3rd Grade: Learned about Optical Illusions and artists well-known for creating them, including M.C. Escher and Bridget Riley. Students drew their own Op Art Shading Blobs (some are in the halls) and shaded them with colored pencils. Playing Cards are done, and will soon be going home. Students picked a theme, and designed at least one face card and one number card. In the second quarter, we are starting a new project, using cut paper and chalk pastels, Collage with Pastel.

4th Grade: We started the year learning about Radial Design (some are in the halls), and used tracing paper with light boxes to rotate their design around a center point. Then, we colored with colored pencil.  Next up, fourth grade drew a "gallery" in 2 point perspective, then added their choice from 25 famous artworks in each Google Classroom (Grid Gallery), the discussions about the art they chose and how to approach the media reinforced creative problem-solving.  Students watercolored and layered with colored pencil. In the second quarter, we are starting an oil pastel project, Animal/Abstract.

5th grade: Dragon Eyes (some are in the halls) focused on two colored pencil techniques: blending and using value. Students used three values of each color to create depth. Students also completed a project involving drawing pumpkins, shading in White on Black paper. We are starting a Watercolor/Watercolor Pencil project in the second quarter. 

All grades: Are learning how to navigate researching an image, how to save them, and then find them in their Drive. Fifth grade used their camera app to photograph and upload art to Artsonia. 

Fun Facts: Amazing art show at CMA right now--https://www.clevelandart.org/exhibitions/spectacular-freedom-andrew-wyeth-and-modern-american-watercolor   

Article---Art and the Brain

"There is an increasing amount of scientific evidence that proves art enhances brain function. It has an impact on brain wave patterns and emotions, the nervous system, and can actually raise serotonin levels. Art can change a person’s outlook and the way they experience the world...Decades of research have provided more than a sufficient amount of data to prove that arts education impacts everything from overall academic achievement to social and emotional development and so much more. Research has proven the arts develop neural systems that produce a broad spectrum of benefits ranging from fine motor skills to creativity and improved emotional balance."

source: https://www.healing-power-of-art.org/art-and-the-brain/  By:  Renee Phillips