The Ratner School Art Program

We had a quiet week in school with the middle school field trips last week. The change in energy was noticeable and I am glad to have everyone back at school this week.  Work continues in the art program up until the very last day of classes and each grade level has begun a new series of projects. I am running many classes out of the Maker Space at this time of year and the students are enjoying the change of scenery in art. I love seeing the pride on the faces of the students as they develop understanding of the tools used in the shop. It is a powerful moment when something works exactly as they planned. Each year the student work grows in complexity in the Maker Space and I love seeing their skills continue to grow. 

Photo by Nan Zito

Kindergarten Art

We began our Humanities study of Earth Day and Jane Goodall this past week. We focused on the Earth Day portion of the studies by talking about the art work of Andy Goldsworthy. We discussed how he used natural materials to create his art and why he chose to create his work in nature as well. Students discussed what natural materials they may be able to find on our school grounds to make art with. We went outside to gather a container of materials for each student to create a radial collage on white and black board. They designed their piece using grass, twigs, mulch, stones, leaves and flowers. Many students were able to complete two pieces and enjoyed using unusual materials in their work.

1st and 2nd Grade Art

We began a sculpture project using several different styrofoam shapes and wood sticks last week. Each student had the same number and shape of forms, but could construct their sculpture in any combination and arrangement they chose. I did ask that the forms be abstract so they could begin to see the relationship between the shapes instead of trying to make a recognizable form. This proved difficult for some students, but they all kept trying until their sculptural form was balanced, looked interesting from all sides and was abstract. The next phase of the project involved covering the forms with layers of plaster cloth. This was messy and fun. They showed patience getting the form smooth and applying several layers for strength and stability. We will begin painting the forms this week.

3rd and 4th Grade Art

It was wonderful to see so many parents at the Poetry Slam last Thursday. I enjoyed working with the students on the backdrop and was impressed with their ability to see perspective on a large scale and their ability to paint textures, shading and details. The backdrop really helped "set the stage."
We began a wood project in the Maker Space last week and the students learned how to match the correct size drill bit with wooden dowels to make a connection without nails or screws. They are constructing a found object sculpture using only that method of connection. Each student had a lesson on how to use the hand held power drill and they are showing their ability to work carefully in the shop. We may finish out the year in the Maker Space depending on how the project progresses.

5th and 6th Grade Art

The students are doing a great job working in the Maker Space on their found object dowel joined sculptures. They are growing in confidence using the tools and are showing great care with each power tool. Please know that if a student is not using a tool safely, they will not get a warning or a second chance. Each student has been given lessons on the proper use of each tool and they are fully aware of my expectations in the Maker Space. So far, every student is on track and doing a great job with the use of the tools and are moving safely in the space. I believe we will finish out the year on this project.

Found object sculpture by Leslie Hilling

7th and 8th Grade Art

We had no art classes this past week due to the field trip. We are continuing work on the History projects for the remainder of the year.