Friday, September 10, 2010

Pinwheels for Peace

The first project each year is Pinwheels for Peace in honor of the International Day of Peace.  It is a great project to get the kids back in the swing of things as well as teaching them about an art installation. 

My school has 400 students.  Each child brings a new sharpened pencil to art.  We begin by brainstorming words that are associated with peace. Kids will then decorate on side of the pinwheel with words from the brainstorming session.  On the other side, they will decorate it with pictures/symbols that are associated with peace.  Then they cut out and assemble the pinwheel to the pencil top with a tack.

On September 21, we will all "plant" our pinwheels in the part across the street from the school.  I will put up pictures after the event.

More information on the International Day of Peace and Pinwheel template can be found at:
http://www.pinwheelsforpeace.com/pinwheelsforpeace/home.html

Art Classes in Philadelphia

University of the Art has art classes for kids on Saturdays.  Check them out at:
http://cs.uarts.edu/saturdayartslab/about

Moore College of Art has art classes for kids too.  Check them out at:
http://www.moore.edu/site/youth_programs/young_artists_workshop

Local art centers that offer interesting art workshops:
http://fairmountartcenter.com/
http://www.theclaystudio.org/
http://www.allenslane.org/

Thursday, August 19, 2010

ShareThis

This is a link to my Classwish list.  It is a site where teachers can "wish" for items and wonderful donors can contribute a portion of the money needed to fulfill the wish. (they can even sponsor the whole wish)ShareThis

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Supplies needed in the Art Room

Hello,

Each year we seem to collect odd bits in order to create our masterpieces.  This year I would like to request the following:

digital cameras (with the ability to either connect to a computer or that has an SD card)
wire hangers
black sharpie markers
buttons
small bits (not larger than 2" square - for collages)
tissues (can't have enough of these)
wipes can't have enough of these, too)

Basically, I will take almost anything.  Before you throw it out, please ask me if we can use it.  No item is too weird.  I am usually inspired by the things I get.  So, Spring clean and see what good stuff you can find for our creative kids.

Thanks,

Ms. McKinnon

Friday, August 13, 2010

Back to School

Hello,

Welcome back to school. I hope everyone had a fun and safe Summer.

I created this blog so that parents and students have the most up to date information about what is happening in the art room.

You will find goals, vocabulary, homework, and other fun things associated with the current art lesson. Please click on the appropriate link to the left and you will be directed to your grade level page.

Just like last year, we will start of by making our Pinwheel Project in honor of the International Day of Peace on September 21. Be sure to stop by the park across from the school to see this annual art installation on 9/21.

Best of luck for another successful school year.

Ms. McKinnon