Past projects 54
Fourth Quarter Fun
Funded Apr 26, 2022Last year was a tough year for students and teachers as we worked hard to regain some normalcy after the disruptions of Covid 19. Art felt even more important that usual as students benefitted from being able to learn to better express themselves and were given an outlet for the stress of school.
Your donations made some really fun projects possible. We were able to have three art shows and students made art including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and fiber arts. As we gear up for a new school year, I can only hope this year turns out as well as last year!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons
The Art of America
Funded Jan 10, 2022Last year was a tough re-entry year after the disruptions Covid 19 had on schools. Students and teachers struggled. I am happy to report that fifth grade art was a bright spot in that time. The students used materials purchased with your donations, and they had fun weaving, sculpting, painting and drawing as the learned about famous American artists.
Three student artists from this group were featured in the All-City Art Show, having their work chosen from hundreds of pieces submitted from across the city. They were given the opportunity to see their artwork hanging in a professional art gallery, and their families got to celebrate with them at the exhibition.
Supporting the arts is important because our students are struggling. Any way we can help them build confidence and help them feel heard makes a difference.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 2 other donors.Sketchbook Studio Supplies
Funded Oct 30, 2021I began this sketchbook club hoping to work with around 12 students. The interest was such that I raised that number to 20. We now have 23 students attending this after school club! Usually I have to remind students of meetings or dates for various events, but not this group! They have had close to perfect attendance with no reminders. They were so thankful and excited about their sketchbooks and drawing tools, and they keep reminding me to keep them secure and separate from the "regular" art class supplies so that theirs are kept in top shape. I have let them have autonomy in how they spend their time in the meetings, and so far they have had "show and tell" with their personal sketches, they made vision boards of their art goals, and they have been working quietly together building their collection of sketches with their own individual inspirations. It is such a relief to me to see middle school students eager to take part in something at school. This year continues to be a challenge, but I truly believe this club has been a positive thing for each of our 23 artists. Thank you so much for making a difference during a tough time. I will post photos as soon as possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons
Mastering the Masters of the Renaissance
Funded Aug 15, 2021This year has been special because the 4th graders had two entire quarters of art class to work on their Renaissance Art curriculum. They used clay, soap, plaster, paints and other supplies acquired with your donated funds. With these materials, they learned about masters of the Renaissance including Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Giotto, Bernini, and Durer.
They experimented with fresco painting, carving, ceiling painting, and even designed fountains inspired by Renaissance artists. They practiced tricky techniques like perspective and figure drawing.
I have a letter on my refrigerator from one student who said this year has changed how she thinks about art. She said she now sketches each night before bed! I have had the most fun working with them and hearing their enthusiasm for each project. Thank you so much for helping to make this experience possible.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons
Gearing Up For a Safe Return
Funded Aug 14, 2021Happy New Year! I wanted take a moment to reach out and share some examples of how your donation has made a difference for students in my classroom. I feel so thankful for people like you who want to support what I do in my classroom each day. If you know me, you know I am passionate about how essential art is for students.
In Kindergarten Art, I have worked to expand the lessons to align with new anti-bias curriculum being taught in their classroom. The students have used crayons, scissors, and glue provided by you to create art about peace, diversity and communities.
In second grade art, students created art with these materials that was inspired by famous artists including Kandinsky, Mondrian, Monet, Picasso and Matisse. They studied art by ancient, classical and modern artists from Japan. They experimented with many art tools to complete these projects and had fun doing so!
These are just two of many classes made possible with your help! Feel confident that your generosity has made a difference.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 11 other donors.Mastering the Masters of the Renaissance
Funded Aug 29, 2019The 4th grade Renaissance artists have had a busy year, thanks to your donations. They have learned the difference between art from the Middle Ages and art from the Renaissance. They created funny parodies of DaVinci's Mona Lisa, ranging from a chef to "Eleven" from Stranger Things. They were challenged to choose their favorite Renaissance artist, and they chose Michelangelo. It was probably because they were able to try carving, ceiling painting and even made their own mini frescoes. They know first-hand how difficult it was to create his masterpieces! They are currently learning the proportions of the human body and face, and we will begin perspective drawing as soon as that wraps up. All of these fun and challenging projects require supplies that are expensive, and your kind donations made it possible.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons
This classroom project was brought to life by The Clorox Company and 4 other donors.A Great Start in Art
Funded Sep 21, 2019We truly did have a great start in art class. Thank you so much for providing the materials we needed to paint, sculpt, draw and print our way to a school full of beautiful artwork. The students have learned about art from Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Greece, China, India, Mexico, Australia and America. They have practiced color theory, perspective, value, composition and balance. They have looked at and discussed work by famous artists from the caves of Lascaux to modern artists like Murakami and Kusama. The donation you made helped make all of this learning possible, and I truly hope you understand the difference made by your generosity. Thank you again, from all of my students and from me.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons
Early Morning Artists
Funded Oct 24, 2018Thank you for supporting our art club. The progress our students have made is significant. I have watched them gain confidence and grow in ways that will benefit them throughout the school day. Your donation of canvases enabled us to create unique and creative works that have made students proud of their work. They are excited to come to school and to work on these projects, and they are learning valuable skills. They also worked on a community service project, partnering with United Airlines and Alliant Credit Union to decorate for an event that provided holiday gifts to sick children. It was great o see them connect art-making with helping those who are less fortunate. Thank you for making all of this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons
Mastering the Masters of the Renaissance
Funded Aug 22, 2018Thank you again for donating to our fourth grade art classes. The students have learned how to distinguish between the art of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. They redesigned the Mona Lisa, making her everything from a Cubs fan to Donald Trump. They were challenged to question Michelangelo's fame as a painter and sculptor, debating which medium he most strongly mastered. They tried sculpting by carving soap, and they tried "ceiling painting" by creating art on the under-side of the classroom tables. They then moved on to fresco painting, creating still life compositions inspired by Giotto. I hope these photos and details of the projects help your realize how valuable your contribution was to our school and art program. I appreciate your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 11 other donors.A Great Start in Art
Funded Aug 9, 2018Thank you for supporting our school and students. With the resourced provided from this grant, we have been painting, sculpting and drawing every day! We have read about famous artists, learned to use materials carefully, and have used our creativity to create masterpieces. Having time to be creative is important for our young artists. They can practice experimenting and solving problems in a comfortable atmosphere and through fun projects. These skills can be applied in other classes and in many parts of life.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ammons