Fifth Grade Optical Illusions

I saw a similar project to this online and decided it would be a successful project for my fifth graders. They had to use a cool color on their hands and a warm color on their background. This project went pretty quickly and was a good first project that everyone was successful with. It was a great reminder about overlapping, as well. They loved looking at different examples of optical illusions each week and I shared some of M.C. Escher's work too. 

Book making fun!

My fourth grade students have been learning about book arts! We have looked at completely handmade books and artists that create altered books.these students are creating books all about themselves like a visual diary.We started with a large manilla envelope and painted interesting textures on both sides. Next, we created a plate for the front cover with their names in ransom note style letters. They are adding color to the pages that will eventually go inside with bleeding art tissue and water to make a tie dye effect. I plan to fold the pages so that each page has a pocket and I will sew them in the books with my sewing machine. In the coming weeks the students will have various assignments for creating the art that will go in the pockets. Stay tuned for more updates on this big project!

We are outta' here!

School is OUT here in Oconee County! I sent home all of my student work in the last few weeks and it is always such a relief when I am finished with that massive task. I find that rolling, taping, and labeling their art is the best way to get it home. I have about a 30 second portfolio review with them all before I roll it up. It's a good chat to have with them before they ride off into the sunset. All of the students have at least one picture in our art show and it is mounted on colored construction paper. That work is always placed on the bottom of the roll and provides protection for the art inside. I tell the students to treat their tube of art like a newborn baby :) They think that is fun. I included my "25 Days of Drawing" challenge again this Summer. Any kid that shows me their sketch book in August will get a prize from me. I am sharing the PDF with you all as a parting gift :) I adapted mine from some I've seen online so I can't take full credit for the idea! See you in August!

Some 2nd graders with their "babies"

One last project to share.....

My fifth graders took a look at the art of face jugs in the South and we interpreted them in our own fun way. They made their pots using a simple pinch pot technique and we followed up with some simple glazing. I purchased wheat grass seeds from our local health food store's bulk section. I googled the best info on growing wheat grass and let our Environment Club do the planting. This is about 4 days worth of growth. They were triple this height and MUCH greener by the time they took them home. The kids and parents LOVED these.

A root actually grew out of a little hole in this one's nose!

Family Art Night and Silent Auction

Our Annual Family Art Night and Silent Auction came and went. It was a huge success and I couldn't be happier with the turn out as well as the profits from the auction. I did things very similar to previous years. My preparation for this event is massive but I have gotten it down to an "art" and It comes together easier every year. I also have a co-worker that is a tremendous help and I couldn't do it with out her.

 I mount and label all the work then mount it on black butcher paper weeks prior to the show. Then I start with a team of volunteers about 1:30 the day of the show tacking up the sheets of paper onto the walls. It goes surprisingly fast. I like that the kids come back that night and the halls have been transformed.

We set up the lunchroom with tons of art activities for all guests to enjoy. Some of the centers were watercolor, still life, free collage, Legos, modeling clay, zentangles, and free drawing. We set up a little photo booth area for people to take fun pictures. Our book fair was also open this year and that was a popular stop for guests.

We served light snacks and those are always a hit. I mix up a snack mix of Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. It tastes like a s'more! I also have juice in the primary colors and the kids can pick two colors to see it change in their cup. Last but not least, we had our silent auction featuring canvas art made by each homeroom. It was a big success and the kids did an amazing job. Now I will go take a nap.

Youth Art Month is upon us!

I love March and Youth Art Month. I loved it so much that I had two children in March. It makes for a crazy  busy month but it's always fun to celebrate my favorite things. I put up my hall display to promote YAM as well as our school wide art show, March 21st. I had the students use one of our Friday rotation days to work on all the parts to the display. I drew out the letters and the kids painted them in. I went back and outlined them in black and it was ready to go! My kindergarten students painted all the large paper that I used to assemble the daffodils and the grass. I have a ton of work ahead of me to prepare for the art show. Last year, I had a student teacher that was a tremendous help. This year...it's just me...and I need to get to work!