Here's some of the awesome things that have been happening in art class, beginning with the week before spring vacation!

Kindergarten artists spent Earth Day making some handmade paper for wildflower seed balls. The children tore recycled paper into bits, sorted it by color, then squished it around in bowls of water. Using a blender we made some "paper smoothies," then Esther and the children finished the project later that afternoon!

First and second-graders had fun in a combined Earth Day art class designing recycled artwork with messages about how to keep the earth clean for people and animals. They also worked on building small paper bag houses, and planning for the upcoming community museum.

Upstairs in the "Big Art Room," older artists are working on a large variety of projects, from needle-felting and altered books to "shoe art," embroidery, mosaics, clay, and printmaking.

These full cubbies give a sense of the busy environment in the art room!

Before vacation was the Wizard of Oz, a huge production involving a few dozen kids in the cast and crew. They did an excellent job, and the studio was packed for the show. Here are some pictures from the play, as well as what the art room looked like as we were making all the sets and props!

The cast and crew eating dinner together before the show, or a special meeting of a secret ninja society?

Cast party! Thanks to everyone who contributed yummy treats!

Finally, some of the self-portraits kids in grades K-6, and teachers, have created. I love how they look all mixed together. Seventh and Eighth graders will be finishing theirs soon!

Have a wonderful week!