Off Campus Adventures of 13-14

In October of 2013, I was able to attend the Alabama Art Educator's Association Professional Development Retreat in Orange Beach, AL. I was so excited! I have never been around so many creative professionals at once. Here are some images from my favorite workshops that I attended.

Last year, I was honored to be invited to teach art at two of my favorite places: The Birmingham Museum of Art and Vulcan Park. I love Birmingham, Alabama so much.

Last spring I worked at The Birmingham Museum of Art for the Education Department Family Program Holi Celebration. It was messy and I loved EVERY minute!

At Vulcan Park, I was invited to teach sculpture lesson to the Girl Scouts.  We used the Vulcan, the world's largest cast iron statue, as our inspiration. Students were asked to create a clay sculpture that represented what special gifts or talents they contribute to their community.

Glowing

I was so proud to see that one of my favorite blog's, Deep Space Sparkle, re-pinned one of my art lessons! I feel pretty legit!

New Art Books

I ordered several new art books for the 2013-2014 school year. One of my favorites was Ganesha's Sweet Tooth by Emily Haynes and Sanjay Patel. My students loved the story and illustrations. After reading the story we created our own sweet loving Ganesha.

Material Management Trick

Last fall, I created a new strategy for instruction that made life in the art room so much easier. I like to have all art materials on the table before students arrive; however, sometimes having the material there is a distraction.

To solve this problem I made media magnets. They hang out in a pink box (that matches the boxes on the student tables) until I'm ready to have students use them. When it's time, I pull it out and stick it to the board in the order that we are using the material. Students shouldn't have anything out of the box unless I've taken it out.

It's also serves as a nice reminder of the order in which we are working with materials. If students get behind, they can look at the board and see if they should color or cut first. 

Visiting Artist, Tommy Moorehead

Local artist, Tommy Moorehead, guest taught 4th grade last week. He shared his knowledge of Alabama Creek Indians. After a history lesson about the Native Americans from our area, he lead a art lesson on facial proportions and guided students in creating Creek Indian Portraits. Their artwork will be part of a community exhibit marking the 200 year anniversary of the Battle of Talladega.

Green Ribbon Efforts

Mrs. Murray, our science teacher, requested painted barrels to be used for recycle bins at the high school football field. Several 4th graders helped decorate them. Kicking the year off with acrylics! #ifearnothing

Lisa Frank Approves this Art Room

ART ROOM MAKE OVER

I really wish I had taken better before pictures! This place came a long way over the summer. Here are a few pictures of the cheery bright splash of joy you will find in room 101.

Let's see how long I can keep it this organized.

I have had my eye on this rug forever. The kids love it!