Saturday, September 12, 2015

Welcome to Art Class 2015

Paper-free Information with The Art Blog - ALL GRADES PLEASE READ

Welcome to art class with Ms. Hillman!  I am aiming to eliminate excess paper and the unnecessary writing down of homework assignments while allowing parents and students to get information on art class happenings.    I will only update this blog once a week and all you have to do is sign up for updates and read them to be as prepared as possible for class.  Each grade has its own section and only has to read that one unless I ask all grades to PLEASE READ...like this paragraph for example.  THE ART CLASS SYLLABUS IS HERE.

I am asking all grades to purchase a kneaded eraser.  They are under $1.00 at art supply stores like Artists & Craftsman, Dick Blick and Utrecht.  They last long, don't make a mess and are great for stress relief because kneading the rubber not only self-cleans but is good for people who fidget (like me!).  They are great for making mini-sculptures, but I have instructed all students that they should not allow them to distract them from school work.


SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS FOR THOSE TAKING ART THIS QUARTER ARE DUE THURSDAY.  Check previous Art Blog listings (on the left of this post) for specifics by grade.  Assignments will not be accepted after Thursday, September 17th.  This is a homework grade (worth 10%).

5th Grade - Tuskegee

Students have already started their first project about their identity as scholars and artists.  Their first Do Now was a questionnaire about their likes and hobbies and they had to choose 8 adjectives that describe them.  Grades will be posted on Illuminate Parent Portal soon.  ***My art class is deeply rooted in English, writing, vocabulary and critical thinking.  I correct grammar and expect students to put equal effort into completion of ALL assignments in ALL of their classes. 
PROJECT ONE focuses on one of the Elements of Art: Line.  There are 5 kinds of lines, 5 line variations and together they will create expressive self-portraits that will include font design.  Stay tuned!

Questions? Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.


6th Grade - Hampton

6th Grade will look at currency from other
countries to see similarities and
differences in design.
Scholars will be working on a mathematics / arts / design project regarding $$$$.  I call this project SHOW ME THE MONEY!  They are designing the currency of their own country.  Understanding of pattern, the 5 kinds of lines, 5 line variations, a motto, boarders in artwork and portraiture will help scholars complete their enlarged money.  Scholars will learn about the history of money design and creation too!

Questions? Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

Li Hongbo's paper sculpture goes
from realistic to
abstract REAL QUICK, REAL QUICK.
...REAL QUICK.

7th Grade - Howard University

Sculpture is the focus first project; FORM (One of the Elements of Art) is the 1st Unit.  We are going to be looking at the properties of different materials and how to manipulate them to get a desired look.  Expect to hear about explorations in various materials, such as paper, clay and plaster from your scholars.  I expect students to have an appreciation of abstract art after this series of projects.  It's going to be a great semester!
Questions? Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.


8th Grade - Spelman

Not Autobiographical, but a great GN!
Autobiographical Graphic Novels are all about you and they are the first project for this year.  There is a strong connection to ELA this semester, with an emphasis on design.  You have to read "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud...specifically Chapters 1-4.  This was your summer assignment.  You have a quiz Monday, September 21st on the reading, vocabulary and understanding of the reading.
Questions? Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.