5^th graders learned the ancient art of Japanese woodblock prints.  We explored Katsushika Hokusai’s work, 36 View from Mount Fuji.

Hokusai was a famous Japanese printmaker.  A printmaker carves into wood, metal, or linoleum, to create an image called a plate.  The plate is inked, and the image is transferred onto paper.  Printmaking has been around for hundreds of years, and before we had modern day printers, this is how we used to print copies of books and posters.

Hokusai truly valued the beauty of Japan’s landscapes.  After looking closely at Hokusai’s prints, we created our landscapes by carving into a plate. Once our plate was finished, we painted them, and using a brayer, we transferred our image onto a large paper.   In connection with learning about the art of Japanese printing, we learned the art of Japanese Sumi-E painting as we added a decorative edge around our border.

Kindergartners put on their annual performance of The Three Little Pigs.  This year the students made their own set for the musical in Art.  We discussed what a set is, and how they are used in stage performances.  We also discussed that an artist has the job of designing the sets.  After reading the story, The Three Little Pigs, students began working on their own set design sketches for their production.  We then compiled the different sketches into one final design, and transferred it onto two large backdrops.  Painting was the last step to complete our set.  Everyone had a part of the set they were responsible for painting.  So we all worked together, and our set was created for the musical!

2^nd graders learned explored the world of found object art.  Found object art is art made with objects you find.  They could be any objects: teacups, forks, game pieces, glasses, shoes, soda bottles, yarn, pieces of plastic, toys, the list could go on and on.  You can make art with almost anything!

After exploring found object artists and their work, we experimented with out our found objects to create hanging wall tiles.  Each student was given a piece of clay. We learned how tiles were made, by rolling clay into a slab.  Once we created our slab,  we used a variety of found objects to make imprints in our clay forming a pattern that is the same on both sides or a symmetrical pattern.

1^st graders experimented with the art of architecture as we created our own blue prints.  We learned that architecture is a career that uses a lot of art, and someone who does architecture is called an architect.  1^st graders learned that architects design all types of buildings, and their designs are called blue prints.

As we looked at the architecture of german architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, we learned that architecture doesn’t have to be plain.  Hundertwasser believed that buildings should be works of art, and wanted his buildings to be as unique as possible.  He used bright colors, interesting shapes, and tried to avoid using straight lines in his designs.  Hundertwasser also believed that architecture should collaborate with nature.  That explains why you’ll often see plants and trees growing from the tops of his buildings.