Embedded Files
Fine Arts Nights
Fine Arts Nights
Every year there are 2 Fine Arts Nights at Hilltop, one for 1st and 3rd graders (in the fall), and one for 2nd and 4th graders (in late winter). On these nights, each grade level performs a music concert and has their artwork displayed throughout the hallways. Parents and students are welcome to enjoy a cookie and lemonade (courtesy Hilltop PTA) as they view the gallery!
State Fair Art Competition
State Fair Art Competition
Hilltop has a long tradition of competing in the Minnesota State Fair Elementary Art Competition. Every year in May I look through all the artwork from the school year and choose around 15-20 pieces from each grade to enter. By late August the State Fair judges announce the ribbon-winners, whose artworks are then displayed at the fair! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners also receive checks for 6, 5, and 4 dollars, respectively.
Minneapolis Institute of Art Field Trips
Minneapolis Institute of Art Field Trips
Every year the 2nd and 4th graders get to go on an art and music field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art and either the Ordway or Orchestra Hall. In 2nd grade we are led by tour guides through the museum, and in 4th grade we explore on our own while completing a scavenger hunt designed by Ms. Hans!
Imagination Celebration
Imagination Celebration
Once every 3 years, Hilltop hosts the Imagination Celebration. The school is filled with artwork from each of our 400+ students, there are family activities like scavenger hunts, crafts, an art auction, and mini-golf, as well as a giant black-light room and a talent show! Classroom teachers join in on the fun by displaying creative projects from the school year. Our last Imagination Celebration was in May 2017.
Youth Art Month
Youth Art Month
Youth Art Month was created in 1961 by the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) to celebrate and emphasize the value of visual art education in children’s lives. Hilltop participates in 2 YAM shows in March- one state-wide competition hosted by the Art Educators of Minnesota Association, and one local exhibition hosted by the Westonka Library.
Artist In Residence
Artist In Residence
For the first time in December 2017, Hilltop hosted visiting artist Malia Burkhart of COMPAS, an arts education non-profit. Malia spent the week teaching our 4th graders how to design, build, and paint giant paper mache dragons! The week culminated in a school-wide performance, and a second performance for parents at the February Fine Arts Night!
Owl in Residence
Owl in Residence
Hilltop is fortunate to host Mr. Brett, a naturalist from the Three Rivers Park District who teaches students about wildlife and the great outdoors. In addition to his work with grade-level classrooms, Mr. Brett also visits the art room once a year with a live Barred Owl for 4th graders to practice their observational drawing skills.
Dot Day
Dot Day
Dot Day is held annually the in 2nd week of September! Dot Day is an international celebration of creativity based on the book, “The Dot,” by Peter H. Reynolds. Students of all ages make art inspired by the book’s message: “just make a mark and see where it takes you...” Hilltop students and staff participate by wearing polka dots and giving themselves a creative hair-do!
Report abuse