What a wonderful journey this year has been in art class! We had such fun 'traveling' to different places to discover cultural traditions, art inventions, and the work of individual artists. I occasionally was greeted with enthusiastic inquiries of "Where are we going today?" at the beginning of art class, in addition to the usual, desperate, passionate cry of "What are we making today!?"

This spring in Lower Elementary, we got out our sketchbooks and practiced observational drawing with still life as they did in the first art schools during the Renaissance in Italy. We then followed up our still life drawing by venturing outside for drawing 'en plein air' like the French Impressionists. We celebrated Holi with painted Indian elephants and Japanese Children's Day with koi fish streamers. We are finishing up our South American collages inspired by scenes from the Andes Mountains as depicted in the stitched Arpilleras made by the women of Chile and Peru.

Upper Elementary investigated the history of various colors and pigments and practiced papier-mâché techniques and color mixing skills to create colored pencil forms. They learned about the geometry of Islamic designs and experimented with symmetry and repetition in their carved tiles, which they then printed in radial designs. We discussed the various purposes of art, the role of activist art, our global connection to art and created our own climate awareness dioramas inspired by rainforest and arctic ecosystems.

Perhaps the most exciting day in Upper Elementary was the day everyone painted their faces! We studied the long human history of using our bodies as surfaces for expression, and then got the opportunity to practice the custom. There is something about painting one's own skin that brings out particular pride and personality. Thanks to Kristen Franklin's photography, the temporary work - that particular moment of collective inspiration - was captured for us all to enjoy, as many of you did at Evening of the Arts.

Over the course of the year in art class we discuss the idea of creating a portfolio of our work. Even though the students are eager to take their work home, they understand that all of their work is saved so that we can review, assess and exhibit the work together at the end of the year in our big art show, the Evening of the Arts. I find that the exercise of looking through and critiquing their own work is so informative and enlightening as they discover which pieces end up speaking to them, which accomplishments fill them with pride and which work they feel is not their best. Some want to exhibit all their work, and some have only a few pieces that they love enough to give that honor.

Exhibiting their work also gives students an opportunity to ponder other ideas surrounding art besides creation. How do we display and present art and what story is the art telling? Who is art for and how does it make us feel? One thing that really resonated with me this year as I was taking down our show was the connection that our exhibition created between the Elementary students and our younger Aidan citizens. As I observed Primary students absorbing and discussing the artwork (long after the show had ended and I was slowly taking down the work in the hallways) I was reminded of the power these artworks had to spark joy, wonder, reflection and community. Some of the young students expressed regret that the art was disappearing, and as we discussed some of the work, and which were their favorites, I reminded them that when they reached Elementary they would have the chance to create even larger, more complicated works of art like the ones on the wall. Their eyes widened and they slowly looked at each other, expressing a silent but unmistakable "wow" all at once, and my heart just melted.

Though the focus in art class is often craftsmanship, observation, learning visual language and practicing techniques, our focus this year was also largely the idea that art is one of the most fundamental ways of learning about each other. Art provides access to history, and is a great first tool to spark curiosity about other people, places, and cultures. While becoming accomplished and fearless creators, I see our students also becoming inquisitive citizens. I hope they carry their artistic curiosity and confidence with them on all of their travels, along with maybe a sketchbook.

Thanks to all of you who joined us at Evening of the Arts. I had the most wonderful time hanging art with parent volunteers, connecting with families, meeting grandparents, discussing art, handing out passports and discovering what was created at our creation stations!

I hope you all have a creative, joyful summer!

Ms. Skor

Art Teacher