Creating a group art project with wire and paintings

 This was a rather involved projects that required several steps. First we created the background for each one of the squares using acrylic paints and then splattering the squares with alcohol to create a mottled design. We added several layers and finished with a splattering of metallic paint.

In the second session we added stencils which we filled with a plaster spackling compound allowed it to dry and then tinted the areas using diluted acrylic paint. Finally we framed each one of the squares using the same spackling compound. Most of the students also tinted the frame and textured it.

In our last session we worked as a group to create a layout, and attached all of the squares to a metal grid that we made ourselves. The students learned how to attach short links of metal rod to each other in order to create the grid. They also used mounting blocks to attach the squares to the grid. Lastly we attached wire to hang it in the lobby and gave it a title "Walk off the Earth"

3rd grade creates Calder type sculpture

As another element in sculpture we worked on sculptures that moved from an example from Calder. This was an example I found on Pinterest. The students were instructed to cut no less than five pieces to create a face from three different colors or shapes then punch them and attach them to each other using paper clips. Even with an example it was hard for some of them to envision that all of the pieces would be attached to each other and not glued down. In the and there were a series of "oh I get it" comments along with smiles. It did give us the opportunity of discussing different types of arts and a couple of the artists as well. I brought stencils for them to add designs to their pieces but many of them ran out of time before we could add designs.

Sculpting robots and aliens in 4th 5th grade

All of the groups have been using polymer clay to create creations this month. This group was by far the most adventurous of using all of the supplies. We have a collection of aliens and robots that just barely fit into the carrying boxes. It has been a lot of fun to use some of the metal fence and I pick up at the hardware store in order to create these. 

Dragon masks for Kindergarten

The kindergarten teacher asked me to do dragon masks with her class for Chinese new year. These are a take off on the ones I had done at the library last week. We created these SSML's and more as active creatures to use in doing a dragon dance. 
The children drew eyes on them, then added all the features using construction paper that THEY cut, finally adding the streamers. They could hardly wait to take them into the dragon dances with them.

Kindergarten create President stick puppets

I have had the classes create stick puppet presidents several times in the past. They turned out far better than any we've done. 
Someone had given me the black yarn that we used on Lincoln's beard and it was hey smash hit. It is remarkable that as the faces and bodies are assembled on the stick the puppets always come to life and begin to talk to each other.  We were also able to discuss the art of puppetry and discuss performance art and puppet shows.

Clay creations 6-8th grade

The original idea was that the students would create robots or other sci-fi type creations from polymer clay. They had other ideas. But it works. Some of them really like adding all the metallic pieces to their creations. Some of them preferred to create dragons or symbols or flowers. The clay was a bit of a challenge this time as it was overly stiff and difficult to use but we managed to create the project anyway.

1st grade sculpt presidents

Trying to find unique things to do with Clay can be a challenge. I think this one is a winner. The students were all given a ball of plain white salt play and encourage to sculpt faces pinching ears noses and mouths, and eyes. They then put the head on a total paper tube and dressed the presidents accordingly with blue or brown costumes. They even added hats appropriate to the president. Most of the students accented the eyes and the mouths with markers.

wire art for 4th & 5th grade

The goal of this project was to create a 3 dimensional item using wire (chenille stems) and beads and mount it on a piece of foam core board. The stories about the items are fantastic to hear.

Wire dragons present challenge for 4-5th grade

After the Jr. High group did wire dragons this group also chose to do this sculpture. It took 2 weeks but at the end of the time all of them had completed a dragon with wings, 4 legs and a tail that balanced and stood independently. They mastered twisting wire, attaching appendages, and balanceing the final project. They helped each other as one or another figured out how to get the pieces to fit properly. 
 There were frustrations but no one quit  before the dragon was complete. I think they are ready for a less challenging project next time. 

3rd grade clay and wire sculptures

The theme of the month was sculptures. We used both clay and wire to create a variety of sculptures. The third-grade students were given salt clay and a number of chenille stems. They created a number of creature and other items. A couple worked on gardens, a couple of airplanes, one is a car that "rolls", there are a number of what looks like cute bunnies, I believe a couple are dragons too.

Clay landmasses and more from grade 2

 Clay is popular and a good way to do some manipulation and creative activities. They have been studying landforms so the 2nd grade students were asked to create on of salt clay on a foam core board base. They were allowed to use chenille stems as supports. They made mountains, volcanoes, caves, and islands complete with trees.
We experimented coloring the white clay with markers.  The salt clay dries in about a week.

1st grade Life cycle of the Butterfly

This project let the students do several different techniques to create their life cycle pictures.
We stamped butterfies onto paper for them to color and cut out. They then pasted it onto the plate. We also outlined a leaf for them which they colored and cut out and pasted onto the plate. They then used a green chenille stem to create the Catapillar and put him on the plate and lastly used clay and a stick to create the chrysalis and glued it to the plate. They labeled it all and we pretty proud of their project. This class is always ready to try things so it has been fun to do complicated projects with them.