Friday, March 22, 2013

Suffield's Arcade: A School Wide Creative Experience


     After seeing the short films about Cain's Arcade, our principal, Mrs. Bookman was inspired to have a cardboard/recycle arcade here at Suffield.  Our students were challenged to design and create arcade games completely made from repurposed cardboard, empty containers, or any other materials that would normally be thrown away.  The students could make the game on their own, with their families, or with a friend.
     It was so much fun to see the kids hauling their creations into the school today on what doesn't LOOK like the last day before spring break (due to the snow)! 




    Once the games were all inside and set up in the gym, the kids came down one grade level at a time to play in our arcade.  The kids had a blast and were so proud of their own games.  Today was a fun and exciting day for an art teacher!  I am proud of all of our students' and their families' efforts to invent and create.  I loved this school-wide creative experience and hope we can do more! 




















Thursday, March 14, 2013

2nd Grade Line Studies


     I was inspired to do this awesome lesson from possibly my favorite art ed. blog, Smart Class!  I adapted it a bit, and  it was a complete success for my Brimfield 2nd graders.  They really seemed to love this artwork, and I've gotten so many nice compliments about the ones displayed in the hallway.
 
     We first looked at the line-heavy abstract paintings of Alma Thomas, and the representational amazing line paintings of Geoff Slater.  This project was such a fun way to explore the line element of art and I have already been begged by 1st graders to please do this project again next year.  Thank you Smart Class blog for such rich inspiration!












Friday, March 1, 2013

Never Get's Old...


     There are many difficult aspects in the politics of public schools and traveling between buildings, but the good stuff never get's old and makes the difficult parts worth working through.  This sweet kindergartner is holding her double portait inspired by the portraits of Mary Cassatt.  You can learn more about this project here
     I love the beautiful dress and high heels that Olivia made for me and appreciate the hard work and creativity of this little artist.  Today wraps up my time at Brimfield for now....Suffield here comes art!!