Dear All,

You have come a long way since the beginning of the school year. You started with great momentum and demonstrated heaps of creativity when you planned, designed, and turned your imaginings to life. All artworks in your grade level colors were finished on campus this year. The artworks in the final HUGE gallery post for the year were part of your online learning. You had 10 weeks of creating at home, with limited supplies and increased independence. It is clear to see that you contributed and grew as artists, maybe not in the usual ways we would have done while on campus, but certainly in the ways you solved problems. During quarantine, one of you made a rock to paint out of newspaper. Some of you used coffee to paint, and others created paintbrushes out of a variety of materials. You showed your resolve to stay connected and your love for The Arts!

Here is wishing you a restful and healthful break. For those who are leaving, I wish you well and hope to see you some where, some time, and for those who are returning, I cannot wait to see you again!

Until then,
Ms Angie

During the December break, many or our artworks were culled in a deep cleaning that occurs over long breaks. This was heartbreaking for the students and has impacted our community of artists. I cannot begin to express the feeling one has from telling the news to 12 classes of students, seeing their shock, and being a witness to how resilient young people can be in difficult situations. I am happy to report that we have recovered and are creating again. Check out the Gallery to see the variety of expression that exists from choice! 

​Dear, lovely, creative innovators,
 
This is a shared letter to all of you. It is shared because each one of you is so very unique in your process. Weird, right? Before, we co-created projects for the grade level based on a central or big idea. Now your interests drive your expression. I have challenged and changed my philosophy (the believing) and practice (the doing) over the four and growing years as your Visual Arts teacher. My new understanding allows me to give you full ownership. Together we face the challenge of documenting your process, making sure we celebrate, capture, and acknowledge your story. Due to the specialized nature of each project, your grade level’s gallery will be added to on a regular basis. So far we have finished a few projects with many more on the way. In addition to this and process posts on your Seesaw accounts, pop-up galleries throughout the year will be another way for you to share your learning with our community.
 
Let’s see how this new plan goes!
 
Your Visual Arts Teacher,
Ms Angie

Oh my goodness! That went quickly! :0)Angie

Well, hello, Grade 2!

We have been grappling with this idea of 'waste' for weeks. As artists, we use materials to create. How are artists part of the problem? How do schools contribute to this issue of 'over production'? What can we do to change? to reduce what goes to the landfill? to reduce what gets made in the first place?

During one of our discussions, we were talking about how we create and use 'things'. Things can be materials like glue, paint, paper, clay, canvas, and so on as far as you can imagine. Things can also be tools like staplers, glue guns, pencils, paintbrushes and on and on again! 

For the first part of your project work with these ideas, we challenged you to create an artwork with only glue and paper...old, scrappy, left-for-trash paper! It was clean, but was in weird shapes and completely unwanted. This challenged you to rethink the elements of art, especially shape and color. 

Stay-tuned for the next step, as you grow your understanding of the value and cost of things!

​:0)Ms Angie

Hello, Grade 2!

You have been developing your skills of observation. First, you learned how to draw faces. Human faces have many similarities and are often times proportional. We found out that the eyes are located at the center of the head and that the bottom of the nose is in between the eyes and the chin. We took measurements or our faces and also watched tutorials. After doing a practice drawing, you used a special technique to transfer a photo of someone you admired  onto your drawing paper. Each of you chose a type of material to use to finish your pieces. You found that you could create very unique artwork that was recognizable and personalized to your taste. Both of your artworks can be seen in your gallery! 

Beautiful work, Grade 2!!
:0)Ms Angie

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Hey, Grade 2!

You all did so well at contributing to our collaborative weaving project. You played a huge part in bringing the design to life. As part of the first wave of drawing ideas, the other students in the school built on what you thought should be present in the design. From colors to shapes, you were keen and able to share what you wanted to see. If you look at 'A Community Tapestry' I am sure you will see some ideas you shared as a grade level. Well done and thank you for your commitment! Check out the masterpiece in your gallery!

:0)Ms Angie

Hey, hey Grade 2!

We are off and away with fibers. You started with sewing and now have moved on to a personal weaving project. We paused for a moment to contribute to designs for our school-wide collaborative tapestry. The Grade 3 - Grade 5 students were inspired by your ideas. I am so excited to see what we create!

:0)Ms A

Hello, Grade 1!

Your exploration of homes led us to inquire into Leonardo da Vinci for about a minute! Then we were off and away creating our own pieces! Leonardo da Vinci often created paintings for people to display in their homes. He was commissioned to show what the families valued through his pieces. With that in mind, you all came up with designs that shared what you loved. I enjoyed looking through your books and learning about what you valued. I saw cats, dogs, grandmas, families, games, landscapes of loved places, and beautiful flowers. Your subject matter was so varied and interesting. Now I am imagining these unique artworks hanging in your homes and reminding you of your learning and what you value. Check out the gallery to see what everyone has done! 

Well done, Grade 1!
:0)Ms Angie 

Dear Prep, Grade 1, and Grade 2,

I like to call you all the ‘Bubble Crew’. Your experience with Mr Alex Face was short and sweet. You provided the bubble effect for our Sea of Graffiti by the pool. Now Baby Rabbit has a wonderful place to swim and frolic!
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Love your work, :0)Ms Angie