Each year, Lower Elementary hosts a Culminating Event to celebrate and showcase the children’s hard work throughout the year. In year’s past, these nights have been centered around our cultural continent studies. This year, we chose to go in a different direction and focus the night on art and the wonderful work that has been done in art class.
Art lessons all year have been focused on famous artists and their contributions to the cultures of their time. Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Goh, Henri Matisse, Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keefe, and Keith Haring were all studied enthusiastically this year. Each artist’s biography was presented and discussed. The children then completed projects inspired by their work. Some favorites included abstract paper cut-outs inspired by Matisse, soup cans replicating Andy Warhol’s work, and flowers inspired by Georgia O’Keefe.
To conclude the year’s work, the children chose an artist to individually study. At this point, the work moved into the classroom, and research began taking place during work cycle. The children focused on learning about their artist’s biographical information, artistic style, and famous work. Sources were gathered, questions were asked, and information was organized. The energy and excitement is wonderful to see as the children put the final touches on their research projects and prepare for the Culminating Event. All inspired art work completed throughout the year will be on display, along with each child’s unique presentation of their work.
Please join us on Thursday, May 16 from 6:00-7:00 pm to be transported back in time to meet famous artists and learn about their lives. We hope to see you there!