Wednesday, September 11, 2013

5th Grade Gargoyle Unit

The 5th Graders learned about gargoyles, when and where they originated, and for what purposes. Students looked at various examples of gargoyles and grotesques, and were able to identify the differences. For this unit, each 5th grader designed their own, unique gargoyle, based on examples they had seen. Students completed sketches of their gargoyles, followed by large charcoal drawings. Students then sculpted their gargoyle out of clay, using various techniques. The clay sculptures were then stained with black India ink to give them a stone-like appearance. For the charcoal drawings, students worked on the following learning targets: - I can show at least 5 different values in my charcoal drawing drawing. - I can create and show implied texture in my drawing. - I can combine complex shapes in my drawing of my gargoyle. - I can demonstrate careful work habits and show good use of craftsmanship in my artwork. For the clay sculptures, students worked on the following learning targets: - I can create actual texture on my sculpture. - I can combine building techniques to create a 3-D sculpture. - I can sculpt my gargoyle so that it is sturdy, carefully using the slip & score method. - I can demonstrate careful work habits and show good use of craftsmanship in my artwork.

2013 Artist In Residence - Marina Lee

Milwaukee artist, Marina Lee worked with our students in March, 2013, to complete an all-school artist in residence project, which was installed in the front lobby of our school. The tree and imaginative creature wall relief ideas were generated from our student's drawings. The relief shapes were cut out of ply wood, prepped with spray insulation and carved to give the reliefs some form. Students applied a paper mache pulp to the reliefs, followed by a variety of embellishments such as beads, glitter, stones, buttons, gems, shells, sticks, and clay pieces made from press molds. The large drawings were created on a vinyl fabric material, using a variety of sharpie markers. The backgrounds were colored using fabric dyes.

2013 KMSD District Art Show Representatives

The following K-5 student artwork was put on display in May, 2013 at the KMSD District Art Show: