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.