It’s hard to believe December is already here. We have so much to accomplish before the holiday break. Classes have been busy exploring various cultures. As students continue to improve their critiquing and observational skills, they are applying the Elements and Principles of art and design to their own creations. It is encouraging to hear the Juniors expressing their love of art through journal activities and group discussions.
-Juniors, Seniors and Third Grade are learning about the Native American culture and have enjoyed listening to authentic music and folk tales.
-First Graders were introduced to the author and artist, Pat Hutchins, and are creating beautifully colorful, symmetrical owls inspired by her book What Game Shall We Play.
-Did you ever wonder why Masks are so important to the people of Africa? Ask any Second Grader and they can tell you. They investigated various African Artifacts and took notes in their sketchbooks. These discoveries were then reported to the class during a group discussion. The Second Graders are in the process of adding natural fibers to create texture to their symmetrically designed masks. Colorful chalk pastels will be applied to complete these works-of-art.
-Fourth Grade completed their Kente cloth unit and will be moving on to the art movement know as Pop-Art. In class they will re-create wonderful Warhol and Lichtenstein inspired posters.
-Middle Schoolers will begin the planning and sketching stages for their Hopi Kachina unit.
Traditions and celebrations are something we all have experienced no matter where we live or our background. It is wonderful listening to the memories you have made with your families and the joy the children express sharing them with us.
Plans are in the works for our annual Fine Arts Day. If you have any suggestions or connections with local artists who would be interested in participating, please don’t hesitate to email me at jburkert@rohanwoods.org.
As always thank you for your continued support of the art program. Be sure to check out our online art gallery.
“How important are the visual arts in our society? I feel strongly that the visual arts are of vast and incalculable importance. Of course I could be prejudice. I am visual art."
~Kermit the Frog
Jennifer Burkert
Art Specialist