April-May Art Update!

Hello and welcome back to "Mrs. Miller's Makers!"

At this point of the year we are getting into some of our best projects and the students reach new heights with their art making abilities. It is a joy to see them grow as young artists!

On Thursday, May 18th the Thorson 5th graders had their Fine Arts Night! Here is a video of the artwork from Mr. Hartling's 5th grade class!

Thorson Fine Arts Night 2023

As we draw closer to the end of the year when students will be packing up all of their artwork and bringing it home (stay tuned for more info on that), we are in need of materials such as newspaper, bubble wrap, and other wrapping/packaging materials. If you have some to send with your child to art class, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Here's what we've been up to in each grade level...

Kindergarten artists are enjoying a piece of abstract art inspired by Russian artist, Wassily Kandinsky!" The students enjoyed learning about Kandinsky and looked closely at his artwork entitled, Squares with Concentric Circles." The students learned that the artwork made by Kandinsky was a color study focused on the art making process of seeing what colors look like together in different combinations. 

Color Study - Squares with Concentric Circles, 1913

To make their own version of the artwork, the kinders were given a blank white paper with a grid of 12 squares. For our first lesson, the students boarded the "color train" and traveled around the room printing every color on the color wheel using foam blocks. I enjoyed being the train conductor and blowing the whistle as students moved from color to color. They practiced naming and recognizing the 12 colors (primary, secondary, and tertiary). 

For the second lesson, the students were asked to draw a circle and paint a circle in each square. They were encouraged to mix colors with the paint just as Kandinsky did and give a name to the colors they mixed :) During the final lesson, the students were given a variety of objects that they could glue down to make circles (foam, paper, yarn, buttons, beads, etc.). The favorite material was of course GLITTER! 

It was so fun to see the artworks progress with the different colors and textures. Soon, we will be sewing a border around the abstract art with TWO types of stitches!

First grade artists are finishing up their TWO batik projects! Both the fabric batik (with glue and paint on fabric) and the paper batik (crayon and black paint) are done, so we are now making fancy frames to display them! Before I describe the frames, let's back up and review the most memorable part of the batik process for the paper batik... the students were asked to CRUMPLE up their crayon coloring of the sunflowers! What?! This shocked many of the students and some even laughed out loud! They learned this was an essential step in making a wax batik to create the awesome crackle effect! After smoothing out the crumpled artwork, they brushed the paper with black watercolor allowing it to stain the cracks. The crayon did a great job of pushing away the paint creating a nice contrast of colorful sunflowers and a dark background. 

We are now creating TWO fancy frames for our batiks! One with glue and metallic paint (like an ornate frame you would see in a museum) and one with a stitched border :) We can't wait for you to see the finished artworks soon!

Second grade artists completed their fabulous Clay Picture Frames that were uniquely designed by each student. As the students planned out and created their frames that practiced a variety of art making skills. With their sketches we talked about representational vs non representational designs, as well as creating a nice composition of positive and negative space. When it came to working with the clay, the students learned to roll out a slab (flat piece of clay) and cut out pieces to fit the paper templates (harder than it looks)! Each artist was asked to show the following clay making methods when adding designs to their frames: coil (snake like pieces), extra slab (roll and cut out), texture (pressing in objects like texture plates and shoes), drawing (using a wooden stylus), and negative space (removing areas of  clay - optional). 

After the art pieces were fired in the kiln, the students were able to add COLOR! They first colored the raised areas of the frame with oil pastels to capture the textures they made in the clay. Then the students used water down paint to fill in the rest of the open areas. Each student had a blast with this and was very thoughtful with their use of color... especially since they knew they were making it for someone special ;)

We are now beginning our Pop Art Paints project, which combines printmaking and sculpture!

Third grade artists completed their AMAZING Felted Tapestries, which are on display for all to see :) We are now working on our CLAY project... Clay Canopic Jars! The artwork connects to their Ancient Egyptian unit of study, which made the students all the more excited when the project was introduced! This year we are giving it a creative twist... rather than creating one of the four traditional Canopic jar heads, the students were given the fun task of selecting their own head. They were asked the question, "If you were an animal, what animal would you be?" The head of the jar should represent their personality in some way.

After gathering images to guide the clay designing process, we began making the base of the jar. The students rolled out slabs of clay and cut them to fit templates (one curved rectangle and two circles). They will then learn how to wrap the clay around a cup (used as a mold) and attach the clay together to make a cylinder. Eventually the students will be adding hieroglyphics to the bottom of the jar and will also be forming and shaping the clay to make their unique head. This will be followed with painting the jars after they have been fired in the kiln! Stay tuned for our last update next month to see the finished products!

Fourth grade artists are in the midst of constructing their Clay Coil Vessels! The students got a brief history of coil pottery, tracing it all the way back to Ancient Greece! The students then saw a wide variety of clay coil projects as inspiration for their own designs. The students were given the task of designing a vessel that is both decorative/pleasing to the eye, and functional. The clay project gave the artists TONS of practice in forming and shaping coils as well as joining clay together using the "4 S's." It is so fun to see what direction the students take the project. Each clay project is unique and made with a great deal of thought and creativity! :) Once the projects are fire in the kiln the students will be able to glaze them!

