldsworthy's artistic process by gathering a selection of natural materials. In one class period, students created a nature mandala with radial symmetry. The results were beautiful and the process was engaging and thought-provoking for the students. On their reflection sheets, many students commented about their enjoyment of the spontaneity and creativity of the project. Others noted that it was difficult to recycle the materials and to only capture their work with a photograph. Overall, the project was an excellent experience and a great way to address a number of CDE's 6th grade visual arts standards:
- Use and discuss nature as a source of inspiration for works of art (DOK 1-2)
- Use reclaimed and recycled materials to create works of art (DOK 1-3)
- Discuss the motivation for works of art such as those by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Goldsworthy, and Smithson who use natural materials, the natural environment and earthscapes (DOK 1-3)
October 13th: Off it goes!
722 pieces of art are on their way to Original Works in New York! They make the journey after a month of art project creation along the theme of "Things that Fly!" Each grade level interpreted the theme differently. Second grade made some fantastic textured papers that were cut into a variety of birds. Third graders used photographs to transform themselves into all sorts of flying superheroes, fairies, birds and astronauts. In fourth grade, students used skills from last year to create very intricate mosaics of flying insects. Fifth graders printed flying objects which ranged from unconventional ideas such as pigs and time to variety of flying machines. Students in sixth grade were challenged to draw and paint a silhouette of a flying object and to add splatter to add a sense of movement.
After being scanned in NY, Original Works will upload a JA online gallery which can be accessed by a code. These codes, along with ordering directions and the original piece of artwork, will be sent home in early November. Online ordering will be available through November 13th. Original Works is an awesome fundraiser which provides a large portion of the art budget each year. Thank you for your support of our program!
After being scanned in NY, Original Works will upload a JA online gallery which can be accessed by a code. These codes, along with ordering directions and the original piece of artwork, will be sent home in early November. Online ordering will be available through November 13th. Original Works is an awesome fundraiser which provides a large portion of the art budget each year. Thank you for your support of our program!
October 1st: A Show of Thanks
The Military Working Dog Association recently invited Jefferson Academy art students to contribute 175 pieces of art to gift baskets for overseas soldiers who work closely with military dogs. The second, third and fourth graders began by learning about the important functions of military dogs. They discovered that these talented animals are quite amazing - some even parachute from airplanes with their handlers! Students drew and painted dogs with winter caps and wrote a note of thanks. Here are a few of our artists with their adorable dog pictures!
September 15th: Happy International Dot Day!
"International Dot Day," inspired by the book The Dot, celebrates creative expression and artistic courage. In the story, a student named Vashti is a somewhat reluctant artist until offered extra encouragement by her art teacher. By the end, she produces all sorts of creative dots and begins to inspire other students.
As a kind of "warm-up" activity for the year, each student created their own dot using the materials of their choice. What resulted is a super colorful collection of dots that students have enjoyed in the Commons!
August 31st: Taking the plunge into the new school year!
What a time of anticipation and excitement at Jefferson Academy! With beautiful renovations complete, we are ready to dive into a new year of learning. Our year in art begins with a quick review of procedures and expectations and a survey of students. I really enjoy and value hearing feedback from students as well as learning a bit more about their interests.
I'd also like to let you know that you're welcome to visit the intermediate art classroom anytime! We have many ways that you can help, as preparation of materials is such a constant around here! If you're not able to swing by, here are a few snapshots of our classroom this year!
I'd also like to let you know that you're welcome to visit the intermediate art classroom anytime! We have many ways that you can help, as preparation of materials is such a constant around here! If you're not able to swing by, here are a few snapshots of our classroom this year!
I'm also excited to welcome two new wonderful team members to the Art Department! Anden Staggs and her EA Leigh Smith will be spearheading the primary art department. We’re so thankful to have such talented, warmhearted and creative additions to our team!