Kindergarten Sculptures Inspired by Louise Nevelson

Until now, the Kindergarten students have been creating 2 dimensional pieces of art. So, to start the new year, I decided to introduce the students to a different art form: the exciting work of Louise Nevelson, a Russian-born American sculpture artist. Louise Nevelson creates 3 dimensional shallow-relief work using found objects, which she often arranged inside of boxes and then painted white, black, or gold. For information about this artist, please visit http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/7aa/7aa729.htm and http://www.guggenheimcollection.org/site/artist_work_md_117A_2.html. The students have had a lot of fun using found objects to create the shallow-relief sculptures!! All of the artworks will be displayed at the entrance of Houghton school within the next month!
Works in progress:

The Tournament of Roses Parade

As Michiganders we are very familiar with the Rose Bowl and one of the most exciting events during New Years Day, watching the Tournament of Roses Parade. While I was watching the parade this year I recognized, more than ever, what a terrific celebration of the arts it really is. The sculptures on the floats, the music, and the time that goes into making the parade happen. Just the fact that all the floats are constructed from organic materials is an accomplishment in it's own. Sculpture can be made from anything, and this proves just that. Take time to learn more about the parade and past trophy winners with the links below.

Tournament of Roses|Trophy Winners Photo Galleries

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.