Art Museum Walk: Pinch Pots

Today, Mrs. Riggs' class and Ms. Purvee's class had the chance to create their own art shows. As table groups, the children worked together cooperatively to arrange their pinch pots into an exhibit. Then, the tables rotated and viewed one and other's work leaving compliments for their peers. Presenting artwork is an important piece of the new National Core Arts Standards, so it was exciting to give the children an opportunity to take charge of the presentation of their works.

We had brainstormed at circle what a museum visit might look like and sound like (relatively quiet, calm bodies, no touching the artwork) and then applied this knowledge to make our "museum" realistic. It was fabulous to see the children so incredibly engaged in looking at and responding to the artwork of their peers. Furthermore, reflecting upon and looking at art is an important part of being an artist!

Mindful Mandalas

First and second grade students have just started creating Mindful Mandalas today. With this time of year being so busy, I find it the perfect opportunity to teach mindfulness through art. At circle, we learned about both mandalas and mindfulness. Then, students went to work focusing solely on their task at hand: creating a mandala. The atmosphere was incredibly peaceful. Students worked by candlelight (electric, of course) with soothing music playing softly in the background. 

At the end of class, we reflected upon what doing art mindfully felt like. Many children commented that they felt calm and happy. Several students noticed that their minds tended to wander. A handful of children were really impressed with what they could accomplish when wholly focused. We will continue our mindfulness practice and mandala creation through the next few weeks. 

Quilling, mini Matisses and Five Senses Books

This week, third and fourth graders began a quilling project. Quilling is a type of paper art that involves rolling paper strips into differing shapes and combining to create unique combinations. We are being inspired by the season and "Snowflake" Bentley to create these super cool pieces of artwork.

First and second graders are learning about the famous artist Matisse. We are exploring his "drawing with scissors" technique of cutting paper and collaging. Like Matisse, the Kind of color, we are using a wide color palette.

Kindergarten students have been working on their Five Senses Books. They are creating five differing art projects which each focus on a differing sense. Below, the children are sanding cinnamon sticks and painting with tea bags during our "scent" project.

Lantern Making Residency Underway!

RES students have been hard at work this week in art with artist Gowri Savoor making beautiful lanterns in preparation for our whole school parade Thursday November 3rd!

Lantern Residency

SAVE THE DATE:

Richmond Elementary School Lantern Parade

Thursday November 3rd, 2016

at 6pm

(Rain Date: Thursday November 10th)

We are EXCITED to announce that students from Richmond Elementary School will be working with talented visual artist Gowri Savoor, during a six day artist in residence in mid-October.  During this residency every K-4 student will create a paper lantern during their weekly art classes.  Students will have a chance to create something beautiful, using varied materials and will be supported by Ms. Savoor and art teacher Mrs. Kim Aucter as they create.

The lantern parade will allow us to showcase our work to families and each other and we hope you can support this great artistic opportunity for students by saving the date and attending! The parade will include a lighted walk, music and hot cocoa.

We are so thankful for our community partners who support amazing opportunities for our students!  This Artist in Residence was made possible by grants from the Vermont Arts Council and the Huntington Valley Arts.

Are you interested in helping to support the arts and this event at RES?

1. We are looking for a few recyclable items for the lantern making (drop off at school by October 14th):

Large Yogurt Containers (32 Ounces)

Shallow Plastic Containers  

Small Bubble Wrap

Yarn Scraps or rolls

Plastic Tablecloths (Perhaps a birthday party leftover?)

2.  We need to borrow:

Small Hand-Held Pruning Shears (label and we will return)

3.   We need as many adult helpers as we can get—!  If you have some time to come in and create with a class (or two) or could help us to organize materials and the parade. Parade organizers include helping set up materials, serve hot cocoa, and sharing your musical talent!  Please sign up here:  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/805084FABAD292-lantern

Tie Dye Volunteers

Would love to see you in the art room! 

Please consider joining us next week for tie dye.

Here is a link to sign up:

Art Room Volunteer!

Woo-hoo!

Our Shoes Made It!

Last year fourth grade students designed and decorated shoes in art. Students worked hard to design their shoes all the while keeping in mind that the shoes are meant to be a piece of artwork themselves. (Which lead us to several queries... for example: What is art?)

Then, each child implemented his or her design on two pairs of white canvas shoes using permanent sharpie markers. One pair of shoes was for the students to keep and proudly wear. The second pair of shoes was a donation to another child. (This brought up several questions as well...what would it be like to NOT have shoes?) 

NOW THIS IS THE EXCITING PART; the second pair of shoes has now made it all the way to Zimbabwe!!!! 

It is so exciting that we were able to share our creativity and celebrate the spirit of giving. 

Now our students have a unique connection to the students in Zimbabwe in that they own the only two pairs of each unique shoe design that exist in the whole world!