March Newsletter

Studio 220 Newsletter: March 2010

Happy March! This is an exciting month in the studio and spring is almost here! I hope to meet you all during conference night. I will be in the art room, 220, for the entire afternoon and evening sessions. Feel free to stop by and see what is happening. Here is a glimpse at the month:

First Grade: First graders are finishing a printmaking unit. We are exploring different types of stamping and how we can create our own stamps. We are making a cityscape out of different stamped shapes and working on collaboration! Next, students will help each other to make large portraits of what they will be in 30 years. We will be working on the floor in the classroom to explore scale and the use of different materials together.

Second Grade: Second grade artists are starting a ceramics unit. We will explore the origins of clay vessels and their uses. Each student will create a pot using the coil method. We will also be learning about warm and cool colors. Students will be mixing these, as well as creating tints.

Third Grade: Third graders are working on a painting unit. We are focusing on how colors can express a mood or a memory of a mood. Students will be looking at the work of a variety of contemporary landscape artists including Ornulf Opdahl, David Hockney and Peter Doig. We will be experimenting with how different colors can remind us of certain experiences.

Fourth Grade: Fourth graders are working on a weaving unit. We will be studying traditional weaving, as well as weaving in the fine arts. We will look at the work of Sheila Hicks to inspire small weavings. We will also be taking a field trip to the Textile Arts Center to work on their floor looms. Can’t wait!

Fifth Grade: Fifth graders are working on clay sculptures of food. We are looking at all types of artwork to try and figure out why food is such a popular subject in art. Students will also look at the work of Claes Oldenburg to explore art of food in three dimensions. We will each make a “dish” that will include the ceramic serving piece and the food.