Hi! I'm Mrs. McElhattan, kids call me Mrs. Mac. This is my ninth year at MVHS, but I have been teaching art in the Bay area for over 20 years! I am a Mom, artist, traveler, home renovator and (slow) runner. I am teaching Art One, Art Two Adv & AP Art and Computer Graphics this year and look forward to working with you!
My classroom is open at student support and most lunches for one-on-one help or input if needed.
"I’m always experimenting with new materials, new ways to do what I already know how to do. I’m always looking to fail in new ways in order to learn."
Ryan McGinness
Art 1 is a yearlong class where students will examine the foundations of art and explore the following components: drawing skills, art elements/principles, color theory, painting and mixed-media. Our exploration will emphasize creative solutions, we will learn about current and historical art movements, and we will develop the skill of interpreting your ideas in visual media.
Some teachers are 'commanders' and others are 'negotiators'. I am a negotiator which means that communication is key in my classroom. If you are lost or 'in the weeds' trying to make sense of a technique or assignment, check in with me and we will get you caught up! If you need more challenges say so (I have plenty!). I am not 'top down'; I will negotiate and help you along, but that is a two-way street, speak up! Being on time, prepared, and participating/willing to try and fail shows me that you care about this class, and your grade.
The only thing it takes to learn to draw is the desire to do so. If you are willing to do the work, you will learn some great skills in this class. Show up on time and ready, positive and kind and we will have a lot of fun this year!
We use the content standards of the California State Board of Education to meet A-G requirements:
1 Artistic Perception 2. Creative Expression
3. Historical & Cultural Context
4. Aesthetic Valuing 5. Connections, Relationships & Application
Annemarie McElhattan
(Mac-el-hat-an)
room 704
Available during student support & lunches!
Consider joining MVHS Art Club! We also particiapte National Art Honor Society which you can join!
Visit the Intersection Gallery, Located in the middle of the Arts rooms (above the Commoins) we exhibit art all year. Open at lunch.
[NOTE] Monte Vista is a No Place for Hate School. You may want to share how you will establish and reinforce a respectful and empathetic classroom community so that students from all identities, abilities, and perspectives feel seen and heard. Student safety is critical for effective learning and for feeling connected to school, adults, and peers. Embracing and celebrating diversity of lived experiences in the classroom environment can be viewed as an opportunity to enrich, and as a resource that can benefit everyone.
MVHS STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO’S)
Critical Thinkers who apply their knowledge, skills and experiences to solve problems and actively seek out and listen to a variety of perspectives to draw informed conclusions.
Creative Contributors who engage in problem-solving, inquiry and innovative solutions to improve societal outcomes, demonstrate originality and imaginative ideas, and generate new and meaningful solutions.
Intentional Collaborators who demonstrate the ability to work within a group to achieve common goals, integrate diverse perspectives and ideas, and enrich the learning of both self and others.
Adaptable Learners who demonstrate the ability to adjust to new situations, respond productively to feedback, and to empathize with diverse views.
Effective Communicators who articulate ideas clearly in a variety of forms and contexts, listen with empathy to decipher meaning and intentions, and demonstrate the ability to give presentations for a range of purposes and audiences.
Ethical, Respectful, and Responsible Citizens who demonstrate compassion, empathy and respect to others and take responsibility for their actions.