Past projects 3
Printmaking Paradise
Funded Mar 18, 2015Hello! I hope everyone is well. I want to send you an update on our Printmaking Paradise adventures. Since your donation, I have introduced Monotypes to Pre K and Third Graders.
Pre K was introduced to the additive technique, in which they were able to paint a part of an entire composition with their classmates on the acetate sheet. Students couldn't believe how large and shiny their paint surface was. But the amazing experience came when they rubbed a giant print from their painting. Cheers and laughs filled the room. They were excited from the moment I showed them the new materials until they pulled off their first print. This is just the beginning of further exploration in printmaking and of their love of art.
In Third Grade the excitement was enormous. Students were introduced to a subtractive technique in monotyping, in which they rolled the metallic printing ink on the acetate and drew a composition by erasing the ink with cardboard tools. I was able to introduce a new artist to them and discussed how analyzing a work of art can inform you of the techniques an artist uses. The students thought and spoke like art historians. Students also had the opportunity to work in groups and discuss the art making process. Their motivation energized each other and created an engaged and powerful learning environment. Again, the materials were impressive. Metallic inks and gigantic sheets of acetate inspired the kids' creativity. Even better were the available baby wipes that made clean up of a class of 30 simple and easy.
I cannot thank you enough for these resources and support of our visual arts program here at PS 295. This year the kids and I thank you dearly. But there will be thankful hearts for years to come, as this resource can be used again and again for my future art students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shen
Art is a Playground!
Funded Mar 4, 2015I want to give you an update of all the ways I have used your generous donations through DonorsChoose. The blocks were a hit! The kids couldn't believe that a "Center time" activity had made its way into the art room. The blocks allowed the children to explore three-dimensions in a playful and meaningful way. After exploring the blocks, Pre K students were able to brainstorm ideas that led them to making their own "Houses" with found materials. This unit lasted for weeks! The students never lost interest. Every week they asked to make more furniture, add more decorations, or build more pieces. The projects became their own. They were proud! But, to make their creation complete, they added a wooden doll that I had purchased with your donation. Each child was able to put a face on the doll, clothe it, and name it. Their home became another means to engage in play.
Another class designed birdhouses. They also used the blocks to begin their brainstorming. After they completed the houses, they made birds to inhabit their dwellings. The children played for hours with their creations. One day I decided to use the LED lights that I purchased through DonorsChoose to light up their birdhouses before they entered the classroom. The room lights were off, and when the children walked in they could see a flickering light in their birdhouses. They quickly ran over with curiosity and saw their birds waiting for them. The lights helped initiate their play. It was wonderful.
Everything that I had imagined for the children came alive. And the wonderful thing is that the blocks will be used again until the end of the year. AND they will spark my students' creativity and play for years to come. Words cannot describe the joy I saw on their faces during art class. Thank you so much for your generosity and support for the art room.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shen
Help Us Get Messy in the PS 295 Art Studio!
Funded Oct 7, 2014I am writing on the behalf of all PS 295 Artists! We thank you so much for your donations which helped us purchase a drying rack. We have put the rack to great use. Pre K students have painted with marbles, feathers, string and brushes to name a few of their experimental painting tools. Kindergarteners have studied shape and line through paint. First graders have painted cakes inspired by Wayne Thiebaud and collaged imaginary creatures with painted papers. Second graders have made beautiful watercolor compositions. Fourth graders have dried relief prints for their bookmaking project, and fifth graders dried their Picasso inspired guitars on the drying rack. Third graders will be the next to make use of the drying rack when they study Mexican sculpture in the New Year. The drying rack has made our students more independent and allows me to offer a variety of wet materials. Thank you again for your donations. I wish you all a Happy New Year and am excited to continue our year in art!. Love Ms. Shen”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shen
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and 7 other donors.