Visit to MoMA

On the Tuesday following Memorial Day Weekend 701, 709 and 809 visited the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. 709 & 809 are bilingual classes and were in one group while 701 is monolingual and were alone (together!).

I personally was with 701 and Mr. McLean and we visited 3 works of art and discussed them. The first was D'aimoiselles D'Avginon (sp?) a cubist painting by Picasso where the students discussed the painting. They wrote "postcards" to friends with a positive view and a negative views about the painting and share those opinions. Next we viewed a massive triptych by Monet of waterlilies. The students observed and discussed how the image changed when viewed from far and close up. Finally we looked at and actually entered into an installation piece that was a round wall that changed colors through the lights installed.

The students surprised and pleased me with their interesting comments and probing questions. I believe they enjoyed the day as much as I did.

Welcome to Art Blotch

As we wind down this school year of course I'm going to welcome you to my first blog. Timing is everything!!

This year in class we've explored a variety of ideas within art: symmetry, positive and negative space, perspective, cubism and more!!! If you've checked out the bulletin board outside room 243 you will have seen some exemplary examples of student work.

Also one day per week there have been a small but dedicated group of students who have joined me for Art Club. We've gotten to create puppets with Paris Craft, paint with watercolors, and mold clay.

Most recently students in class have been showing me the money. No, they're not bribing me for better grades, they're creating their own money to represent their own country. Working with design, layout, color and dimension. They're work will be displayed as mobiles in class.

Remember art can be intertwined in most lessons. If you need ideas please just ask!