Arts Attack 2015-2016
Dear Art Docents,
Thanks for your interest in our Arts Attack program! I have created this site to help share information with all of you and to make collaboration easier. As an art docent for many years, I felt frustrated every year that I was starting from scratch with the Arts Attack curriculum. I had no idea which lessons were the most valuable, there were no work samples from previous years, no templates for lessons that required them, and no way to share tips I learned along the way with other art docents. I am working to solve these problems so that we can all focus on what we are here to do, teaching art to kids! What does a classroom art docent do? Click here: Art Docent Job Description
Here's what we have to work with in the supply room. Consider using the full range of materials available.
- Do one lesson using clay! Our kiln is ready for your projects. Please send me an e-mail before you begin your ceramics lesson so we can coordinate the kiln schedule. At this time, art docents are not authorized to operate the kiln. We have lots of gray and red clay and a variety of glaze colors so give it a go.
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FrankenFace
Glazed Ceramic
First Grader
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Ivy Leaf
Glazed Ceramic
First Grader
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- How about using colored chalk? Also called soft pastels, we have a whole shelf of these great supplies just waiting for you. Ever tried dipping chalk in liquid starch then drawing with it? The starch will set the color for an interesting effect. (It can be squeaky though!) These chalks can also be used for blending and smudging to achieve great textural effects. Try spraying the projects with aerosol hair spray to set the chalk when you are done. I did a chalk and starch project when I was in 1st grade and here it is for your viewing pleasure.
Buds on Branches
Colored Chalk and Starch on Cardstock
First Grader
My Favorite Pet
colored chalk on paper
First Grader
- Oil Pastels! I love oil pastels and I'm not afraid who knows it. Seriously. We have a whole shelf of these so let's get out there and use them. They create texture, fill the page easily and when colored with pressure they make saturated color like no other. Colors can be blended for interesting effects.
Trees at Sunset
oil pastels on paper
Second Grader
- Printmaking. We have Speedball ink in a variety of colors and brayers (rubber rollers) for making prints of different types. The ink is thick and benefits from the addition of a bit of water but the results are striking and well worth the effort. I have used different types of printing "blocks" from egg carton lid styrofoam to craft foam (the dollar store had large packs for $1 last year) to heavy cardstock. Sometimes, a ghost print or a second print can be made without re-inking the design for a different effect. This can be fun for making cards too.
This design was carved into the craft foam with a dull pencil The ink was brushed or brayed on top of the design then the design was pressed onto paper to create the print.
Flowers in a Vase
Ink Print on Paper
Fifth Grader
My Turkey Friend
Ink on Paper
Second Grader
This turkey design was drawn on cardstock then cut out. The wing, feet and eyeball were glued on top to build up the paper. The cardstock was brayed with different colors of ink then pressed onto the paper.
- Technology. OK, this isn't in our supply room but we do have a lot of laptops. It's good to be us, isn't it? Think about a new way for students to use technology in the creation of art. How about a digital drawing program? Maybe a cut and paste collage? Manipulating digital photos?
Self Portrait
in the Style of Andy Warhol
Digital Photo Manipulation
Watered Tempera on Cardstock
Third Grader
I'll get some links together for sample lessons and let's all give it a try. Together we can! I just made the word cloud down below to show the focus areas of our art program. Art + Technology = Arts Attack Word Cloud. How about that?
Happy art making!
Lori Roy
Art Program Coordinator