6th Grade Hero's Journey Book

Dear Students and Parents,

We are excited to announce our next art project where 6th-grade students will embark on a creative journey of their own by exploring the Hero's Journey through the animated film Spirited Away and then using this understanding to create their very own picture book.

Project Overview: In this project, students will:

1. Watch Spirited Away – A beautiful and imaginative film by Studio Ghibli that follows the journey of Chihiro, a young girl who navigates a magical world. The film is a perfect example of the Hero's Journey, which we will analyze and discuss in class.

2. Understand the Hero's Journey – Students will learn about the 12 stages of the Hero's Journey, including the Call to Adventure, Trials, and Return with the Elixir. We will explore how these stages help shape the story arc and character development.

3. Create Their Own Picture Book – Using the Hero's Journey as a guide, each student will create a picture book that tells the story of their own hero. They will design their characters, plot, and illustrations to match the stages of the journey, combining storytelling and art skills.

Learning Goals:

• To understand narrative structure and how stories are crafted.

• To explore the Hero’s Journey through visual storytelling.

• To develop creative writing and illustration skills.

• To engage in critical thinking and discussion about the themes of adventure, transformation, and growth.

7th Grade Mixed Media Basquiat

Dear Students and Parents,

We are excited to announce that 7th-grade art students will be exploring the bold and dynamic world of Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of the most influential artists of the Neo-Expressionism movement. Through this project, students will gain an understanding of Basquiat’s unique artistic style and the use of symbols and motifs in his work, while experimenting with mixed media to create their own Basquiat-inspired piece.

Project Overview: In this project, students will:

1. Learn about Jean-Michel Basquiat and Neo-Expressionism – We will explore the Neo-Expressionist movement, focusing on Basquiat’s use of vibrant colors, powerful imagery, and symbolic motifs. Students will discuss how his work reflects themes of identity, culture, and social issues.

2. Incorporate Symbols and Motifs – Students will analyze how Basquiat often used symbols like crowns, skulls, and text in his paintings to convey personal and cultural messages. They will be encouraged to create their own symbols or reimagine Basquiat’s motifs to express their ideas.

3. Work with Mixed Media – Students will experiment with different materials and techniques, such as acrylic paints, markers, charcoal, and collage elements, to create a mixed media piece that is inspired by Basquiat’s signature style.

Learning Goals:

• To explore the Neo-Expressionism movement and understand Basquiat’s artistic style.

• To experiment with mixed media and different materials in the creation of art.

• To use symbols and motifs to convey personal, cultural, or social messages in artwork.

• To develop critical thinking and reflection skills by analyzing and discussing their artwork.

8th Grade Choice Painting Project

Dear Students and Parents,

We are excited to share the details of the 8th-grade art project, where students will have the opportunity to create a painting based on a topic of their choice! This project is designed to encourage self-expression and creativity while allowing students to explore themes that are personally meaningful to them. Students can choose from three different prompts or propose their own unique idea for their painting.

Project Options:

1. Cultural Identity Painting
   Students will create a painting that explores their cultural identity. This could include elements that reflect their heritage, family traditions, or the community they come from. The goal is to convey what makes them unique and how they relate to the world around them.

2. Salem, MA Community Painting
   In this option, students will explore what makes Salem, MA, a special place. They will create a painting that represents the unique aspects of the city, whether it’s the historical landmarks, the local environment, or the community spirit. This is an opportunity for students to reflect on their own experiences and what makes Salem stand out.

3. Choice Project: Student-Defined Prompt
   For students who want to explore a completely personal idea, they can choose their own painting prompt. This could be anything from an abstract concept, a personal experience, a favorite subject, or an issue they are passionate about. Students will need to discuss and finalize their prompt with the teacher before beginning the painting.

Learning Goals:

• To explore themes of cultural identity, community, and self-expression.

• To develop technical painting skills using various mediums and techniques.

• To engage in personal reflection and storytelling through visual art.

• To enhance creativity by choosing a prompt that is meaningful to each student.

8th Grade Ceramics Teapot Project

Project Overview:

This month, our 8th graders embarked on an exciting ceramics project: designing and creating their very own teapots! This project combined three fundamental handbuilding techniques—pinch pot, coil, and slab—allowing students to explore different methods while honing their skills in ceramic art.

Process:

1. Introduction to Handbuilding Techniques:
   We started with an overview of the three techniques:

   • Pinch Pot: Students formed the base of their teapot using the pinch pot method, creating a rounded shape by pinching the clay with their fingers.

   • Coil Building: Next, they crafted the body and spout using coils, rolling out long, thin strips of clay and stacking them to create organic forms.

   • Slab Construction: Finally, students utilized slabs to create the lid and any decorative elements, learning how to join pieces securely while ensuring a cohesive design.

2. Design Planning:
   Before starting, students sketched their teapot designs, considering functionality and aesthetics. This planning stage encouraged creativity and personal expression, allowing them to develop unique concepts.

3. Assembly and Refinement:
   After shaping their pieces, students assembled the components, paying close attention to how each technique contributed to the overall structure. They refined their work by smoothing surfaces, adding texture, and ensuring that the lid fit properly.

4. Glazing and Finishing:
   Once the teapots were fired in the kiln, students chose glazes to enhance their pieces, learning about color application and the effects of different finishes.