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!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Lafayette Alum Brings Visiting Artist to Lafayette's ART Room


Lafayette alum, Jeffrey Prost-Greene, returned to Lafayette last week to launch his new venture to bring young artists into classrooms to share what inspires them.
Jeffrey wearing his 6th grade Lafayette T-shirt, poses with Ms. Harn's 2nd grade class



Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Underground Railroad + Math + ART + Computers = Fabulous Code "QUILTS"

Excitedly sharing our work in a "gallery walk"

One of our reflection creations!
Fifth graders explore the myth of underground railroad code quilts and create mathematical translations, reflections, and rotations with their designs using the Pages program in the computer lab. The results are spectacular!


Sunday, December 2, 2012

Creativity Flourishes During Open Art

Sometimes its great to let our creative juices flow and explore a new medium or an idea... just one of the many reasons why the art room can be a beehive of activity during OPEN ART!
A few creations from November:
A paper mache piggy bank 

A gift for a penguin lover

Masking tape is always fun to "draw" with

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Conservation is an Art at Lafayette!

This month fifth graders have explored how artists can impact conservation efforts through paintings and drawings of waterfowl in their habitats. 

Our unit culminated in a visit from Susan Mitner and Laurel Harrison from the Patuxent Research Refuge, and biologist Dan Rauch from the District Department of the Environment, to talk to us about the Jr. Duck Stamp Contest.
Exploring the contest, why it's important and our role in conservation.

Playing a game to experience what its like when migratory habitats are compromised.

Talking about wingspans and the shapes and habits of various species of ducks.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Arts Integration Celebrates How The Arts Keep Native American Traditions Alive!~


Regalia created to represent our heritage and what's important to us + a processional with flags to represent our class characteristics + a museum of storytelling skins, spirit masks and totems, and lesson-teaching Kachina dolls + Native American songs and dances + legends told through CETA Reader's Theater + lacrosse and archery videos of what we learned in P.E. class + hands on craft activities for the whole family + a museum scavenger hunt + a connection to our social studies curriculum = THE 2012 LAFAYETTE 4TH GRADE POWWOW INFORMANCE held November 2nd! 
Sharing music and dance

Sharing fables and myths

... like the legend of the three sisters.

Sharing our museum crafts with labels to explain their meaning to us

Our regalia represents who we are and our heritage!


Trying the museum scavenger hunt

A beaded necklace created during our craft portion

Enjoying sand painting to heal




Thursday, October 25, 2012

Our Own Kreeger Museum Fascinates Lafayette Pre-K Student

Andrew, a Pre-K student in Ms. Martinez's class, spent an engaging Saturday with his Mom exploring the Kreeger at a workshop for young art lovers and explorers! See if you can spot him here inside a sculpture meant for discovery!

Thank you to Laura Lindsley for sharing her photos and enthusiasm!
Check out the link to the Kreeger in the right column to register for future workshops!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

First Graders Can Tell You So Much About the ELEMENTS OF ART

Ask them about color... our most recent unit... how you mix the primaries to make secondaries, what are warm and cool colors, and how you create tints and shades... they are experts!

Exploring tint "stations" on the day we created color values (tints and shades) using white and black.