artists at work at waukazoo

On Tuesday, I got the camera out to record the hard work and creativity of my student artists at Waukazoo.  As you can see, there is not only the production of great work--there is the great joy of it! 

Fourth and fifth graders are making scenes of Holland, Michigan, inspired by the Amate Bark Paintings of Mexico (in honor of Cinco de Mayo and Tulip Time.)  Tulip Time is again honored and celebrated through our Dutch Canal House project. Second graders study Communities in Social Studies, and third graders visit Dutch Village and study Holland History.

The Arts help us understand who we are and who other people are; how we are alike and different, things we have in common.  Understanding each other is the first step toward peace on earth, in this art teacher's estimation! :)

to see the complete album of pictures, please click on this link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/claudacious/Tuesday429inTheARtRoomAtWaukazoo

Have an artful day-

love,

Mrs. Art

artists at work at waukazoo

MRS. ART GOES TO THE GRAM!

Hi, Kids,

I went to the new Grand Rapids Art Museum this weekend! Wow, it is a beautiful place, and they have a show about a famous artist named Andy Warhol there.  He did some very cool and creative paintings, prints and sculptures in the 60's and 70's.  I thought I would share some pics with you. The lady in the pink dress is Martha Graham. She was a very famous dancer.

The other print is a self-portrait of Andy Warhol. The photograph is of the GRAM.  I hope all of you can go there someday! Check out their website:

www.gramonline.org/

See you at school!

FIRST GRADE FISH!!!

awesome fish!! some beautiful and some UGGGGGGGGGGGGGly!!!!!!!!!!

MORE AMATE BARK PAINTINGS FROM MEXICO!

Check out the Gables!

left: Museum in the Netherlands

right: an old drawing of Holland, Michigan

below: Windmill Island!

Friday, April 18: Back to Normal!!

HI, School families and friends!

I have just finished my first full week back at work since my surgery two months ago, and I can tell you that it was a wonderful week and it was great to be back with my students and friends at my two schools. Thank you to many students for the beautiful drawings and cards and presents that you brought to me this week! Camille and Marisela, thanks for the glittery butterfly that is now hanging in the window! Thank you also to Courtney and Kayla Leonard's cool grandma Alice for the gifts from Africa- Alice, it sounds like your missions trip was incredible. I am deeply touched by all of the love and concern you all have shown me and very grateful for your warm welcomes as I returned to this job that I love so much.

We started new projects this week: fourth and fifth graders are making Amate Bark Paintings inspired by the ones made by Mexican artisians; second and third graders are digging in to Dutch Architecture (don't forget to check out those gables downtown, guys)

 and first graders?--SWIMMY!

It is definitely feeling like spring, and I feel like all around me things are blooming, and I am glad that winter and my illness are all behind me now.  Stay tuned to the blog for pics of student work next week!

love,

Mrs. Art

A Great Double Portrait

Dear students,

Benny is a friend of mine. He is my children's half-brother. He is seven and is in first grade in Lowell, Michigan.  He came over the other night and we talked about the Detroit Tigers and also about art. He drew me this picture. His dad, Mark, is on the right. I used to be married to him, and he is Jon and Annie's dad. I thought I would share this awesome picture with you.

Have a great spring break!

love, Mrs. Art

A Drawing

Good morning!

For Christmas, my kids Jon and Annie gave me a bamboo pen! You dip it into the ink and then you draw with it!

I made this drawing with my new pen. I was looking at beautiful orchid flowers that a friend gave me. I hope you like it!

love,

Mrs. Art

Check out that Eye!:)

Hi, School Family,

Isn't this a cool picture? This is my new eye and it was photographed by Annie the day after I got it, which was March 21. 

As you can see, it is a bit more ( or a lot more!) realistic than the temporary eye I am wearing in my picture with Michaela. I am going to have Mrs. Gundrum take a new picture of us to post on the blog so you can see the "before" and the "after."

My first week back full time has been so wonderful! We are getting our square one art ready to mail out, and I am smiling from ear to ear being back with my students and friends.  It feels so good to be back! Having work you love to do is a very big gift. So, my dear students, remember to choose work for your lives that makes you happy, that makes you excited.  Otherwise, you will be spending a looooong time wishing you were doing something else!

I love you guys.

Mrs. Art