You can learn a lot about a culture from its art! When I visited Haiti, I learned that the Haitian people are both resilient and resourceful. Their resourcefulness is very evident in their art. One example of Haitian resourcefulness is the nature collage cards they make and sell. They gather local organic materials which they use to create simple scenes of everyday … [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...]
Make a Leaf Collage
Now that summer’s here, how do you keep your kids learning, creating, and spending more time outdoors than in front of a screen? One way is with this inspiring little book, “Look What I Did with a Leaf!” by Morteza E. Sohi. This is not so much a read-aloud type of book that you would share with a roomful of students, but rather a book to enjoy at home with your kids, or for … [Read more...]
Quilled Paper Designs
Quilling, also known as paper filigree, is an art form that involves rolling and gluing thin strips of paper into various shapes and arranging them to form designs. Quilled paper designs can be very simple or as complex as you have the dexterity and patience for! The art of quilling dates back to the Renaissance when French and Italian monks and nuns would use … [Read more...]
Oil Pastel Cats Inspired by Laurel Burch
What's not to love about these whimsical, colorful cats inspired by San Francisco artist, Laurel Burch? This fun project can be adapted to almost any age group.... the examples here were done by my 4th graders. My students always enjoy learning about the lives of famous artists, and the story of prolific artist Laurel Burch (1945-2007) really inspired them! Her highly … [Read more...]
Gung Hey Fat Choy! Chinese New Year Dragons
Chinese New Year is right around the corner! Monday, January 23, 2012 will mark the start of the "Year of the Dragon", year 4709 on the Chinese calendar, where each year is designated by one of 12 animals. I thought a dragon project would be fun for my first graders as we usher out the "Year of the Rabbit" and welcome in the "Year of the Dragon"! We're making our dragons in … [Read more...]
“Day of the Dead Prints” inspired by Jose Posada
We had a blast at my Teach Kids Art: "Day of the Dead" workshop yesterday! I added a new project this year, "Day of the Dead Prints" - inspired by Jose Posada. Jose Posada (1852-1913) was a prolific Mexican folk artist and political satirist from Aguascallientes in central Mexico. Posada began learning lithography (a form of printmaking using a metal plate) at age 16. … [Read more...]
Gung Hey Fat Choy!
Chinese New Year falls on Valentine's Day this year! Chinese New Year is often celebrated with a parade led by a long, colorful dragon. My 1st graders drew a fun Chinese Dragon to ring in the "Year of the Tiger"!1. Cut a piece of 12"x18" white construction paper in half to measure 6"x18".2. Using pencil, draw a long curvy "snake-shape" across the middle of your paper. Leave … [Read more...]
How to Make Your Own Mexican Bark Painting
"Mexican Bark Painting" by Arin Colorful Bark Paintings made by the people of Xalitla, Mexico, are the primary source of income for their entire community. These paintings are made on amate paper (from the bark of the wild fig tree) and typically depict flowers, birds, plants, and animals. You'll need: Brown paper grocery bag Scissors Pencil Black (F) Sharpie Heavy books or … [Read more...]
Animal Sculpture with Air-Dry Clay
Kids LOVE using clay, maybe more than any other art medium, yet most schools and homes do not have a kiln for firing. If this is your situation, don't let this stop you from sharing the experience of working with clay with your students! Crayola Air Dry Clay is a good alternative to the traditional clay that requires kiln firing. We used the art of French sculptor Francois … [Read more...]
