Holiday Activities: Local Event Calendars

Looking for something to do over winter break with the family? Check out these art hot spots calendars to find something that suits your interest. The DIA has a lot of exciting things happening on Friday nights. Also, the Toledo Museum of Art has many activities to offer daily. If you are looking for other unique workshops, check out the Ann Arbor Art Center. Hopefully you will be able to find something of interest. Start planning now and do something fun with your family outside the box. Happy Holidays!
DIA | TMA | Ann Arbor Art Center

Chihuly in Toledo until February 7th 2010!

It's not too late! If your looking for something to do with the family over the holidays, go to the Toledo Museum of Art to see the glass works by Dale Chihuly. The show has been extended by popular demand through February 7, 2010 and it's free! It seems like every time I turn around there is a Chihuly show in the area. Take advantage of this opportunity! Happy Thanksgiving!
Toledo Museum of Art|Toledo Free Press

Student Watercolors

While I was setting up in the morning a student walked in to show me three watercolors he did over the weekend. He spread them out on the table and began to tell me all about what he had done. Jacob, a 5th grader from Mrs. Sickler's class, shared with me that he went up north to visit his grandma in Norwood near Charlevoix. He told me about the process involved in creating these pieces and how he would look at pictures or outside and analyze what he was painting. I was very excited to hear Jacob's passion for watercolor and asked him if he liked creating art like this. He said "yes, because it's a great way to express your mind. I love to paint these scenes because it's a way to remember what it's like up there". Thanks to Jacob bringing in his paintings, my week got off to a great start!

Former AP Studio Art Student Honored

This charcoal drawing by former AP Studio Art student, Carolyn Weber has been selected to be included in the College Board's AP Studio Art Exhibit.

Carolyn's drawing was selected out of 35,000 portfolios from 21 countries. To see other student works to be included in this show, follow the link.

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/190457.html

2009 Instructor & Student Show at the Ann Arbor Art Center

Check out "The 2009 Instructor & Student Show", which is currently on display from Oct. 2-Nov. 22, in the 2nd floor Exhibition and Spotlight Galleries. The Exhibition will feature both two and three-dimensional works created by the talented students and instructors of the Ann Arbor Art Center.
The public is invited to kick off the holiday gift season at the Ann Arbor Art Center's Gallery Shop with an opening reception on Thursday, November 19, from 5-8 p.m. All Art Center members will receive 20% off of their purchases on this special night. New members are welcome and those who sign up that evening will be eligible for the discount as well. The Gallery Shop will feature an expanded selection of original, handmade artwork from local and regional artists including jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber, ornaments and much more for the holidays. The festive evening will include music, art, gifts, and sweets. As always, Gallery Shop purchases support the programs Ann Arbor Art Center a non-profit organization dedicated to engaging the community in the education, exhibition and exploration of the visual arts. Offering studio art classes, workshops, art exhibitions, summer camps and more, the Art Center is celebrating its 100th year of being the place where creativity and community meet.

Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty St.; 734-994-8004. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5:30 p.m.

Charles McGee Show at Eastern Michigan Nov.9-Dec.19

Don't miss out on this opportunity to see the work of Detroit's very own Charles McGee at Eastern Michigan University. The exhibition will feature 70 works at the Ford and University Galleries on campus. The opening reception is Monday, November 9th at the University Gallery from 4-7 p.m. with an artist discussion at 5 p.m. I personally have had the opportunity to listen to Mr. McGee speak twice and it is something you don't want to miss! | EMU Ford Gallery | Facebook | Examiner | Myspace | EMU |

Houghton Art Room

Paul Klee Abstract Doodles

The Kindergarten classes created colorful artworks inspired by the abstract art of Paul Klee. We read a book, which talks about his life, his artwork, and what the word “abstract” means.

This project was a 3-step process: First, the students learned about the 5 basic shapes and traced them onto paper using wooden shape blocks. Next, the students colored them with washable markers and then painted with watercolors. Lastly, the students “doodled” (drawing whilst using your imagination) on top of their shapes.

