5th grade artists showed their Bellflower spirit with some amazing designs! Congrats to our winner, Layla O. for her lifelike view of Bellflower! Also pictured is our runner-up design by Madison D. full of color-popping tie-dye! I am so proud of all of our artists for participating.

Yearbooks can be ordered from Prelude Photography - here is the link!

It's a colorful world in kindergarten and we're just living in it! We started the new year with some "magic" watercolor snowmen where we explored primary colors. Then we jumped into warm and cool color fun with a set of Jim Dine-inspired hearts. We are ready to spread some love in color this month!

Shhhhhh....

This is me over here trying to contain my excitement about these teapot mouse houses. We were inspired by the beautiful illustrations in the book Before We Sleep, in which animal friends are getting ready for the change in seasons. We've had so much fun imagining the perfect cozy homes to curl up in when it's coooooolllllld outside!

Our woodland masterpieces are finally complete! After a December pause for holiday fun, we pulled our animals back out to add some finishing touches with collage. We created SPACE by overlapping layers of Ohio's (also overlapping) seasons. Next up: PAINT! We recently learned about Josef Albers and are working on our own explorations and observations of color.

Third grade is learning about contemporary folk artist Heather Galler and her use of bold color and pattern. We are creating a still life featuring a hot cocoa mug - perfect for this wintery start to February! Here's a fun dinner table game to play: Eye Spy with patterns in the kitchen!

Fourth graders are gearing up for some fun with fiber art! We learned about weaving, taking inspiration from Navajo culture as we reviewed basic techniques using a simple paper loom. In the weeks ahead, we'll build on our knowledge by creating a yarn weaving on upcycled CDs!

Challenge your 4th grader to a knot tie-off today!

Color theory is comin' in hot in 5th grade - in colored pencil AND paint! We are learning about color schemes and how they can change the mood of an artwork. Our Warhol prints are popping with hand-colored details. We'll focus on monochromatic color schemes next, as we mix tints and shades to explore value.

THE PUMPKINS ARE DONE! THE PUMPKINS ARE DONE!

(Wow, that was a big one!)

Moving on this month:

• Next meetings: February 16 & March 9, After school until 3:15. Our roster is now FULL.
  

Art Bar (short for Barbara Rucci) is one of my go-to inspirations for creative ideas at home. The winter months can feel like they last forever, and it helps to have a few easy tricks up your sleeve when everyone gets a bit stir-crazy. From crafting with cardboard to colorful paintings and mobiles, I always find something new from her website, books, newsletter, and Instagram feed. The video below previews a handful of great winter activities with common materials. More details and instructions for each can be found on this blog post!

Elementary Art students’ assessment is based on the following:

• Knowledge and use of art concepts including the elements of art and principles of design

• Craftsmanship (control of tools and materials)

• Creative Expression (The ability to use memory and imagination for visual expression)

• Demonstrates and understanding of artistic concepts

• Demonstrates artistic techniques appropriate to grade level

O Outstanding 9.5-10 pts. out of 10

The student:

• Applies elements and principles of design in a highly effective manner.

• Shows superb craftsmanship

• Demonstrates a high level or creativity and originality

• Uses previous knowledge towards new lessons

• Demonstrates ability beyond grade level

S+ Above Average 8-9.4 pts. out of 10

The student:

• Shows some awareness of applying elements and principles of design

• Shows an effective level of craftsmanship

• Demonstrates creativity

• Makes connections to prior learning

• Demonstrates above grade level ability

S Satisfactory 7-7.9 pts. out of 10

The student:

• Demonstrates an average understanding in the application of the elements and principles of design

• Shows an adequate level of craftsmanship

• Demonstrates some creativity

• Begins to make connections to previous knowledge

• Demonstrates grade level ability

S- Below Average 6-6.9 pts. out of 10

The student:

• Demonstrates less than grade level understanding of the elements and principles of design.

• Shows limited craftsmanship

• Shows a low level of creativity

• Has difficulty in making connections to previous knowledge

• Demonstrates below grade level ability

NI Needs Improvement 5.9 or less out of 10

The student:

• Has not adequately completed art work

• Needs improvement in skill and technique application