Never Too Old to Learn

Yep, you're never too old too learn! Such is the case with my students today and the things that I learned from them. After reading "The Chicken Chasing Queen of Lamar County" by Janice N. Harrington(and beautifully illustrated by Shelley Jackson) to my young artists we talked about the different parts of the chicken for a few minutes and the things they remembered from the story. Next I explained that we would be creating our own chickens with various shapes of foamie material, construction paper, glue and sharpies.

Below are some photos of their work and what I learned today.

When asked if they had ever visited a farm, this young artist said, "Yes, today...and I got a pumpkin". Well today is February 27th...maybe it was a winter squash?

Chickens have "garbles" like turkeys

No matter the age a good story always seems to engage children.

Chickens have tattoos...the marks across the body.

That beautiful design in the lower left section of the picture is...POOP!

"We Like Aminah" Student Exhibit

Each year Art in the House students are invited to show their work at the Columbus Metropolitan Library downtown(main library). It's always exciting to see the creativity that the children possess and the many different ways the lead artists and apprentices work with the students at the various sites to encourage self-expression.

This year the students pay tribute to local artist, Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson.




St. Stephen's Art in the House student prepares artwork for student exhibit.


Art in the House is an out of school time arts program of the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, for children 5-11 years old. The children's art in this show is inspired by the wonderful work of Columbus artist, Aminah Robinson.

"We Like Aminah"

Show Dates:

March 5-29

 

Opening Reception:

Wednesday, March 6

4:30-6:00 p.m.

Location:

Main Library

Carnegie Gallery, 2nd Floor

96 S. Grant Ave.

Columbus, OH 43215

Presented by: The Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Friends of the Library Curated by Stephanie Rond

Our Partners: Franklin County Board of Commissioners Ohio Arts Council Greater Columbus Arts Council American Electric Power Foundation Transit Arts Columbus Federation of Settlements Friends of the Library Columbus Metropolitan Library

Blick's Lesson Plans

Thanks to Blick art for the wonderful lesson plans provided in each of their annual catalogs. For years I didn't pay them much attention and therefore missed some wonderful opportunities to share pre-tested projects with my students. Now when it's time to toss them out each year I gently remove the lesson plan pages, insert them in acetate sleeves and store in my lesson plan binder which holds years of wonderful projects.

Proud artist

This year I began my after school program with "Architectural Letters" which originated from Blick's (by the way the same neat lesson plans are online if you don't receive the catalog). Week after week my budding artists devoted themselves to the construction of these letters. Hey, I love building things as much as my students but was glad when the project finally ended two months later.

No, it didn't take that long to complete but when you have only one hour a week, teacher professional days which means no programming for us and other various scheduling interruptions....simple projects can stretch out. The other reason for extended projects is that I always try to keep the environment very relaxed. As long as the students are happily creating and enjoying what they do...we're good..

Thanks again Blick's for helping me out when I need something new to create!

Not bad for fome-core, paper cups, glue, kraft tape and paint. Actually, the possibilities are endless with this process.