2011-2012 Recap

 It felt like this school year FLEW by me! Even though it went by in a flash, there was plenty of art making going on at Corner. This year, the seventh and eighth graders focused on the art history timeline. We started in pre-historic times (think cavemen) and ended in Modern art times. Sixth grade took a world art tour of different countries including Mexico, Egypt, Africa, and more. Fifth grade learned the recipe to art, Art Elements. In my elementary classes, we did a mix of it all from a really fun fairy tale/Medieval times unit to American folk artist, Grandma Moses. To conclude our school year, I (and with a little help from my friends) put up an over 1,000 piece artwork display! It truly was an amazing site! If you didn't get a chance to roam the halls for the week it was up, here is a an abbreviated version:

 

Wow! Corner has some amazing artists. I can't wait for what they will do in this next school year!

We're a COLORFUL bunch!

For the beginning of the year project I did two group projects. Because of the schedule this year, it took a little while to complete but I think it was totally worth it! 

Third through sixth grade did a monochromatic self portrait. Seventh and eighth grade made a mosaic that spelled out a secret message when assembled (they reviewed their warm and cool colors). Take a look:

3rd - 6th grades

7th and 8th grades

WE HEART ART

Whirled Peace

As you know, this year was the ten year anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11. Many of the students at our school were babies or not even born yet on that date. To honor the anniversary of 9/11 and in conjunction with International Day of Peace (Sept. 21), students from grades 3 to 8 made Pinwheels for Peace. This project was started six years ago by two art teachers. Students from all over the world participate and now even the students at Corner! On the International Day of Peace, my 7th grade students came early to help me put out all the beautiful pinwheels in front of the school. The pinwheels stayed out all day. It was beautiful.

making signs to hang around school

International Day of Peace sign being made

Pinwheels for Peace!

posing with the pinwheels :)

7th grade

pinwheels on display after Sept. 21

hallway of pinwheels

In preparation for this project, each class brainstormed the meaning of peace and related words. I told them whatever they wrote about peace on the pinwheels would be sent out into the world when the pinwheels whirled. They were very thoughtful and came up with some great ideas. I have to hand it to the 7th grade for being most enthusiastic. They helped with the preparation of the pinwheels, sign making, and putting them out on Sept. 21. I loved seeing their enthusiastic involvement!

I hated that the pinwheels could be on display for only one day in the yard (I don't think they would have survived the night), so I hung them up in the hallway outside my door. They even spin a little during class change :)