Past projects 3
A Photo Printer to Print our Beautiful Photographs
Funded Nov 21, 2014Thank you all so much for your contribution to our new printer. When it came in the students were amazed by the huge box and and the large format capability. They loved the fact that they didn't have to go traipsing down the hallway to pick up their printing just to find out that it was out of paper or ink. It is so nice having them print right in the art room!
It took awhile to get tech support to hook everything up, but now that it is, we are using it regularly. The 6th grade used it with a unit I call "Alter(ed) Ego". This is a unit about how colors can evoke emotions. The 7th grade printed out their "Scribble Portraits" which were a fun way to combine photography and photoshop. And finally, the 8th graders use the printer to print out B&W photos to color in with Copic markers.
In the future, I'm excited to push the boundaries of printing and try some inkjet transfers and printing on different materials, including shrinky dink material! I'm also looking forward to printing out art work LARGE!
Thank you all again!
Katie”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Malone-Smith
iPads In The Art Room For Rotoscoping, Stop Motion, and More
Funded Dec 4, 2013When we received the iPad minis, the art students were very excited! Not only because the iPad mini is cute and fun, but because they would be able to split into smaller groups to make the projects more meaningful. No one wants to wait their turn in a group of 7 or 8 just to use new technology. The donation greatly increased their learning opportunities in the art room.
The 7th grade classes started using them for rotoscoping project. This is animation project that will be shown on our youtube channel starting in the new few weeks, after I finish compiling all of the videos together. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/user/MvrmsArt and also the link to our art blog:http://mvrmsart.blogspot.com
The next unit we will be working on is an Andy Goldworthy Earth Art project where students will need the video and photo feature on the iPads.
Finally, the 6th grade is working on a new unit called "Storytelling Theater" where they create a plot line, characters, sets and props. They then will film and edit their movies on the iPads. This project always keeps the students very engaged and they run into the art room and get straight to work everyday, even before I get a chance to take attendance.
I thank you all, and my students thank you all!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Malone-Smith
Printmaking for Middle School-We Need a Printing Press!
Funded Sep 5, 2012We have been able to put the press to the test! Starting with my two 8th grade classes, over 45 students created embossed calligraphy prints with the press. The fantastic part about using the press is that it isn't just a school supply or a learning device, it is the real deal. It is the same press professional artists would use for their printing. I find it very important for young artists to use real art supplies to learn on rather than supplies made for kids. I found that this attitude translated to the student artwork as well as student's approach within their artwork. How better to prepare them for the "real world" of art than to use real art supplies.
The other fantastic piece about this unit has been that it reaches all students. Students who may not be necessarily enthusiastic or talented at certain areas in art may shine in print making. Print making allows students to have instant gratification and feedback and involves using problem solving skills. Students can asses their prints right off the press to determine if the pressure of the press is right, if the amount of ink is right, etc. Then, they can figure out how they can modify what they are doing to make a more successful print.
Lastly, the students really enjoyed the physical aspect of the press. Using the press is very hands-on and takes some muscle to operate. Art should not be sedentary!
My next step will be to create a 7th grade unit using the press and eventually 6th and 5th.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Malone-Smith