3-D Lines

Kindergarteners just finished a unit on lines.  We began by reading "Harold and the Purple Crayon." They then learned how to draw and name lines such as straight, curvy, zigzag and wavy. Next, they learned what a sculpture is and how to create lines that you can see all sides of.  The results are amazing!

Opening Doors Around the World

It is my pleasure to be teaching at Chimney Lakes Elementary this year!

 

This is my 11th year teaching art in Duval County. I have lived in Jacksonville for over 30 years.  I grew up in New York state, where I got my Studio Art degree.  After I moved to Jacksonville, I pursued my Elementary Education degree at Jacksonville University with a Master of Art in Teaching (M.A.T.) And interestingly enough, my father was also an art teacher!

I belong to NE Florida Art Educators Association, National Art Educators Association, and formerly to Fiber Artists Network and the local chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  I recently had an article published In “Arts and Activities” about a lesson I developed based on Mexican wrestling.   I also contribute illustrations to the children’s book series “If Picasso…” about famous artists.  These books are sold online as well as art museum gift shops across the US. 

This year, all grades will learn about and create the art and handcrafts from many different continents and cultures. These projects will be comprised of both 2-D and 3-D art pieces.  Emphasis will be on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design and vocabulary in keeping with the FL New Generation Sunshine State Standards.  Fifth graders will take a district Curriculum Guide Assessment at the beginning of the year and again in May to measure growth. Also, in March, the annual DCPS Elementary Art Show will be installed at public libraries throughout the city.  A juried group of artwork from these shows will be selected for the Best of Elementary Show in the spring. 

Annual Elementary Art Show

Here are the pieces selected for the annual DCPS Elementary Library Art Show.  Our school has some wonderful artists, doesn't it?!

NAEA Conference

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend my first national convention of the National Art Educators Association.  It was held in the Windy City - Chicago!  And yes it was windy and cold!

The highight of my trip was meeting and taking a hands-on workshop from a rockstar in the art ed world, Cassie Stephens!  She is an art teacher out of the Nashville area and I have been following her blogs for years.  She sews most of her own clothes to go along with her art classes.  On the day I met her she was wearing her Andy Warhol Campbell's Soup Can dress. 

Next Stop...Africa

First graders saw pictures of designs and handicrafts from Africa and drew their own versions of djembe drums, using motifs taken from African patterns.

Just a Dot

After I read kindergarteners "The Dot" they were given a piece of drawing paper, blank except for one green dot.  They then created a design based around the dot.  They probably didn't realize they were also creating radial balance!

Balloons Over Burma

Third graders created 3-D pictures of Burmese landscapes - misty mountains and sightseeing balloons.