Graffiti inspired water colors

7th grade was finishing up their value unit. For the final assignment I decided to have the subject of their work be graffiti inspired. Students love the look of graffiti letters! After teaching them how to create a simple "bubble" letter, students had to create some sort of background and then use watercolor to demonstrate value. I would say that 95% of the students did a phenomenal job! I was really proud of their work and the results.

Bulletin board

I've been trying to figure out a way to make art history accessible to middle school students. I saw this idea online and had to make it for my room. My goal is to change the artist monthly (if not sooner). I am also going to try and relate the artist to the assignments happening in the room. Currently my 8th graders are working on an assignment "inspired" by the artist Chuck Close.

Art classes teach kids to:

Love this!

Duck tape Art

For the last assignment in 8th grade students creat duck tape "paintings." They start with a printed out image and create a grid as a guide. On their canvas boards they create the same grid that is 4 times the size. Once they finish their drawing they start to use the duck tape to add their color. They all have done a great job and love the process. Below are some works in progress and finished pieces.

After the work was completed many chose to create roses--the couple bottom pictures are students at work!

Calligrams

7th graders have been working on calligrams in class the past couple days. The goal of the assignment was to create a drawing using only words. They are turning out AMAZING, I just had to share.

Clay

In the Junior High School I like to do an introduction to clay, so students that are interested in working 3 dimensional will have the experience. We don't have a kiln in the JHS, so we have to use self-hardening clay. I teach them about slab and coil technique, but instead of learning about glazing-we just use acrylic paint to add color. Below are some nice examples of the finished work and some in progress. There is no requirement for what they have to make, other than having slab and coil demonstrated.

Snowflakes for Sandy Hook

Earlier in the week I came across a couple blogs that were doing a fun way to help the kids in Newtown, CT. As an educator and a parent, I am still unable to truly process what happened that day a short week ago. I kept thinking of ways to give back to the community and help put smiles on the innocent victims faces. When I saw "Snowflakes for Sandy Hook" I knew this was the way my students and I could help. This is what was on the PTA website:

Welcome students to a Winter Wonderland

When school resumes for Sandy Hook, it will be in a new building. Parent-volunteers are working to ensure that the students are welcomed back by a winter wonderland with the entire school decorated with as many unique snowflakes as possible. We encourage senders to be as creative as possible, remembering that no two snowflakes are alike. Please make and send snowflakes by January 12, 2013 to the Connecticut PTSA.

The junior high school spent the morning before break creating many beautiful snowflakes. It makes me so proud to see my students giving back to the community.