Graffiti Art a Huge Hit

I am amazed and inspired by the level of engagement this Graffiti Art project is bringing.  Students are applying learned paint techniques from previous project and are throwing around words such as "monochromatic color scheme" and "paint gradient" on their own with reference to their projects.  This is music to an Art teacher's ears.  They are putting so much effort and detail into the paint application that for the past two days, I've had 20 kids come in during their lunch break, kids ask to come to Expressions when they are done with work in other classes, and beg for an additional day for this project. 

Seeing the response over this project is inspiring as a teacher to strive to have EVERY project have that magical element that drives kids to crave more.  Naturally, some students will love components of one project more than another, but when you achieve 100% engagement combined with quality work being produced, it is truly a moment to celebrate!  Can't think of a better way to end the week.

1000 Crane Challenge

I  am SO proud of the 7th grade students that folded 1300 Origami Cranes in 4 hours. The classroom was set up so that there was a crane threader and folders at each table. Every table had a crane folding and stringing goal. Our goal was to fold 1000 cranes for the organization Cranes For Hope. The students were a little unsure that we could meet our goal. Their success proves how when a meaningful act if kindness is connected to teamwork and shared leadership great things can happen! Great job 7th Grade!

Graffiti Art- Day 1 & 2

Want to hook all your students- even the most "Lively" of all classes? Graffiti. Plain and simple. Nothing helps to drive essential questions, encourage group discussion, interpretation and evaluating better than Graffiti Art. Add to that a digital art and writing component and synthesize all of that good stuff into a hand crafted graffiti design that promotes a positive message! Pics below are of Day 2- and I can't wait to see how these turn out later on this week!

How to Fold a Paper Crane

Our 7th grade students will begin folding cranes today for our 1000 Crane Challenge using recycled paper. Cranes will be donated to the organization Cranes for Hope! We will fold today and all day Wednesday during our block schedule. GO 7th GRADE!!!

New Look for The Expressive Arts Room!

Over spring break I was inspired to "refresh" the look and feel of the artroom. Earlier this spring I got bitten by the duct tape bug and started re-purposing stuff for the classroom in bright neon colors but didn't bring them into the room because they didn't quite match. Then I worked with Mrs. Shane over vacation developing her artroom concept for Star Academy. Once I started decorating the Star Academy Artroom I knew what I wanted to do for The Expressive Arts Room! Wild, neon, and paint splatter! The room looks Loud and Proud!

Keep Calm Parody using DIY Scratch Art Paper

So a couple weeks ago I played around with making my own scratch paper and was SO excited I decided to mash up Scratch Art with a Parody Project posted on The Art Of Ed.
Basically, the students will learn about the history of the poster and analyze elements of a couple poster parodies. Then they will create a draft of their poster using either Google Docs, a Keep Calm poster Creator, or Pencil. Once they are finished with their poster design we will discuss color themes for the background of their scratch paper. Then we will make the scratch art paper! This stuff is WAY better than store bought! The lesson with video tutorials is linked here. Thanks, Art of Ed for the lesson concept idea!

Life-size Chess Board Legacy Project

I am SO excited for the 8th grade class to return to break to find a life-sized chess board within the LE Hallway! The students will be instantly reminded that their upcoming Chess Piece Sculpture Collaboration is coming up which will springboard their excitement. Once the board and pieces are finalized we will have a Chess Competition to celebrate!

Zentangle watercolor animal

I am in LOVE with this upcoming project and the many processes involved with creating the Zentangle watercolor animal. I decided to use an Easter Bunny as my subject since I had a perfect example on my kitchen tablecloth! After I drew the bunny I created sections using the anchor and strands method. From there I used a fine point sharpie to go over all of my pencil and then erased the visible pencil. I used a variety of zentangle patterns from the Internet. I think having the i-pads in class during this stage would be really helpful for the kiddos because it is fun and challenging trying not to repeat patterns- looks cool too! At first I would pencil in my patterns and then go over them with ultra fine sharpie. After I got comfortable with repetitive patterns I was able to create them freehand without the pencil. VERY ADDICTING!

I LOVE the striking contrast between the black patterns and white paper but continued on with watercolor. I choose a pastel color scheme to go with the Easter Bunny theme. Once the sections within the bunny were painted I choose a a muted green and finished it off with an overlay of Saran wrap. I'll let that sit overnight and reveal the outcome in the morning. SO FUN! This is definitely WAY too involved to be a final project but I think sticking it right in the middle of the unit will keep kids engaged and challenged throughout the unit.