Past projects 7
Get Messy in Art With Oil Pastels
Funded Oct 22, 2021I am so grateful for the generosity and love that has been bestowed upon my class and I. My young artists loved using the oil pastels to create Jim Dine inspired heart artworks. First we learned about the colors and subject matter of Dine, then we talked about how artists use pictures and symbols that have a special meaning to them. Dine loved to make different types of artworks using hearts, falling under the category of Op Art. He made hearts to express how much he loves his wife and to use a universal symbol everyone knows and can recognize. We had an in depth conversation about what we loved, described the art, and then got to work. Our first charge was to figure out how to create a perfect heart.
Once we accomplished that, we moved onto the meat of the lesson. Using an extra special art material, Oil Pastels to color in the work. The excitement in the 1st grade classes was contagious. Students were smiling and excited. Some even said "yes!!" and gave spirit fingers. I am not exaggerating, these artists were seriously ready to get started.
I described the messy material and gave the perimeters to keep my floor from becoming the custodians next nightmare. Then off we went into satisfying our curiosities and experimenting with the bold and beautiful colors that oil pastels create. Some students blended colors together, some students layered colors on top of one another, and some students did both. All students had fun and created a masterpiece.
We can't wait to use these again! Thank you for giving my classroom the opportunity to get our hands dirty and messy using oil pastels.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nicastro
"Sharpen" Up Our Marker Game
Funded Jan 23, 2020Thank you for all your help and generosity in funding “Sharpen” Up Our Marker Game. The classroom is going to come alive with excitement and energy when my students learn that we have a multitude of sharpie markers to use for our next mixed-media projects. The power of choice is strong and makes for meaningful memories and art. Thank you for being a part of that process. I will make sure to capture the smiles, the art, and students’ thankfulness and appreciation over the next months for you to see the impact you have made in our classroom. We are truly grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nicastro
This classroom project was brought to life by Anonymous Arts Supporter and 7 other donors.The Power Of The Sun In Student Imagery
Funded Sep 5, 2019I love celebrating cultures and introducing new and exciting materials in the classroom. The moment I introduced the city of Metepec, Mexico I saw eyes light up and huge smiles spread wide across the faces of my students with Mexican roots. I knew that I had struck gold. Projects that make personal connections with students are priceless. This particular lesson focused on imagery of the sun produced in Metepec Mexico. These suns are energetic with strong facial expressions and are extremely bright with color.
I taught the geography and history of the original people of Metepec, The Aztec Indians. The Aztec culture, which is non-existent today, still has influences on the artworks created today. I read one of the only myths still intact about how color came to earth and the joy that it brought to the people. Color is important to the people of Metepec, Mexico. The fluorescent paint worked magically with these concepts. The kids loved the bright paint and variety of colors offered. They could't wait to start painting.
Students also enjoyed being able to continue quickly on each step of the project. The heat guns helped us accomplish this flow in the classroom. The kids were thrilled to see the paint drying in front of their eyes. It gave the project a little more interest and kept students engaged in the creative process, which is at the root of my class. Thank you for helping us with our Metepec Influenced Suns!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nicastro
Printing With Style
Funded Aug 15, 2016Thank you for your donation. Technology is a relatively new medium in the art classroom. It is important for students to recognize the difference between authentically made digital art and superficial work. Not only did students understand this concept, but engaged in making interesting and well thought out works.
My art students have access to a black and white printer and often ask to print in color. Due to low ink, I am forced to say no, leaving students to their own devices. Your donation changed the dynamics in my room and has given students access to a color images and printing their work in color. When I saved their work, printed it on official paper, and in color, they were psyched! It was a "feel good" moment and they truly appreciated the project.
We will continue to create digital artwork throughout the year. Focusing on learning new concepts and challenging ourselves to bring our work to higher levels.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nicastro
"Xacto-ly" What We Need!
Funded Jun 25, 2016Dear Donors,
An Xacto knife may seem like a staple tool in the homes of most, but it is not something used in the homes of the community my school serves. In fact, when I introduced our art project on the Japanese concept of "Notan", where we used the Xacto knife, many of my students had no idea what it was. The Xacto knives were necessary for students to bring their artwork to its fullest potential and complexity. Using the Xacto knives and mattes challenged my students' fine motor skills, concentration skills, and safety skills.
I did an introductory lesson on the safety, use, and purpose of the Xacto knife and how artists typically use them. Then we broke into groups, where the Xacto knife was a station. Needless to say, the most anticipated station was working with the Xacto knife. We practiced with the Xacto knives and the students struggled to control and use it properly, but they didn't give up. Students exhibited full engagement, determination, and perseverance while working with the Xacto knife. They were all extremely successful in the creation of their artworks, as well as understanding and using the new found tool.
Since then, we have done collages and students have asked to use Xacto knives to make accurate and precise cuts. I have a feeling that we will be using the Xacto knives on a regular basis.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nicastro
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and one other donor.Creating Connections In The Art Classroom
Funded Feb 7, 2016My middle school classes and I are so grateful for your generous donations made to our classroom. The excitement that my students exhibited when I showed them the scratch boards and teacher examples of the project was amazing. The project was challenging and many students struggled with the scratchboards at first, but once they had worked out the kinks it was smooth sailing.
The students were internally motivated due to the uniqueness of the scratchboards. For many it was the first time they had seen this art form. Each student took their own unique approach to the project. The final products were visually stunning and well done.
We will be continuing to learn about different cultures and exploring different art techniques and processes. Our next project will be exploring paint and learning about POP ART. Many artists and their ideas during POP ART come from right here in the U.S. More excitement and fun to come!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nicastro
"Sharp"ening Literacy Through Illustrations!
Funded Oct 8, 2015Thank you so much for donating to my classroom! I immediately used the Sharpie Markers with my 5th grade students. Every student "stepped into" the role of an illustrator, whose assignment was to create a cover for their favorite book. We learned what an illustrator's job description is, the thought and purpose behind pictures and lettering used in creating a book cover, as well as the influence that an artist can have over their viewers. My students' book covers had a purpose; to convince people to read their favorite book!
After the students had finalized their drawing and lettering, I showed them the Sharpie Markers! They were ecstatic. I explained how I got the Sharpies and all of my students were extremely grateful to be able to use them to complete their work. My students rocked this project. The results were amazing.
Since then, I have multiple grade levels that have been able to use the Sharpies to make a tin foil artwork showing texture and radial balance. Sharpies are the ONLY markers that I had that would show color and stay on the tin foil. My students enjoyed this project immensely. Again, I want to thank you again for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nicastro