Lafayette artists are learning about the power of the arts to transmit joy, transform sorrow, change minds, and heal hearts! In Lafayette’s art studio classroom we are not only learning about the elements, principles and media of the visual arts, but are using the arts to gain a greater understanding, depth and richness of language arts, math, science and social studies curricula. We are hoping learning in and through the arts at Lafayette nurtures lifelong learners and creators!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Mural Installation Complete!

Next time you see Custodial foreman George Young or his right hand man Glenn White, make sure you say THANK YOU for installing our brand new L-A-F-A-Y-E-T-T-E mural!!! 
The finishing touches will hopefully happen very soon as we add the final coat of color to the areas around the mural and a few more coats of polyurethane to the panels themselves.



Monday, October 24, 2011

Listening to our Ancestors

First graders are learning about the earliest artists... from the cave painters of Lascaux to Aboriginal bark painters...  Recently we imagined we were entering "dreamtime" like the Aborigines. We used dots to make shape creatures and art "language."

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Weaver Extroadinaire

Lunchtime weavers have been at it fast and furious, but one diligent 4th grader pictured here, has out weaved them all!


Saturday, October 15, 2011

10 museums- 2 days

Time to feed the art teacher!
DAY 1: My father, James McLaughlin, was an integral part of the Phillips Collection for half a century and the curator of the museum in the last years of his life. Each year around this time, an exhibit of artwork created by the museum staff is held in his memory. I always love revisiting the Phillips, where I spent many hours as a child and as a museum assistant when I was a young adult. The staff, many of whom are working artists or art students, were celebrated in this annual tradition... my father would have been proud!
DAY 2: The art teachers in DCPS spent our Professional Development Day at workshops held by 10 DC area museums and networking with other art teachers around the city... all held in the spectacular Kogod Courtyard at the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery! An inspirational way to spend the rainy day.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Picnic Table Makeover!

Time for a much needed makeover!  Industrious fifth graders scrubbed, sanded, primed, and finally began repainting the Broad Branch Market picnic tables this week. We enjoyed the sunshine, the camaraderie and the satisfaction of contributing to the beautification of the Lafayette neighborhood!



Saturday, October 1, 2011

ARPILLERA Fascination

Want to show your setting and characters, and tell your story visually? Try creating a mixed media STORYTELLING ARPILLERA like these 3rd graders! 


Fabric panels, originally made in Peru and Chile have captivated our imaginations for the past month and our unique interpretations are now being posted for display throughout the building in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.