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!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Artist and Quilter Principal Main Shares Her Passion


She had them in the palm of her hand... Lafayette's 5th graders were held spellbound as Principal Main shared her own quilts and a Depression Era feedsack quilt with our Lafayette 5th grade history buffs.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

A Deeper Connection


Last Friday in our window hallway I came upon Mr. Nik's fifth graders having an intimate interaction with Dorothea Lange's photographs. 

These pencil drawings will eventually become a part of our Arts Integration Multimedia Informance on the Great Migration, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Great Depression, coming up in March.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Portrait Fascination

I was thrilled to join 4F and 4K on their expedition to the National Portrait Gallery yesterday morning. 


We got the "VIP tour" from three engaging and knowledgable docents. We heard students wishing the tour were longer... I was in agreement! Who woulda thunk colonial portraits could be SO FASCINATING???



One serious art student capturing all he was learning!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Extraordinary Accomplishments

     Sometimes during OPEN ART from 12-1, students create something extraordinary... on their own... with just a little support and encouragement. THAT'S the kind of thing Open Art is for. 
     Sure, some of us come to the room because it's a relaxing place to draw and hang with friends. And some of us come because we need more than 45 minutes a week to get our work done. Some of us come to practice on the pottery wheels, or create a Comic Life strip on the Macs based on the zany adventures of ourselves.


... But some of us come because we have a need to CREATE! Check out this talented 5th grader's woven pouch created last month:

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Fantastic, Fantasy Rooms!

How to read a portrait?

  • FACIAL EXPRESSION
  • FOCAL POINT
  • GESTURE
  • CLOTHING
  • and our focus last month.....SETTING!!!!






  • Each room unique and detailed, 4th graders explore settings through collage. 

Sunday, January 1, 2012

We'll Miss Mr. Clayman!

As the New Year begins in the art room, things will seem a little different as our much loved student teacher, Mr. Clayman, has moved on to new things... hopefully involving an art classroom of his own:) 
On Wednesday before the winter break we had a chance to thank him formally and say goodbye in the Great Hall.
***Note his fabulous "golden L" apron, signed by almost all the students at Lafayette and that he's holding a special book containing thank you messages, recipes, poems and more from each class at the school... thank you teachers for your help in making this happen!  We also sent him out in style with a Lafayette hat and shirt and serenaded him with our "Hail to Lafayette"!