The 2nd Grade KMAC Field Trip: Clay Masks

My 2nd grade had a great time making clay masks at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. I had them create practice masks with oil based clay before the trip so they would be familiar with techniques. They sketched out their favorite pieces while they toured the museum. Then they created masks with clay. The mask started as a slab of clay and they cut out the face shape and added low-relief pieces. They used Mayco Stroke n' Coat glazes to add color. When we left, the museum put their masks on rolled up newspaper to give curve to the pieces. I pick up the masks in approximately one week and am excited to see the final results.

Carolyn Braden: 4th Grade Friendship Bracelets

I created this video to help my 4th grade on their friendship bracelet weaving project. It's the candy stripe method. They love this project!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6gb-1A0l-M

Carolyn Braden: LVAA 5th Grade Grant Tile Project

While waiting for my kiln to be ready for use, we are prepping to start our LVAA (Louisville Visual Art Association) funded tile project. Fifth grade students will be creating 4-inch low relief self portrait tiles. When they paint their tile, they must follow a painting diagram I created. After the tile mural is assembled, viewers will see the self portraits when standing close, then see our school mascot, the dolphin, when standing further away. See my diagram in the photo below. Some classes will start sketches next week.

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: Sending Thanks To Schaffner Families!

Thank you to everyone for your support during our Square 1 Art fundraiser. I raised $1,901.33 for my art program! I used the money to buy clay, glazes, glaze palettes, oil pastels, yarn, looms, paper, tempera paint, watercolor sets, brushes, ink, smocks for students, kiln supplies, embroidery floss, glue, and more. I am using $700.00 to cover most of the expenses for our upcoming 2nd grade field trip to the KMAC. On the field trip, students will tour the museum and make a clay mask.
I will definitely be doing the Square 1 fundraiser again next year. I am also writing a grant to try to do an arts night at Schaffner next school year. It would be a night parents could come with their students and do mini art projects together. Keep your fingers crossed that I can get funds to do the event.

Carolyn Braden's Fifth Grade: Quilling

My fifth grade is working on a quilling lesson. We focused on symmetry, balance, line, and shape with this lesson. We studied the history of quilling and how it's a type of folk art. (Passed down from generation to generation). Students will take a quiz next on the concepts learned and assess themselves on creativity, craftsmanship and more.

Pinterest Idea Come To Life: 1st Grade Landscapes

After seeing this oil pastel landscape on Pinterest, I adapted it to fit my students learning needs. The students were able to create geometric or organic mountains. They drew them today and will paint during the next class. They will be making their own tints and shades, mixing primary colors to get secondary colors and creating texture like Vincent Van Gogh.
My 1st graders are such talented students!