Some Sandy Students!

1st Graders Get Ready to Fly!

In 1st grade art classes we will be reading Tar Beach by the artist Faith Ringgold. We will then take on the task of creating patterns, designs, and drawing the human body. With the pattern, we will be working with a number of different colors to to create a border for our picture. Next week, we'll be getting markers out and making designs on the blocks of color. Students will be able to create their own designs by arranging shapes, lines, and colors. The third week we will begin to drawing the human body. In this task, we go step by step to create a body that is more realistic than a stick figure. This is an exciting step for many of my students! Pictures will be coming soon!

2nd Graders and Kindergarten Students Get Sandy!!!

This week in art, 2nd grade and kindergarten students will be creating sand paintings. Sand paintings have been used by different cultures to create art for thousands of years. Sand painting is the art of pouring sand onto a surface to create shapes, colors, and pictures. This is a new medium for most of my students and I'm excited to see the process and end results.

Choice-Based Art

Coming back from break, I started piloting a new curriculum in several of my classes. This new curriculum stresses students making their own decisions instead of the teacher. With this in mind, I have created studio centers where students can go to create art. Right now, we have painting, drawing, and sculpture centers in the classroom. Our sculpture center recently opened and was a huge hit! Students were making lots of art from big things like football fields to small things like ducks. Enjoy the pictures!

Symphony in Color

All 1st and 2nd graders are starting a project that is sponsored by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra called "Symphony in Color." Symphony in Color is an art project where we'll listen to a song and create a picture that fits the song. This year's song is Ride of the Valkyries by Richard Wagner. It is a dark and heavy song. The students have had some great ideas!

Extra Art Classes in Indy

I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday season. I know this is last minute, but I just received information about the Herron School's Saturday School program. The Herron School of Art is affiliated with IUPUI. Each spring they offer a 10-week Saturday morning class for children ages 7-17. I know many of you have asked about extra art classes and so you may be interested in these. While they are expensive, I am sure these classes would be quite top notch! To learn more check out www.herron.iupui.edu/community/classes. The spring semester starts on January 30th so if you're interested do not delay. Good Luck!