We are doing big things in the Freeman Art Department... literally. We are working with local artists Matt Lively and Hamilton Glass to create a huge artwork at Regency Square Mall. Together we are working to change the image of the forty-year-old mall. Each of our 216 art students will contribute a panel of one larger artwork. The opening should be right as the 2015 shopping season takes off. Take a look at this article in the Richmond Times Dispatch.
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Our first 3 artists this year in Art I and II were Albrecht Durer, Raphael and Rembrandt. I start them in the Renaissance in order to follow the changes in technology, ideas and movements as the world quickly changes. We cover one artist a week on the first day of the week all the way through the end of the year. On average they learn about 33 new artists and artworks. They have a quiz every three artists and these works will be on formal assessments throughout the year. Parents, ask your sons and daughters about the artists they are learning about!
We have finished our first projects in all of my classes. In Art I and II they finished their Horror Vacui Projects. They turned out even better than I thought they would. And they look great hanging together. In Ceramics, for the first time, we did a group project. The students loved working together and it was a great way to get to know each other at the beginning of the school year. The finished coil pots will be judged and the winning group will receive a gift basket for their hard work.
So, the school year has begun. In my Art I and II classes we are getting to know each other and looking a little deeper into what we all bring to our classrooms. We all have skills, knowledge, abilities and baggage that we bring to the classroom everyday. We come from different backgrounds and are asked to sit together and learn. In art class we are embracing it. We are creating works that will be displayed together, but will highlight each individual artist. Viewers will be able to look closely to discover a little about these budding artists.
Take a look at the idea of "Horror Vauci". The fear of negative space. Students are learning to brainstorm and plan for artworks, control their media, and push their ideas. Here are are few in progress. Take a look at this document_ to see the requirements. I have to be honest, I was purposefully avoiding the calendar on my phone until last week. As teachers we like to get lost in the bliss of summertime and are hesitant to begin to think of another new school year. I did not really want to know the actual date and how few days I had left before I had to start thinking about lessons, curriculum and grading. But, as I was forced to begin preparing for my children's return to school I could not help but to start to think about September 8th for myself. So, I dove right in. Every year I like to set some new goals for myself as a teacher. I reflect on what worked last year and what needs to be refreshed. Last years goals were simple, survive being new to the school district and do my best with being new to the seven period schedule and to sharing time with two high schools. I started with Henrico County Public Schools late, coming in half way through the teacher in service week. I was happy to have been offered the position at Godwin and Freeman but had already started back with my previous school (Bruton High School in Williamsburg). Last year was a whirlwind, but I think with everything being taking into account it was a success. This year my goals include honing my feedback and communication skills with students and parents, taking on new and engaging projects that students will connect with and, on the personal side, staying more organized. Offering extensive individualized feedback is time consuming, but when I think about how I would feel as a student or parent of a student I realize how important it is. So, I have a fourfold plan for focusing on feedback and communication.
And at Godwin we are planning field trips, and huge art shows.
I will let you know how the organization part of it is going. I will be sure to upload some classroom pictures. I have a feeling this is going to be a great school year! |
AuthorArt teacher at Freeman and Godwin High Schools. Art I, II and Ceramics. Archives
October 2015
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