"My Dream for the World", 6th Grade, 2nd Semester

Students began this unit by choosing a theme based on their "dream for the world": a hope or wish for our Earth's future that would better society. We took inspiration from Native American art, installation art, and repurposing techniques during the duration of this art unit. Students learned how to hand-dye their centerpieces and hanging pieces of their dreamcatchers after choosing a color scheme involving analogous colors (colors next to each other on the color wheel). They also learned to weave, knot, and bead. We also had a wonderful opportunity to hang our dreamcatcher installation at the Cooley Gallery in downtown, Leesburg. Please check out the photos below!

Clay Sculpture, Second Semester

Students learned about the three main hand-building techniques for clay sculpture: pinch pot, coil, and slab. Students were asked to create a sculpture (anything that they wanted!!!), that included all three hand-building techniques. After students finished sculpting, our sculptures were fired in my kiln. Then, students glazed their sculptures, and they were fired one more time to allow the glaze to turn to glass. Take a look at select 6th grade creations!

Artist Trading Cards, Second Semester, 2017

Since the beginning of the new semester, students have been working on a small collection of artist trading cards. Artist trading cards are miniature works of art that include subject matter of the students' choice. Students are also able to choose any medium in which to work when creating their mini artworks. Each student chose their favorite card to turn in for a grade. Below are photos of a class set from each block.

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Animal Zentagle Project, 2nd Semester 2017

Our first project for second semester was our Animal Zentangle project in our drawing unit. We learned about observational drawing, value, contour line, shape, and color.  Students chose an animal (real or fantasy), and experimental with abstract line patterns called "zentangles". They used a minimum of 8 zentangle patterns in sections of their choosing. The animals were colored with colored pencil, while the background was painted with watercolor. Check out some of our results!

Printmaking

We have just wrapped up our printmaking unit! Students made 3 types of prints in class: a monoprint, a relief print, and a collagraph. Our monoprint was made by using shaving cream and liquid watercolor to create a bright, warm or cool image. Students used this as a background for their relief print, which was printed in black ink. Students designed their relief print using shape and symmetry on a linoleum block.

Identity Maps-Watercolor

We have recently wrapped up our summative watercolor project, called "identity maps". Students learned to express aspects of themselves using an imaginary map and paint as their vehicle. They created an island with 8 or more land or water features named for aspects of their identity. We began our unit by dyeing watercolor paper with tea to make it look old. Students then learned how to watercolor using 3 main watercolor washes (flat, gradual, and transitional). Details were achieved by using very small, fine, details brushes. Take a look at the amazing detail that these creative sixth graders were able to achieve!

CD Upcycle Project: One to the World

Students learned about "upcycling" for our One to the World unit in art. One to the World (OttW) is a new initiative set forth by Loudoun County where students learn about a "real world" problem and consider a solution. We used 15 year old Mac software CDs that were once used by Eagle Ridge MS, and "upcycled" (repurposed) them to create artwork. Their designs were inspired by the stained glass work of Louis Comfort Tiffany and mandalas. All student CDs will remain hung together for the 6th grade art show in June-they are wonderful in person!