Original Works!!

Students have been working hard on their Original Works Art Fundraiser. A percentage of the proceeds go to our Art Program. I use the money for all the supplies we use everyday, markers, crayons, paper, paint, clay, you name it! I was also able to purchase four I-Pads last year for research. They are used daily! Here's a sneak peak of just a few projects!

Digging in!

These last few weeks 4th and 5th grade students have been having a blast creating their own designs for the Original Works Art Fundraiser. They are encouraged to use the coloring techniques they learned in the past in their original designs. They realized that when applying their techniques it really makes their art POP! I came up with these techniques with a student teacher of mine years ago and they have been an on-going West Ridge art tradition ever since. 

 Below are our posters of the marker, crayon and colored pencil techniques. One favorite is the "dotallism" aka pointillism technique. When done nicely the dots can make your art sparkle (without the glitter bomb mess).

Giving students the freedom and the resources to chase after their inner artist allows them to create what they want. I feel  they have a better sense of who they are and can be proud of their hard work. The best part is they are all unique and that is what this year is all about!!!

Brand New Year

This year is brand new! I look at it as an opportunity to create new things, open minds and think outside boxes. Art is not just a "time filler," it's so much more. It's a chance to see things through the lens of an artist. It's a chance to problem solve, process creatively, discuss, reflect, make mistakes and work together. Creating new things is exciting and I'm so lucky to facilitate that in this community of learners. As one of my former students said, 

"Art is the chance for the quiet to be heard over a million voices."