Sarah, A. Moore's EDO class

Carter, Mrs. Kolacki's EDO class

Teaching Artist: Christine Marsh

This blog is long over due! Congratulations to Ms. Christine Marsh, who exhibited her art work in a group show last spring in the Lenawee Council for the Visual Arts "Spotlight Show". Not only is it important for art educators to stay current in teaching methodologies and technology in the art world, but to also stay connected to the artistic and thought process of creating art. Ms. Marsh's metal and mixed media work reveals her skill at composing organic forms and shapes with found objects, while incorporating photography. If you examine her work carefully, you see a connection between her ideas and how it relates with the work of her students. Ms. Marsh is a member of the Lenawee Council of the Visual Arts, where artists join together to exhibit their art in local venues. Great work, Ms. Marsh!

Cubsim at Woodland Meadows
4th graders at Woodland Meadows have been working on self-portraits. Students drew a front view of themselves and a side view (profile) of themselves. They then cut up both pictures and put them back together as one picture. The results are very fun and look similar to the portraits Picasso painted during his cubism period. While 4th graders are waiting for their pictures to dry, we will be working in the computer lab on a fun website that allows students to create more portraits like Picasso. Check out the website at http://www.mrpicassohead.com

Houghton Art Room

Colorful Shape Collage

Mrs. Marion’s and Mrs. Moore's Young 5 classes created these shape collages using only primary colors and the 5 basic shapes. Because these shapes are symmetrical, the students were able to achieve a mirrored color effect by using finger paint and folding the shapes in half.

Concepts covered:

· 5 Basic Shapes

· Symmetry

· The Color Wheel

· Primary Colors

· Secondary Colors

· Color Mixing

Blue: Jack, Mrs. Marion A.M.

Red: Samuel, Mrs. Moore P.M.

Yellow: Charlotte, Mrs. Marion P.M.

Art Prize

First of all, I apologize for not posting something about this earlier. I have known about this for a few weeks, but with the beginning of the school year it has been very busy. Grand Rapids has a large exhibition with a top ten prize pool. Hurry because it only lasts until October 10th. Learn more about what is happening, view art, and become a voter at Artprize.org.

Ann Arbor Art Walk - October 9th & 10th

Looking for a great way to catch some exercise and fresh air? Look no further than the Ann Arbor Art Walk. For more information and a full color walking guide visit Ann Arbor Walk.com.This event has so much to offer and you should be a part of it.

Upcoming art show

Stay tuned for my upcoming art exhibition in January 2010 at The Side Door Gallery in Dexter, MI.

Heritage Art Room – 5th Grade

The 5th grade is investigating 1-Point Perspective during their 1st rotation of art. Students learn about the artwork of M.C. Escher and apply similar drawing techniques to create a three-dimensional room. In order to construct a room, students include a door, window, and a piece of furniture in their drawing. Additional features are then added to make each drawing more personal. Colored pencils are used to finish the picture.



LuLu - Mrs. Clark's Class

art : 21 on PBS

Season five of Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) art : 21 will be kicking off Wednesdays in October at 10pm. Art : 21 is an organization that sheds light on contemporary art in the 21st century. This seasons themes will be compassion, transformation, fantasy, and systems. To learn more about art : 21 check out these great websites: www.art21.org | www.pbs.org/art21 | blog.art21.org

Clinton Fall Festival

Come see me at the Clinton Fall Festival where I will be selling handmade jewelry with my daughter, Misty! The Fest runs from September 25th through the 27th. We also do "hair wraps." Thousands of people come for this event every year and it is great fun! Hope to see you there!

Monet's Water Lilies

Here are 7 delightful Monet paintings to brighten your day. Read about the show at MOMA. Enjoy!

