Rhythmic Rings

Recycled art by the third graders! We rolled, and rolled..and rolled paper and created a collaborative recycled paper installation outside the art room. Each student created their own panel to contribute to the installation. Beyond the use of paper, we used tons and tons of recycled caps from old markers, glue sticks and recycled items from the lunch room. Nice junk sculpture 3rd Grade!

Chin Colle Lanterns

Inspired by traditional Chinese lanterns, the fourth graders created four panels using the chin colle technique of layering thin (tissue) paper. After they completed all of their panels the strong them together into a cube form, then added the strings to hang it. We lined the halls with the fourth grade lanterns creations- they were a highlight of family arts night! A few hints for this project: Create a template for students to use to punch the holes evenly on each panel edge. Demonstrate how to string the panels together back to back by tying the string at the top of two panels back to back and then begin wrapping the strings through the hole and around the outside, through the hole and around the outside...continue! This is much faster than stringing them together flat on the table top side by side.

Chihuly inspired 2nd Graders

Inspired by Chihuly, the 2nd graders created an interpretation of his blown glass work from coffee filters, washable markers and spray starch. They then mounted their sculptures and I hung them from the ceiling. Next, we looked at Chihuly's, 'Niijima Floats' series of drawings, discussing the abstract and experimental nature of they offer. Check them out here: niijima floats Next, they used chalk pastels and drew from their sculptures that were hung above their tables, pulling colors, patterns, and textures from their own work as well as the work of their peers. They have the option of adding tempera paint (object printing, brushed, splattered, marble rolling) liquid glitter & dry glitter.

mixed media student example, inspired by Chihuly's, 'Niijima Floats' series

coffee filter "blown glass" sculptures

Mounted on construction paper and hung from the ceiling around the room

metallic paint station

A student working on her chalk pastel drawing

student examples

Creole Cottages

Popsicle sticks, toothpicks, cardboard, pom poms, pipe cleaners, tag board templates (to create 4 walls) scrap tag board to create architectural design elements & yard elements. We looked closely at New Orleans creole cottages for inspiration. My students really enjoyed this project--we set up a series of these homes for Family Arts Night in rows similar to the streets of the French Quarter!

yarn weavings

Inspired by traditional Navajo weavings, the third graders created their own weaving on a cardboard loom. As students finished their weaving the chose to mount their weaving on tag board, hang it from a natural branch, bead the ends, or leave it flat like a blanket with finished ends.  Next year, I would probably do this earlier or later in the year and bring the class outdoors to work in the sun :)

Birch BaRk BasKets

Inspired by the Ojibwa, the fourth graders created their own "birch bark" basket. First step is to develop paper with a similar texture to birch bark through the use of chalk and tempera paint on tag board. Next, practice measuring and cutting a basket shape (I had many examples- which some students used to create their template, but others came up with their own basket shape.) Practicing with a separate piece of paper helped my students work out the kinks in their designs before they started cutting and gluing their final piece of birch bark. The last step of the basket is to add decorative elements such as stitching, feathers, fabric cut designs, beads and painted symbols.

Soft Sculpture Fish

Painting with both hands?! We painted each side, stapled, stuffed with news paper and collaged on "fish textures"

A blowfish!

Inspired by Lois Ehlert's story Fish Eyes, the second graders have been busy creating gigantic fish sculptures. Focusing on Symmetrical designs, transferring sketched ideas into finished works of art, painting and collaging techniques. My room looks like a giant aquarium with the fish suspended from the ceiling. Again,  I thought this project was a success, however it has taken us many class periods already, and I still have a few students that need more time. So, before I do this project again I think it could use some refining- maybe line design/texture with ink or marker and possibly replicating a specific fish or sea creature... hmmm?! Suggestions?

Circle Weaving

Our inspiration, Kandinsky.

The Fourth Grader's are in the process of finishing their weavings based on Kandinsky's "Circle" Painting. One of the standards for our Fourth Grader's here at Swallow is to develop an understanding of fiber arts. Our artist for the month of September was Kandinsky. I had seen the circle weaving concept somewhere, sometime.. and have always wanted to try it! It's super simple, from the supplies to the process. We used paper plates as our looms and a large amount of colored yarn. The best and more popular type amongst the students was the thick and chunky yarn that gave a their weaving a great texture. The students mounted their weavings on contrasting colored squares of tag board to be hung together in a collaborative format to simulate a large scale version of Kandinsky's Circles. This project really bumped up their fine motor (KNOTTING) skills, thank goodness we are nearing the end of this unit, no more knots! I will upload a final image of the collaborative piece once it's hung!

Paper Sculpture

In-progress paper sculptures

Display near the art room/second grade hallway...

I really enjoy how far the sculptures pop off the wall, however I thought this might encourage students passing in the hallway to "interact" with the sculptures. So far, it hasn't been an issue, yay!

The Second Grade students created sculptures inspired by sculptures unique to the Midwest, taking a closer look at the "The Calling" located downtown Milwaukee near the MAM. We have been working on lines, elements/principles of design, as well as developing a better understanding of 2D and 3D works of art. I was impressed and inspired by some of the creations in the classroom. My favorite was the hidden letters in their sculptures as well as loops inside of loops, on top loops, underneath loops... and loops on loops.