One important piece of news is
that I am retiring from teaching. I
advised Ms. Zierer of this in January, and as it has turned
out , this is probably a timely decision because of
the regional school. I do have mixed
feelings, however, as I have been teaching art full time over twenty years and
most of that time was at St. Pius. I am
both excited and sad. I will certainly
miss the students and friends here.
Listed below are some
things that have been happening in the art room:
- The eighth grade have begun making
wooden painted animal figures in the style of those made in Oaxaca,
Mexico. I am lucky
enough to own some of these figures, so the students were able to see some
first hand. This project involves
students being exposed to the concept of Folk Art.
- The seventh grade is completing a clay project. They may choose their own subject matter
and show how well they have learned various clay techniques as they
complete their piece.
- The sixth grade has just completed a clay project, as
well.
- They saw a video showing the art of Mexican artist Josephina Aguiular. They
also learned how she creates her clay figures, beginning with digging the clay
from the ground. They then created their own clay figures in the style of
Josephina.
- The fifth grade students are in the process of completing clay
bowls using the coil method. They
looked at the work and methods of Native American artist Maria
Martinez. They will be able to eat
out of the bowls when they are complete.
- Fourth grade students are working on their drawing skills, are
working on "line"
and are learning about negative
space .Recently they wove and wore
South American style bracelets.
- Third grade has just completed weavings in the shape of a fish. They are now creating art work using
their Zodiac sign.
- Second graders are in the process of making yarn
paintings, South American style.
Recently they learned about Vincent Van Gogh's painting "Starry
Night" and made a "Starry Night" of their own.
- First graders learned a little bit about French artist Henri
Matisse. They learned haw he made
paper cutouts when he was an old man and too sick to stand at his
easel. They are now making their
own paper cut outs.
- Finally, kindergarten students are making origami lady
bugs. And they are creating grass
and a garden for them to live in.
They also learned about fiber artist Faith Ringold
and we read some from her award winning book "Tar
Beach". Then they created a collage quilt of
their special place.
Art is still going strong in the
art studio. So much to do, so little
time…….
Mrs.
Maher
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