Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Art Room Tour


Thank you to the parents who are visiting my site! I know it is hard for you to make it down to our little dungeon here at PSS. Here is a virtual tour of the art hall (and it's new makeover!)

view from the door as you walk in

example and demo station


tables and supply shelves

I put this by the door so the students can read it as they leave. So many students feel as though they can add and add and add to their projects. I like to remind them that I always feel like I can add and/or change things to my work, but sometimes you just have to move on to something new and come back later.

my "desk"and the drying rack (by the door)

where you can always find your student's work. Each student will be making a portfolio that will be stored in their class's slot

how to draw books and inspirational pictures.. because sometimes we just need a little help getting that imagination going!

each class has a paint palette that they try to "fill up" to get a little surprise

professional art gallery (currently showcasing yours truly!)

Art room #2... We have a traveling art teacher from Huston Elementary who is with us on Fridays. It is always nice to have another art person in the building!

Monday, August 20, 2012

BACK TO SCHOOL!

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!!!


WHAT IS ART? That is our topic for all grades this week. Art can mean many different thing to many different people. There are many different elements and principles that help make up art, but what does it all mean?

The formal definition of art is the visual representation of thoughts and/or ideals. I personally believe that there is more to this definition and I hope to explore that this year.

In each class, we began by reading Art Is by Bob Raczka. It can seem very basic to the older student's, but I believe it is still very informational. Each page features a different form of visual art from sculpture to painting to textiles to folk art to architecture to monumental pieces. The book briefly explains what art is.


The actual process of creating is of crucial importance to students' development. Art making encourages individual expression and creative problem solving, as well as introducing tools, skills, and techniques that students will use throughout their entire lives. They will learn to develop personal ideas that will make their own work unique. The materials and techniques vary, but these lessons remain standard because they teach children important things about themselves and their surroundings.