Exploration 1:

Puzzels with a purpose

Third-grade artists listened to and were inspired by the book We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom. We discussed what were things we wanted to protect, relating to the characters in the book. Every student found something they wanted to protect and created a watercolor depiction of this and then glued the art to tagboard and cut it into puzzle pieces! It is fun for our artists to see that artwork isn't always just about being pretty, there can be meaning behind art! Plus, we got some good cutting practice in as that tag board was NOT easy to cut!

Exploration 3:

Chalk Pastel Space

Third-grade artists participated in an art challenge sponsored by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope #UnfoldTheUniverse Art Challenge. The challenge was to create what you think the telescope will find once it is in space. Artists got to explore chalk pastels. We experimented with some different techniques and then topped off our galaxies with stars using a toothbrush and paint! We had so much fun completing this challenge and are excited to see if our display will be chosen to be included on NASA's James Webb Space telescope website.

Exploration 2:

Kindess Wall

Third-grade artists are getting into the spirit of being thankful! We explored ways we can spread kindness to others and then created post-it notes filled with positive quotes, and pictures. We then placed these post-its on large bulletin paper and displayed them in the hallway allowing others to take something they see and like or encouraging others to add to the wall! This is just another way we can build community among our artists and our school! No act is too small.

Exploration 1:

Watercolor testing

Third-grade artists were re-introduced to watercolors. We built upon our base knowledge of watercolors and experimented with some new techniques! When we experiment, it is good to ask ourselves some questions.... What do I notice? What do I wonder? This basic inquiry leads to discoveries that we will use to create our final art.

Some examples of our Inquiries include:

I wonder what happens when I wet the paper first, then paint?

I notice that as my brush "empties" on the page, my color gets lighter creating a gradation!

I wonder what happens when I dab paper towel on my wet art?

Exploration 2:

Yarn Marker challenge

Third-grade artists were introduced to a fun art challenge. Artists were given one marker per table of three and three strands of yarn. Artists attached each yarn strand to the marker and then had to work together to draw the directed shape they were given. It required us to use our collaboration and fine motor skills! It was HARD and FUN!

Exploration 1:

Exploring our identity through story quilts

Third-grade artists were introduced to fiber artists who use fabric to tell stories. Highlighted artists included Faith Ringgold, Traditional Hmong Quilts, and Harriet Powers. These artists use varying quilting techniques to tell their stories. Third-grade artists learned basic ruler techniques and created a quilt patterned background. Artists then created, cut, and glued symbols/icons to their background paper inside their "quilt squares". The symbols/icons represent each artist's own personality.

Exploration 2:

Found material challenge

Third-grade artists were given options in the way they explored. Artists could choose to explore drawing in their sketchbooks or they could use some of the challenge materials to see what they could create. These open-ended explorations are so vital to creative development! The artists were given an opportunity and the space to create based on their own inspiration, free from guided techniques. This creative freedom is a wonderful window into each artist's personality!

Exploration 3:

Collage Self-Portraits

Third-grade artists explored the work of contemporary artist Evita Tezeno. Evita uses paper collage techniques to make her portrait art. Third-grade artists expanded the paper collage techniques by adding a textural element to chosen areas in their composition. Artists used texture plates to create rubbed textures to include in their collaged self-portraits! It is so fun to see their personalities come through in these pieces!