CERAMIC MADNESS!!!

Ceramic tiles created by Jaida R, Dalton C, Dakota E, Ava L, Bailey G and Connor P

It's clay craziness in the art room right now as the sixth graders anxiously await painting or glazing their ceramic tiles created during "SLAM!" week (see previous blog post for info).  And in the meantime the second semester fifth graders are in the process of creating "Monster Heads" utilizing two very important clay techniques; pinch pots and coils.  The monster projects are going to need about two weeks to dry before they get fired and then painted...so we probably won't get to them before spring break.  

Monster Heads created by Mrs. Wertenberger's, Mrs. Pickrell's, Mrs. Hutchinson's, and Mrs. Bentz's classes

Actually...both sixth and fifth grade will be painting and glazing their projects immediately upon returning from spring break, so the clay craziness will certainly continue!  :)

SUPER HERO DAY!!!

...also known as "just another normal day for Mr. Weller!"  :)

CEILING TILES

The first two ceiling tiles from this past winter's annual ceiling tile art contest are finished!  Check back periodically to see the other tiles as they are completed!

BLIZZARD BAG #2

Today's art Blizzard Bag (can I call it a "BlizzArt" bag?) for February 18th is for classes that come to art on "A" days. This includes the following home room classes: 6th grade - Mrs. Hicks, Mrs. Foust, Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Cotner; 5th grade - Mrs. Fleece and Mrs. Overbey. If you have any questions, please just email me and ask!  Thanks!  

Oh...and Blizzard Bag #1 projects for "C" day classes (Orr, Rocazella, Dearwester, Boggs, Wertenberger and Pickrell) are due this Wednesday.

SLAMMIN'

...an experiment with clay...

Students slab, SLAM!, and decorate clay projects, created with a piece of EZ-Cut that they've carved their faces into.

So, it's no secret that I enjoy a little chaos.  And many times that chaos comes from doing things with art materials that I've never done before.  This experimental concept led to the creation of this year's 6th grade clay project...which I'm simply calling "SLAMMIN'"!

The coolest thing about this project, is that it directly leads from a previous printmaking project in which the kids transferred and then carved their faces into a small sheet of EZ-Cut linoleum.  So...as soon as the kids finished printmaking, and then painted a few additional details, they dove directly into slammin' clay.  

I asked kids to slab out their own clay with the slab roller (of course I teased the clay into the correct size for them), then SLAM! their EZ-Cut into the clay which resulted in relief print of themselves.  Then...the directions were very simple...do what you want and experiment.  Of course I gave the kids a few ideas just in case, but overall the project was in the hands of their creativity.  And I must say I've seen some interesting things happening, which is FANTASTIC!

It's this kind of experimental chaos that drives my classroom, and I absolutely love seeing the kids work out their own art-making problems.  These projects still have quite the journey, as they'll need to dry for a week, get fired in the kiln, glazed, and then re-fired.  So...hoping they'll be all ready to go just in time for our May art show!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK, EVERYONE!!!

PRIDE FRIDAY...THEME PARK LOGOS!

Students in Mrs. Gilliland's class work on theme park logos, theme park ride logos and restaurant logos for the theme parks they'll be constructing in the coming weeks.

When the school went forth with the idea of creating theme parks in their classrooms, I knew that I wanted to get involved.  So...during Pride Fridays, I've been having kids create logos for the theme parks, rides in the theme park or places to eat in the theme park.  They've been watching some pretty entertaining videos starring Batman and Finn which have really sparked their interest and creativity.  I'll post some of the finished logos and signs in the coming weeks as we finish!

CEILING TILE PAINTING TIME!

Winners of the 7th Annual Ceiling Tile Art Contest are: Skyler S, Caroline G, Madison A, Zach W, Micah T, Claire K, Jenna R, Faith W, Bailey G, Jacquelyn W, Maddie M, and Matthew B. 

Over the next few months, winners of this year's annual Ceiling Tile Art Contest will begin painting their tiles that will decorate the art classroom for years to come.  This year's winners were once again chosen by a large selection of judges over winter break...mainly my friends and family! :)  

I'll post each and every finished tile as it is completed...but by the looks of the winning entries...that may take awhile!