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 :)

Take the art out of the backpacks!

What to do when your children bring home their artwork...

www.designspongeonline.com

Hang it all up for everyone to see!

www.ohdeedoh.com

Create a multi-purpose station for home and school art.

http://asoftplace.net/

Have an ever changing gallery.

http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2011/08/25/kids-artwork-display-idea/

ohdeedoh

http://littlenannygoat.blogspot.com/

Where else is a better place to show off their talents, but in their bedroom?

www.marthastewart.com

scan to make a poster

Gallery walls for their best.

http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/p/portfolio.html

http://honestlywtf.com/rarebirds/off-the-wall/

http://applevalleygirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/finallymy-art-gallery-wall-is-complete.html

roomzaar

http://www.junecleavernirvana.com/kid-art/

It doesn't take a lot of money or time to hang up your children's artwork. Children's artwork looks good in any room of the house, hung in any way. It doesn't have to be formal frames with matching mats. Mismatched frames, frames of a single color, with or without mats, simple alligator clips or clothespins, wire, string, or colorful tape: all will work beautifully! Mix in some of their artwork with bought pieces you already have hanging or give them a whole wall! Celebrate your little artist!

The students get so excited when I hang their work outside of my classroom. I know they would love for everyone that comes to their house to see their masterpieces. My parents still have a framed painting I made in the 3rd or 2nd grade hanging in the den. Yes, my Tahitian girl has 8 fingers and her nose looks funny, but it is still a topic of conversation for visitors to this day. I love it.

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

Pablo Picasso
Spanish Cubist painter (1881 - 1973)

How do you say "art" in Australian?

For the sixth grade curriculum, we are traveling around the world with art. Our first stop was in Australia. The students first heard stories of the Dreamtime (the Aboriginal creation stories) told by real Aboriginal people. To better understand these stories and the culture of the Aborginal people, the students learned some of the symbols they used in their artwork called bark paintings. They also looked and analyzed some contemporary works. After sketching their ideas for their own stories, students set to work painting in the style of the Aborigines. 

Next, students listened to music of the didgeridoo and watched a didgeridoo being made out of a hollowed out tree. In pairs, the students worked together to make their own painted didgeridoo. They used symbols, patterns, and animals found in Aboriginal artwork.

Their artwork is displayed proudly in the hallway:

ps. The Aborigines do not have a word for art. It is their way of life!

Art and Football?

This year, I am only seeing my elementary students every other week. :( 

But..... I have time and the opportunity to visit them in their classrooms for some special projects. 

The first special project I have done was with Mrs. Seller's first grade class. We made football players! Usually, I ban all football talk, symbols, whatevers from my classroom but since this was something special for just their class, I made the exception (Auburn/Alabama rivalry is instilled in them at a young age, ha!). 

The students chose whether they wanted to be a Corner player, Alabama player, or an Auburn player. (Can you believe only one student chose Auburn!?!) We made helmets, footballs, and finished them off with the jersey number, 1. 

Aren't they cute!