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!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Ready, Set, Stitch!

The fifth grade quilt is underway after over a month of exploring the Underground Railroad coded message quilts through a digital quilt design (thought to be a myth but such a cool idea!) now on display throughout the Lafayette building. We also looked at quilts from before and during the Civil War and explored the stories behind their creation.

We spent 2 class periods hand stitching pieces of a North Star pattern for our annual 5th grade quilt that we will sell to raise money for Lafayette at the auction in March. Just today we began working on the machines during open art! Look how far we've come already! Excitement abounds and the momentum is palpable!!!

Monday, January 12, 2015

Sharing Our Art With Those Less Fortunate!

What can top creating art? Creating art for others… especially those who need our care! 

A special thanks to first grade parent Regina Davis who came into the art room during my time with Ms. Howard's class to read a touching book about a homeless woman titled "The Lady in the Box" … a wonderful story by Ann McGovern about how a young brother and a sister befriend a homeless woman and how it enriches their lives. 
The illustrations were full of gorgeous visual texture… a concept our first graders have been exploring this winter. After reading this story, three classes of our first graders created cards for Miriam's Kitchen and Ms. Davis delivered them for us before the holidays. The snow was created with sponges in visual texture and then clothing and other details were added the following week with tactile texture (texture you can touch!) So charming!!!


Ms. Davis passed on a warm thanks:
"Just wanted to share a picture of one of the case managers and guests of Miriam's Kitchen. The Executive Director said she couldn't even begin to tell me how much the guests loved the holiday cards, and one of the guests saw the bag of cards and wanted his early so many others followed suit. She also said the guests thought the cards and their messages were incredibly sweet and that the personal touches meant the world to them.   Thanks again for the opportunity to share this project with the students."
This week our third graders are creating more cards for Miriam's kitchen using textured papers they created last week using various techniques including scraping and stamping… more to come soon! Creating art to share with others is truly a privilege for those of us who are so privileged!