Symmetrical art

This art lesson focused on the principle of design known as balance. Students discussed the meaning of symmetry and where this happens in nature. The discussion evolved around insects and led to further discussion regarding the differences and similarities between insects and arachnids. Students were then asked to write their name in cursive or to at least print their name legibly on folded paper. This paper was then held to the classroom window while the opposite side was traced. Once unfolded students were encouraged to use their imagination and create art that resembles an insect or arachnid based on their name. My two sixth grade classes had fun trying to determine which student created the art!

Our New Pottery Wheel

We now have a new pottery wheel for the art room! Thanks to our awesome PTO for helping us with this goal. The art program is growing and I'm happy that our students can experience making pottery on this new wheel. When ready, we will fire student pottery in our classroom kiln. Today I overheard one student say that they were going to ask their parents for a pottery wheel for Christmas this year.
No, not an X-box but a pottery wheel. That was such a nice thing to overhear in the art classroom!

Agamographs

My 8^th grade students created Agamographs based on the artist Yaacov Agam. Students first decided on two separate images that they would draw. Once completed they were instructed to cut up their wonderful art! Each one inch strip was then glued onto the corresponding section of angled paper. This allowed visitors in the hallway to see different images depending on their direction of travel. My office door is often open during lunch and it was wonderful to hear the many comments from students and teachers as they walked by the artwork in the hall. Now my 6^th and 7^th grade students want to try this project.