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/