Hello friends! As you may know, many schools have had to discontinue art due to budget cuts. This saddens me deeply. As a girl, art period was always my favorite time of the day. I have no doubt that it contributed immensely to my chosen profession of interior design. In Arizona, they have a program called Art Masterpiece which provides parents the opportunity to present art to their children’s class. I didn’t hesitate to volunteer. The biggest challenge for me is coming up with projects that are suitable for kindergartners. Our March lesson was on The Next Jackson Pollock. I began the hour with a children’s book on the artist. Then it was onto the hands on portion of the program.
This involved a large blank canvas, 6 bottles of paint and 24 kids. Yes, I was thinking, “Yikes!”
The Next Jackson Pollock
The kids were great about taking turns and encouraging one another. It was a great project, I think it turned out very Pollockesque.
The masterpiece now hangs on a prominent wall in the school library.
I can’t tell you how proud I am of these kids. I got a lump in my throat when I read the last two lines. (You can click on the photo to enlarge it.)
I can’t wait for next week’s lesson on Michelangelo.
Laura
We are kindred spirits! I too support the arts! I am disgruntled that athletics would never be cut but art, music, and drama bite the dust all the time. It makes me sad that everyone does not get their place to shine. For me, the athletically challenged, my place to shine was in art, music, and drama as well as creative writing and journalism. Everyone ought to have an opportunity to find their niche and besides, this old world could use a bit more beauty, creativity, and expression through the arts! Sorry about the rant, my passion just poured out!
hi, i am curious about the children’s Pollack book you have? i am literally at the library trying to find anything i can show my students tomorrow.thanks,stephanie