December Art Class Comes to an End

Welcome new Art Blog members (I'm talking to you, Ms. White)!  This blog is the best way to get updates on what is happening in Ms. Hillman's Middle School Art class.  This week will be the last week for formal art classes for 2015, as I am going away for the holidays.  Don't cry, though...you will see me again after the new year.  Be ready to be awesome(r) in 2016.

8th Grade Batik Artists

Scholars are finishing up dying their fabric.  The acrylic paint is acting as the dye because it is watered down and stains the fabric.  When the paint dries, we are ready to wash out the glue (replacing the traditional technique with wax).  Scholars will be attaching wooden dowels by sewing them on the top and bottom of the fabric. Students are going to be SEWING this week, which is pretty exciting.  

Next week, there is a workbook packet for students to complete in my absence.  It has to do with art's connection to other subjects and is a great opportunity to boost up your grade.  Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

7th Grade Research Kings & Queens

Basquiat, New York Artist with Hatian roots. 

Scholars have begun presenting their findings on the artists they chose for the research project.  Those who have presented already have done a fantastic job.  It is difficult to speak in front of an audience but a great skill to practice while in middle school.  The oral presentation will be graded on the slide criteria being met and the way in which the presentation is given (RUBRIC HERE).  The presentation schedule can be found on last week's blog post.

Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

Lichtenstein's appropriation of Comics
= Pop Art.

6th Grade Lichtenstein Wanna-bes

Scholars are getting familiar with the Pop Art movement and learning about Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.  They posed for photos for this project and BOY WERE THEY HAMS!  I love the personalities in Hampton!!!!!  Stay tuned for progress updates on this awesome and colorful project.

Later this week and all of next week there is a workbook packet for students to complete in my absence.  It has to do with art's connection to other subjects and is a great opportunity to boost up grades.  Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

5th Grade Line Artists

Calder-inspired artwork is coming to an end this week.  Scholars will critique each other's work and come up with the credit line (Title, materials used, date etc...) and the work will be hung in the 5th grade hallway to "OOOH" and "AHHHHH" at!  

Asymmetrical Balance is happening here.

Next project will focus on the Principal of Design: Balance, including symmetry and asymmetry (and the differences between them)!  Students will have a packet to work on regarding this important design concept.

Later this week and all of next week there is a workbook packet for students to complete in my absence.  It has to do with art's connection to other subjects and is a great opportunity to boost up grades (did you catch that?...it's GRADED)!

Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

Adios to November

As we slide out of November, it's important to remember that no matter what, we are a Community.  It's in the name of our school, for crying out loud!  I have two favorite holidays: Day of the Dead and Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for my students who push themselves to be creative, especially when it is difficult!  

Kimora's Contour Line Drawing

5th Grade Sculptors

Scholars have been learning about Alexander Calder and his life and contributions to 3D artwork.  He invented the mobile!  Tuskegee students are transforming their self portrait drawings into 3-dimensional creations!   Here are some photos from the past project.  They will be returned to scholars shortly, but I'd like to brag one last time...
Questions?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

6th Grade Money Makers

Kayla B's amazing artwork!

Malachi's money!

The self-portrait portion of the currency project was just completed and Hampton Rocked it!  The second quarter will have more homework assignments but until then, enjoy some amazing artwork from my students.

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

7th Grade Researchers and Clay Recyclers

Howard students are DEEP in it!  The research paper criteria can be viewed in previous posts (check the archive on the left) and we have begun doing the physical work of recycling clay using plaster bats and slip (ask your scholar what that is..they know!).  Part 3 of the research project is due TUESDAY MORNING in class.  All sections should be typed in Times New Roman font, size 12.  Questions?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

8th Grade Batik Artists

Test Page three - clearer!

Because of the Fall Harvest Festival, we will not be able to have Art Class on Monday, however, I will give students a chance to make up the LAST section of last Wednesday's test.  The pages (the brain sections AND the mandala) will be returned to scholars during the day on Monday and you can check HERE to color in the parts of the brain.  (Sorry for the poor quality given for the test!)

Questions?  Email Ms. Hillman:

jhillman@cpcsschool.org

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.