Remembering Still Life

Recently my second graders have spent a lot of time on still life (yuck, right?) without complaining once! This is all thanks to American Painter, Wayne Thiebaud!
We have been on an media expedition. We drew still life, printed still life, collaged still life, embossed still life, and sculpted still life! Of course it was our favorite treats so there was no fussing about the subject matter! This year I finally figured out what big idea best fits this unit...memory! Food, like so many other sensory experiences is tied to memories. We talked a little about why these were our favorite snacks and students told me stories about that special thing that dad only makes on camping trips, or a special outing with grandma that ends in a treat. These memories are great ways for us to connect to the the world around us and even makes me find value in still life!! My plan is to as the students to include their memories in their artist statements after spring break to make this unit come to a sweet conclusion!


PS - I'm trying out the Blogger app while I'm on the road and I don't have much control over the format, but I included a link to a Sunday Morning segment. I wanted you to know what it was I case it came out longhand. ;)
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=vI_QJ5D9Qm8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvI_QJ5D9Qm8

Holy Cow! What a conference!

Art Teachers invaded Texas this week and it was a sight to behold!! I met so many amazing art teachers. The week was inspiring, informative and exhausting in that incredibly rewarding way. I really want to say thank you to everyone who came out to see my presentation and those who stopped me to share positive and encouraging thoughts. You did not run screaming from the building and you crossed Hell's Half Acre to find my location on the other side of the area!

So, what did I learn?

• First, I learned some things from Super Blog-Star, Mr. E, that I can do to make this Blog more interesting or more helpful to others. I hope you will offer comments to help me grow in this area as well. 
• I learned fun art-making tricks (cheap and easy) from some of you and vendor-sponsered educators to incorporate more processes into my classroom

Printmaking meets under glaze!

Marble paper with chalk pastel, water and a plastic knife!

Dale Pohl did an amazing community printmaking (free-you know-non ticketed) session. She uses acrylic paint and sponge brushes (aka Cheap & Easy)! The kids can build little neighborhoods by printing on each other's papers! Limitless applications!!!

• I learned how to move into the "advanced class" using Artsonia's new features from Susan Bivona and Theresa McGee. I also met the Artsonia folks in person (sorry the picture is fuzzy) and some other amazing Artsonia teachers who have "the fever"!

Some of our TN art teachers with Eric, Dave and Jim from Artsonia HQ

I could keep going on but unlike some bloggy-art teachers I know, I actually need to sleep and before I can do that this Mommy needs to go play x-box-kennects boxing with her kiddos (4 and 7). They can't wait to knock me out! I'm cool with that because this week was a knock out too! Peace.