Art and Math

Local exhibition features mathematics at the WSG Gallery in Ann Arbor. Unfortunately the exhibition ends today, but you can read about Middy Potter’s work and view images online at annarbor.com. Mathematics plays an important role for artists everyday. Artist use math to not only prepare and present work, but math is used more specifically as a philosophy to create art like Middy Potter does here.

art quote

"Artists make lousy slaves." - Unknown

"Artists are the unacknowledged footballers of the world." - Shelley

The “Museums on Us” Program

Here is a great way to get into museums for free not only in Michigan, but throughout the U.S. The program is through Bank of America and works only on the first full weekend of each month. If you hold a Bank of America ATM, credit, or check card you hold a pass to over 100 museums. Grand Rapids, Dearborn, and Detroit are the three cities in Michigan with museums for you to check out. Also, don’t forget to check out this opportunity if you know that you will be traveling out of town so you can experience arts & culture away from home. For a list of museums and eligible weekends log onto the Bank of America website.

GM Renaissance Center

The Ren Cen is much more than the headquarters to an American icon. Last week I had the chance to take a tour with some friends visiting from out of town. If you haven’t been on the tour, I highly recommend you check it out and it’s free! In addition to the stunning views of Detroit and Windsor, this family friendly tour will expose you to culture, history, and art within. Some highlights of the tour include the architecture of the 5 story GM Wintergarden and the world map patio outside overlooking the Detroit river. Also, murals of Detroit compliment the history of the city throughout the center of the building. Finally, Danny Lane’s sculpture Borealis, inspired by the aurora borealis, greets visitors at the entrance and will simply amaze you.

Markers For A Buck!

You can never have too many markers! For only one dollar you can pick up a box of 8 Crayola markers at Target. They are located in the seasonal school supply section of the store. Stock up with this great deal and keep the creativity going through the summer!

Chihuly Closer to Home

Not but an hours drive away you can experience the stunning glass work of Dale Chihuly. The Flint Institute of Arts is holding a special exhibition on 39 of his blown glass works inspired by sea forms through September 8th.

Ann Arbor Art Fair July 15-18

Don’t forget to check out the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fair. Everything you need to know is posted on the beautiful website artfair.org for your enjoyment.

A Great Way to Visit A Museum!

Planning a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts? Want to check out many other local museums? Look no further than the Saline District Library where you can check out a Museum Adventure Pass to get into your favorite museums for free! It is a great way to have an excuse to go and you can save money while doing so. I always take home one painting (mentally) when I go to the museum. Try it for yourself by writing down the names of a few artists that catch your eye during your museum visit. Then, the next time you visit the library, look up books on those artists to read at home. This is a terrific way to engage students in history and connect with what you just experienced. Also, be sure to check out the Saline District Library website to see how you can “Be Creative”.

Traveling Through Ohio This Summer?

Whenever I travel I always take advantage of the local art scene. Whether it’s planned trips to see specific artwork or a show I happen upon, it is always fun to make art a part of my travels. If you are going to be traveling south or you are just looking for an excuse to hop in your car for a weekend away, you may be interested in some exhibits not too far away in Columbus. World renowned glass blower Dale Chihuly has an exhibit at Columbus’ Franklin Park Conservatory from July 4th through March 2010. Chihuly’s organic shaped glass installations play off of the environment they are presented in. There are no exceptions in the botanical garden where this show is located. This exhibit will showcase his work from a previous show that took place in 2003 and includes three new sculptures. Need more? Another exhibit is just over a mile away at The Columbus Museum of Art until August 2nd. The museum is showcasing 40 small-scale watercolors painted by Charles Burchfield between 1918 and 1920. Burchfield’s artwork is something that we can relate to as Michiganders. He created expressionistic paintings of mid-western regional scenes. Looking at his paintings of his north eastern hometown of Salem, Ohio I can’t help but to think of what it was like to grow up in a small town during the long, cold winter months.

Why Take Art?

Art simply offers something for everyone. Beginning in the elementary years, children use art as a way to develop fine motor skills, understand processes, learn about culture and history all while developing creatively through a variety of media. Involvement in art strengthens self-esteem and promotes individuality. Children use art as an outlet and as a form of personal expression. As children grow older, they apply higher levels of thinking in art. Critical thinking skills are exercised in creation and criticism of art, which includes analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. With each blog entry on this site we hope that you will make connections with different learning styles and interests and agree that with art the possibilities are endless.