3rd Grade Low Relief O'Keeffe Flowers

These are the first four students to complete our O'Keeffe Flowers. There were so many steps and directions to my project but my 3rd graders met every expectation I had. They actually exceeded my expectations. They mixed their own tempera paint colors for the leaves and petals and mixed their own watercolors for the background. Their craftsmanship of cutting the petals and leaves was awesome! Next I will have them bend their petals and leaves slightly to make them pop. I also connected this project to science as we discussed the parts of a flower. 

Beautiful!

Square 1 Art: Fall 2013, 3rd Grade Project

Here is an example of my third grade project for my Square 1 Art fundraiser, 2013. This student is showing so much creativity in her hippo portrait. A bathing suit! I love the humor my students show in their art. It's inspiring. 

3rd Grade Embroidery: Completed Peruvian Stitchery

A big thank you to Michelle Amos for making this project a success. The 3rd grade have finished their embroideries funded by VSA Kentucky. Their pieces were finished with natural sticks and edge stitching by our artist in resident, Michelle. We are now finished with the project and I am very proud of the creativity of my students.

Carolyn Braden: Received VSA Award

I wrote a proposal to have a local artist come to school and work with my 3rd graders on an art project. My proposal was approved and I received $1,200.00 to make my idea happen. The artist is Michelle Amos who is a local fiber artist. She is working with the students on a Peruvian Embroidery piece. So far, students have learned a little about Michelle, how to thread a needle and create a running stitch. Students will next draw an animal onto burlap and use stitches learned to fill in the animal with bright colors. Peruvian children create embroidery pieces of things they are familiar with. With this project, I hope for my students to understand that other children in the world create art just like them and build confidence in their new art skills learned. I am also thrilled they get to work with a real working artist. Every week I discuss types of jobs students could get with a degree in art. By working with Michelle, they understand you truly can be a full time artist.

Here is my media news release about the project:

LOCAL SCHOOL RECEIVES AWARD: VSA KENTUCKY ARTS INCLUSION

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, JANUARY 2013---Schaffner Traditional Elementary will be working with local artist Michelle Amos due to receiving the VSA Kentucky Arts Inclusion award. The school received the award from the non-profit organization which provides opportunities in the arts for children and adults with disabilities.

Under the guidance of Michelle Amos and Carolyn Braden, the Visual Art Instructor at the school, the third grade classes will work on Peruvian Embroidery pieces. This project has been organized in conjunction with the art curriculum, and is an integral part of the school’s efforts to promote the exploration of self-expression in young students.

Carolyn Braden's Third Graders: African Landscape Silhouettes

Here are my 3rd graders African Landscapes. We tissue paper painted the background to be sunsets, then painted on the horizon lines, hills, animals and trees in shadow. They are turning out beautifully!