The focus on art is to expand students knowledge in skills, technique, and art history through a variety of art projects and experiences. Students are exposed to artists of different periods and different cultures and given experiences to apply their techniques as well as create some of their own. A wide range of mediums are used. I seldom show students a completed project as not to stifle their creativity. "Thinking outside the box" is encouraged as well as the theory that there are few mistakes in art, only different ideas which often lead to other art forms.
All classes started off the year with "Architecture" as the central theme. We've discussed Architectural styles as well as specific elements in different forms of architecture. We've also explored many different buildings, both young and old. This also lead us to discuss some famous architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright.
K-1 Lessons have focused on symmetry using examples such as the Eiffel tower, jack o lanterns, and drawing ourselves. We've also talked about the Chicago skyline, and in exploring it noticed many different vertical and horizontal lines as well as some interesting shapes. Students also were thrilled to share many familar buildings where moms and dads worked. :) We're discussing primary colors and have done some color mixing to create secondary colors. We've discussed the artist Piet Mondrian, and read books on houses around the world and different building materials, as well as architects and color.
Grades 2-3 Along with our discussing buildings and colors, we worked on a silhouette of a building as well as using pastels to create the beautiful sunrises and sunsets we see at this time of the year. We discussed the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical. We also read a book about the construction of the Empire State Building written in the eyes of a waterboy who worked on it. To honor our Blessed Mother's birthday on September 8th we drew birthday cakes in the style of Wayne Thiebaud, and used oil pastels to complete them.
Grades 4-5 A review of the color wheel including complementary and analogous colors as well as concepts from previous years such as "implied lines" was where we began. In talking about architecture we looked at the Taj Mahal in India which was under construction at about the same time the Pilgrims were on the Mayflower. We talked about domes and minarets, and in our drawings saw how much easier it was to keep our domes symmetrical using tracing paper, and how we can apply this skill to drawing in the future.
Grades 6-8 Using some short clips from "Discovery Education," we discussed the making of the first roads and aquaducts in early Rome. We talked about Frank Lloyd Wright's idea of building a "mile high city" long before the discussions of building one today in Japan. We talked about certain inventions (such as the elevator) being crucial to the shifts in architectural design. Sixth graders are working on a collage project designing a city to show both foreground and backround along with implied texture, and detail. Seventh and eighth graders played a game with architectural elements leading them to match up 4 prominent Chicago buildings and the buildings they were modeled after and why. A homework assignment led to self exploration of early architectural styles as well as sites to explore famous buildings. They are using this information to choose a building, draw it (or a significant portion of it) with at least 4 elements they have changed (or added) from the original; decide on a new purpose for the building, rename it, and include a short write up answering several questions. They will also be designing one room in the new building using "Google Sketch Up" which they started in the Computer lab. We will be mounting their new drawing, original picture of their chosen building, Google Sketch Up, and brief write up, and share them with the class.
Thank you for all the support of the fine arts!
