Unloading the Kiln!

It is so exciting to open up the kiln after a firing to check the progress of student work!  I am so thrilled with the 6th grade Totem Masks and 8th grade Ceramic Containers.  They all worked so hard on these projects and continued their learning of the clay building process.

Sixth grade students studied the Totem Mask sculptures by Cynthia Baush.  Baush creates Totem Masks to honor the animal totems and features many animals in her work including the wolf, spider, bear, dragonfly, eagle, lynx and more.  Baush also includes unique symbols on each mask that communicate the animal's strengths and gifts.

Students learned about the importance of animal totems in the Native American culture and combined both human and animal characteristics to their mask.

Cynthia Baush - Totem Mask

BMS 6th Grade Animal Totem Masks

Eighth grade students have been focusing their time and energy on creating functional clay containers with lids.  One or more notches were added to keep the lid from falling off and a handle was added for easy removal.  Students chose their own theme to decorate their containers; using both adding and carving techniques.  I am so happy with the work they each class completed - I cannot wait to get the kids glazing next week!!

Eighth Grade

 Clay Containers

Aboriginal Art: Dot Paintings

I really enjoy teaching sixth grade students about the Aboriginal Culture in Australia.  This visual arts unit combines creativity in multiple ways; students choose an animal to draw, use traditional Aboriginal symbols to create a unique story about their animal and write their stories using complete sentences.  Students add color to their Aboriginal stories using colored pencil, then practice the process of dot painting using acrylic paint (using the end of paint brushes, wooden skewers or chopsticks).  Students enjoy learning about the Aboriginal Culture and have a blast sharing their animals and stories.  Check out some sixth graders below as they dot paint away!

Ridiculously Relevant Professional Development for ART Teachers

I recently participated in the 2015 Art of Ed. Online Winter Conference.  I cannot express how important this professional development is for art educators and I am so thankful that Jessica Balsley and the Art of Education team offers art educators this amazing opportunity!  We were able to view so many great videos from outstanding art teachers from around the country!  The professional development topics covered included: Technology in the Art Room, Weaving Ideas, Clay Tools and Housekeeping Tricks, Creating a Student Gallery, Tracking Student Growth, Art Room Visuals, and they were many, many more!  Any art teachers out there who have not taken advantage of this PD opportunity, visit the Art of Education website at http://www.theartofed.com/  Online conferences are offered in the summer and winter!  Check it out!