Fifth grade artists are thoroughly enjoying their last and most anticipated project of the school year... CLAY CAKE SLICES! :) Many of the students look forward to this project as soon as 1st and 2nd grade. The students learned about artist Wayne Thiebaud prior to designing their cakes since he was well known for painting cakes, pies, and other tasty treats. His artwork was whimsical, inviting, and mouth watering with its realistic use of oil paint that appeared like buttercream on canvas. 

The 5th grade artists were asked to come up with a theme for the cake and sketch out their designs in their sketchbooks, as well as gather digital images for inspiration. They then rolled out many slabs of clay and cut them to fit paper templates. This is the FIRST year that I had students request a shape other than a triangular cake slice. That's the thing about teaching... the students always keep you on your toes and stretch you in new ways. I am always learning and growing too! So... we came up with a design for a whole circular cake AND a circular cake with a slice cut out! 

The 5th grade artists will begin to paint their cakes after they have been fired in the kiln. They are excited to amaze you with their awesome Clay Cakes when you see them at the 5th Grade Fine Arts Night. Can't wait to see you there!

March Art Update!

Happy spring and welcome back to the Art Blog!

It's art show season! Earlier in March, the Gallery of Student Art opened at the Cedarburg Cultural Center and is still going on through April 16th. Another art show is happening at the Cedarburg Public Library through the end of April. Between the two shows, I have over 100 pieces of student work on display! Lots of terrific artwork to check out if you haven't already :)

Cedarburg Cultural Center Art Show Photo Album HERE

Cedarburg Public Library Art Show Photo Album HERE

Also... seeing as summer is right around the corner I wanted to share a couple art opportunities I have come across that your young artist(s) may be interested in.

Main Street Art Camp:

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Cedarburg Art Museum presents Main Street Art Camp: Creating Artistic Masterpieces. This children’s art camp will be held every Friday in the museum’s Outdoor Courtyard and Sculpture Garden from June 23 through July 28.  Weekly themes will reflect the Museum’s architecture, current exhibitions, and origins of Wisconsin Art. Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Cedarburg Art Museum, children will be encouraged to explore the featured artists of Wisconsin as they study their work and create their own art through creative expression.

Main Street Art Camp offers a range of sessions that align with a variety of age groups.  Children aged 3 to 11, all skill levels and abilities, are invited to participate:

Artists in Exploration (3-5 years): 9 to 10:30 AM 

Setting Forth Artists (6-8 years): 11 to 12:30 PM

Immersed Artists (9-11 years):  1 to 2:30 PM

Registration is now open. Each session is $9.00 per child or $50.00 per child for all sessions. Cedarburg Art Museum members at the Preferred/Family level or above will receive a 10% discount on their registration.  To register or find more information, visit www.cedarburgartmuseum.org/camp or contact the museum at (262) 377-6123 or info@cedarburgartmuseum.org. 

See digital flyer HERE

The museum is also looking for both adult and student (aged 12-18) volunteers to assist at Main Street Art Camp and other various programs through 2023. If you have any interest, please contact the museum.

Cedarburg Cultural Center Youth Art Classes:

https://www.cedarburgculturalcenter.org/youth-classes

Inside the art studio, we continue to learn, grow, and enjoy creating every day!

Check out what we've been working on...

Kindergarten artists are nearing the end of their Clay Cupcake project! The students first learned to draw a cupcake in their sketchbook. They then practiced clay making techniques and designs with playdough. Once they were given the clay, they created two pinch pots... one for the bottom which was made in a silicone cupcake liner, and one for the top that was flipped over upside down. We then had a friendly competition to see how long of a coil they could make for frosting. That was wrapped around the cupcake like a car going up a parking ramp. We finished the clay making by forming and shaping a variety of toppings. We practiced the very important clay making methods of "score, slip, stick, and smooth" in order to join the clay together.

Soon, the young artists will get to PAINT their Clay Cupcakes after they have been fired in the kiln! Yahoo! :)

Practicing with play-dough before making our Clay Cupcakes!

All that play-dough practice paid off! The kinders did GREAT with making their two clay pinch pots and a LONG coil to wrap around for frosting!

Mrs. Olson's class and their adorable and delicious looking cupcakes!

Some cupcake close ups and proud cupcake artists! :)

Look at those AMAZING cupcakes! Ready to dry out and go into the kiln.

Some spring creations during our last art class before spring break :)

First grade artists are in the midst of their fiber unit! They get to make TWO types of batiks: a paper batik and a fabric batik. The subject of their artwork is a vase of sunflowers painted by Impressionist artist Vincent VanGogh (one of Mrs. Miller's personal favorite artists). The students drew their vase of sunflowers by hand by following along with a step by step demonstration. They then colored in every area of their drawing to protect the white paper before it is crumpled up (yup, you read that right) and painted over with watered down black paint. The crumpling will give the artwork the signature "crackle" effect that batiks have. 

