Your kids have created many beautiful works of art that are all displayed on Artsonia.com.  We have a lot to be proud of (and to brag about) so far on Artsonia.  We are gaining ground in our rankings in Connecticut which is a huge accomplishment and honor since we've just begun using Artsonia during this 2nd Trimester!

I want to thank those of you who already actively participate.  The rankings are based on the number of artworks, fan club members, comments to students, and artist statements, as well as dollars spent in the gift shop.  It takes all of us to earn top rankings!  Please remember to write comments to your children and other students -- it means so much to them.  We try to write artist statements in the classroom whenever possible, and will be up-to-date with the statements by the end of the trimester.  These will help you understand what I've asked them to do, how they have planned and revised their work, and what they are proud of.

Being a top Artsonia school brings other opportunities for our students.  I was just invited to send images of several artworks to a digital exhibit for the NAEA conference in San Diego this March.  The students must be registered on Artsonia and have written artist statements.  More to come on that later!

Artist of the Week:
Each week, Artsonia randomly picks artworks to be voted on for Artist of the Week Awards.  The winners are chosen by a voting process from Wednesday through Saturday, and are announced on Sunday.  The winning students receive a $50 gift card for art supplies and the art teacher receives a $100 gift card as well.  We really need for everyone to vote to support our students and our art program!  It's so easy!  You can vote once per day per computer login.  You can also vote on your smart phone!  Please help us win the next time we get the opportunity -- it might be your child!
 
Gift Shop:
I hold each student's work until the Arts & Culture Event on May 8th, but if you like, you can order gifts and stationery with your child's artwork on it through Artsonia.  Remember, we receive 20% back from our sales to help us purchase art supplies.  And, it helps our school ranking!

iphone app:
There is now a free iphone app for artsonia.  You can find it in the app store.  Also, you can follow your child's gallery on facebook or twitter!

K-12 Student Select Art Exhibit:
Students selected for this exhibit have brought home postcard invitations for this event at the Town Library.  The reception is this Wed, Feb 5th (snow date Feb 12th), from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with the Awards Ceremony starting at 5:30.  Everyone is welcome!  This exhibit always draws a huge crowd!

IAR's First Annual Arts and Culture Event, May 8th:
We will have several important local artists offering workshops and performances on this evening.  I will be sending home a sign-up sheet soon for the workshops.  The Art Department will host an exhibit as well, and the World Language Department will host student presentations.  We are looking for family volunteers to help us host an International Potluck with all kinds of ethnic foods that show the diversity of Farmington.  If you would like to help out, or offer a table of ethnic foods, please contact me -- I would love to hear from you!

To stay in touch, please check out our Facebook page and Blog.  The links are below.

Please email or call me with any questions or concerns! 

Best wishes,
Julie

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Julie Sawyer, Visual Art Educator