November Art Stars

Every month students' artwork will be selected to hang in the school's main office, conference room, and the library.  The artwork is selected based on the student's creativity, craftsmanship, and work ethic.  Here are our November Art Stars....

KPS Art and a DonorsChoose.org Project

from Miss Halter

Once again I am working with DonorChoose.org. to help create opportunities for my students and their artwork.  Last year they helped us with getting our 1st iPad for the Art Room.  This time around, I am trying to get a flat screen tv that we can use in the building throughout the year and also in conjunction with out Art Shows in the winter and spring to display our digital artwork.  This would enable me to be able to display more artwork throughout the year.  DonorChoose.org announced that my project is eligible for a matching offer.  This means that if we can raise just half of the needed amount an an anonymous donor will match our funds to help purchase the tv.  Just click here to visit our project on DonorChoose.org.

Thanks for your continued help and support.
Miss Halter

October Art Stars

Every month students' artwork will be selected to hang in the school's main office, conference room, and the library.  The artwork is selected based on the student's creativity, craftsmanship, and work ethic.  Here are our October Art Stars....

September Art Stars

Every month students' artwork will be selected to hang in the school's main office, conference room, and the library.  The artwork is selected based on the student's creativity, craftsmanship, and work ethic.  Here are some of our September Art Stars....

Another New School Year is Already Here!

I believe that all my student are artists.  As our Choice-Based classroom continues to evolve it is apparent that each child has a unique point of view.  Some will love the messy pastels while others prefer to work neatly.  Some students would rather build and really work with the materials in a hands-on way.  Because their artwork is very personal to each child it is easier for them to speak about their process and ideas.  This will be the beginning of my 6th year.  I know it will be a busy one; it always it and this year I am working on my National Boards.  Since artwork will be heading home once again, it is a great time to talk about "How to Talk to a Child about their Artwork"

Here are some great questions to ask when talk to a child about their artwork:

Tell me about your picture.
Why did you make it?
How did you make it?
What made you think to try this?
Where did you get your idea from?
Did you discover anything new while you were making this picture?
What kinds of materials did you use?
Which part are you most proud of?

Bees for Hy-Vee

In conjunction with their current promotions and events, our local Hy-Vee asked our students to provide artwork for their dining area.  Each student created an original work of art about a bee.  They were able to illustrate the bee using any of the materials and techniques that they had learned about over the school year.

Art as Therapy

Feeling stressed?  Or Upset?  Art can act as a form of therapy for anyone going through difficult times.  What is Art Therapy?  It is the therapeutic use of art making.  While this form of therapy is usually done under the direction of an art therapist for people with severe trauma or illness it can be done at home.

Art Therapy can be done at home to help alleviate the blues or a bad day.  It can be as simple as setting aside time in the day to do artwork.  While your mind is engaged in the art making process it helps your mind to refocus on the task at hand instead of the problem you had before.  So kick back and take an Art Break with your children.  It just may help you both to relax.

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  For more information, visit  http://www.zentangle.com/