The first grade artists will then create their fabric batik by tracing their drawings with liquid glue on fabric. They will "dye" the fabric with paint, and then the glue will be washed away leaving behind white lines which is another classic batik characteristic. We can't wait to show you our awesome artwork once it is complete! 

VanGogh Sunflowers hand drawn by Mrs. Speath's first graders.

VanGogh Sunflowers hand drawn by Mrs. Carpenter's first graders.

Some "Free Choice Art" creations after choosing that as a class reward for filling up their class palette!

Some more creations that the students had so much fun making and were so proud of! ❤

Second grade artists are enjoying their clay unit by designing and making their Clay Picture Frames! The students came up with two different designs in their sketchbooks and chose their favorite. They then rolled out a slab of clay and cut out the shape of their frame with a paper template. The inside of the frame was removed and then the students set to work on adding designs to their frames while demonstrating a variety of clay making techniques. Somewhere on their frame they needed to use a coil, slab, texture, drawing, and negative space. Each of the students are loving the clay making process and are learning a lot along the way!

2nd grade sketches for Clay Picture Frames!

Teaming up to cut out slabs of clay using the paper template.

Doing a great job, and easier with friends to help!

Having so much fun adding texture to the clay with the bottom of shows and/or texture plates!

Third grade artists are having a BLAST creating their Felted Tapestries! This is always a favorite project among students since it is such a unique art making process that uses tools like a needle, foam block or sponge, and different types of fiber materials. The artists were asked to create 3 different sketches... one representational, one abstract, and one non-representational. They then had a chance to experiment with their materials to better understand how the art making process worked AND what materials would make the most sense for their design. 

The tapestries are now complete and the students are designing sticks to go along with their felting project. Once the stick is decorated, the students will learn how to sew the tapestry onto the stick with a "whip stitch."

3rd grade artists creating sample pieces before making their larger dry felted tapestries. The students practiced using the tools properly and learned how to attach different materials together (yarn, wool roving, felt, and fabric) just with the use of a dry felting needle! No glue! 

Some Thorson students getting a hang of the dry felting and LOVING it!

A couple of Parkview students wanted to give WET felting a try and their artworks turned out SO GREAT! Their chosen themes were a three tiered birthday cake with a number 9 candle and a snowman at sunset. The wet felting process involves layering loose wool roving, wetting it with soapy water, and rolling it in bubble wrap to join the fibers together using friction.

A couple dry felted pieces. Both of these happen to be beautiful landscapes. Can you identify what materials the artists used?

Part TWO of the project... designing a stick for the tapestry to hang from! Students used a variety of materials including: paint, tape (for masking method), yarn, beads, glitter, etc.

Fourth grade artists are diving into the pirate theme by making a prop for their 4th grade musical! They are making telescopes or "spy glasses" that are actually a kaleidoscope inside! The students had fun designing the outside with all kinds of pirate symbols and designs... even a pirate name if they wished. The pirate name generator we found was lots of fun to use :)

The inside of the spy glass is more functional than decorative since it needs to work as a kaleidoscope. With the use of plastic lids, paper, glue, hole punchers, cardboard, shiny paper and colorful shiny objects, we are managing to make colorful designs that are reflected with handmade mirrors! The students will be so excited to use their telescopes (disguised as kaleidoscopes) for the musical this May! Can't wait! :)

Looking good 4th grade! Each telescope is one of a kind! :)

Some Thorson artists designing their artwork and musical prop!

A favorite added feature was the metallic tape. Thanks Ms. Kurth for helping us add it :)

Fifth grade artists wrapped up their Artist Inspired Self Portraits at the end of March! What a fun and challenging art project that was such a great learning experience for our fifth grade artists!

We are now in the process of designing the most anticipated project of all... Clay Cake Slices! The students were SO excited to choose a theme for their cake and begin searching for pictures of inspiration. The students learned how to draw a 3D cake slice in their sketchbooks and were asked to consider what their cake will look like from all angles. We will soon be rolling out MANY slabs of clay to construct the cake and will be attempting to recreate textures and designs in our clay making to make the cakes look real and inviting. We look forward to sharing our progress in the next art update, and also IN PERSON at the 5th grade Fine Arts Night (more info coming about that soon :)

Some AMAZING 5th grade Artist Inspired Self Portraits!

Some classes filled their class palette and enjoyed earning Free Choice Art! Students got to use any materials they wished and then took their art creation home :) It was AWESOME seeing some students try art materials and techniques they saw fellow classmates using during the creation of their A.I.S.P. They were like "I saw that student doing an art making process for their artwork... can I try it too?" I happily said "YES!"

SO COOL to see how each student interpreted their artists style and came up with their own unique piece of art inspired by that artist. Artists of inspiration: VanGogh (left), Giuseppe (top right), M.C. Escher (bottom left)

5th grade artists creating Seesaw presentations which will be accessible at the 5th grade Fine Arts Night through the use of QR codes! :)