This Valentine Op-Art lesson was inspired by the art of British artist Bridget Riley. I knew that the boys in my 5th grade class were not going to go for the traditional valentine project this year, so adding a heart to an Op-Art hand drawing seemed like the perfect compromise! I've done this project a few times now, and some of my 5th, 6th and 7th graders have … [Read more...]
The Art of Blackout Poetry
Have you discovered Blackout Poetry yet? It's equally fun for kids and adults and you probably have all you need to do it without buying a thing! Blackout Poetry is a form of “found poetry” where you select words that catch your interest from a newspaper, book, or other printed text - along with a few additional words to make it flow. Then you “redact” all the words you … [Read more...]
Mix ‘n Match Faces
Each month brings a new challenge with the Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA) CIVIC KIDS campaign! Their theme for November is “Equity”…. perfect for election month, don’t you think?! equity noun 1 the equity of society: fairness, justness, impartiality, egalitarianism; objectivity, balance, open-mindedness." The challenge is open to kids everywhere… you don’t need to … [Read more...]
Scholastic Art Giveaway
When the editor of Scholastic Art contacted me about reviewing their magazine on my blog and hosting a giveaway, I jumped at the chance! Scholastic Art has a special place in my heart. As a high school senior, I was chosen to receive a Scholastic Art Scholarship to an art school in Boston. Even though I had to decline the scholarship, the honor of being selected gave me a huge … [Read more...]
Unwind with a Relaxing Ceramic “Feeling Sculpture”
This "Feeling Sculpture" may be the most relaxing clay project you’ll ever do. My students loved it so much, they asked to do it again the next week! Ages 5-85 can all have fun with this project that could double as therapy. Credit for this awesome project goes to my daughter’s high school Ceramics teacher, Mr. Emery. He challenged his students to form the clay with their eyes … [Read more...]
Kaleidoscope Lettering – New & Improved!
While I love creating new art projects to keep things fresh and interesting, some of the older projects are just so good, they’re worth repeating year after year…. which also gives me the chance to keep improving them! Kaleidoscope Lettering is one of those projects! It uses the concepts of bilateral (reflective) symmetry, tessellation, and positive/negative space to … [Read more...]
A Podcast Just for Art Teachers
When I discover something new that I really love, I have to share it! Whether it's my new YETI tumbler that keeps my tea hot (or cold) all day or my Pentel Water Brush that I'm currently having a blast with, I tell everyone. There's just something in me that has to share good things with others. So after listening to the first eight episodes of Patty Palmer's new podcast, … [Read more...]
How to Make a Beachball Scavenger Hunt with the Elements of Art & Principles of Design
Helping kids learn the Elements of Art & Principles of Design (affiliate link) is easy when you make a game of it! This activity is adaptable across a wide range of ages. I’ve used it from 1st grade through high school by customizing my questions or directives for the students I’m using it with. Whether you have just a few minutes to fill or a whole class period, students … [Read more...]
Illustrations with Surrealism
What better way to celebrate April Fool’s Day than with an image of Salvadore Dali caught in the act of pulling a prank??! Surrealism is a cultural, artistic, and literary movement which began in the early 1920’s. Founded by French writer and poet Andre Breton as a ‘revolutionary movement’, Surrealism is probably best known as a style of art featuring photorealistic images of … [Read more...]
Learn Art History with the Khan Academy
"You only have to know one thing: You can learn anything." That's the motto of the Khan Academy! If you're not familiar with the Khan Academy, and you have an interest in Art History (for any reason - whether you're a parent, student, teacher, or lifelong learner) you'll be amazed by the education that's available to you for free! The Khan Academy, founded in 2006 by educator … [Read more...]
