Embedded Files
Donut Sculptures
February 2026
Students in Art Techniques created paper mache donut sculptures! They looked at the work of Wayne Thiebaud, American painter famous for dessert paintings, as their inspiration. They then used tinfoil as the base and a water/flour mixture for the paper mache. For the frosting, they used a "puffy paint" mix of elmers glue, shaving cream and their color. Students also used polymer clay and sprinkles for add ons.
Ceramic Doors
January 2026
Advanced artists tried their hand at clay and created decorative ceramic doors. They used clay, acrylic paint, moss, sticks, fake flowers, popsicle sticks and other miscellaneous supplies. Currently on display in the library!
Acrylic Shoe Drips
December 2025
Sophomores and Seniors recently completed these large scale acrylic paintings of popular shoe brands. They used the Grid Method to accurately draw the shoes and added their own creative "drip" backgrounds. Students had fun using acrylic paint and paint markers to bring it to life!
Music Room Mural!
May 2025
Senior, Sarah C., recently completed an independent mural project in the music room. Sarah worked on this large scale project for many months and was able to use her knowledge from four years in Art class as well as her Painting and Design skills. Her goal was to leave her creative mark on Assabet before graduating. Sarah has had previous artwork on display at both her elementary and middle schools and now her high school. A special thanks to Mr. Tenzar for his creative input!
Colored Pencil Layering
April 2025
Students practiced layering with colored pencils.
Fashion Upcycle
January 2025
Once again, Advanced Juniors were challenged to upcycle a wearable item. Some students painted on thrifted clothing. Others tried leather dyed wallets, dyed shoes and tackled sewing and embroidery for the first time. Great job to this group!
Pop Art Sculptures
December 2024
Students created paper mache sculptures inspired by the art movement of Pop Art. They studied the packaging designs of their chosen snack/candy and used paint to bring it to life.
Photography to Drawing
November 2024
Students took a nature walk to photograph what they saw in nature. They selcted their favorite photo to turn into a drawing. They then chose what art materials they wanted to use to bring color and shading into their work.
Culturual
Celebration
October 2024
Lara V.
Four students submitted artwork that celebrated diversity to Marlborough's district court. Their pieces when on display at the courthouse during the court's annual cultural celebration day.
Jack S.
Clover T.
Rob C.
Hubcaps and Gears
October 2024
"Donut" by Leticia M.
"Up" by Mia G.
"Captain America" by Daniela O.
"Cardinal" by Sierra B.
"Sunset" by Rybecca D.
End of the Year Artwork
June 2024
Ms Gaide
Mood Board Project by Emma R.
Keyhole Painting by Arthur S.
Tye Dye Drawing by Ally K.
Keyhole Painting by Lara V.
Skateboard Deck by Samuel W.
Mood Board Painting by Sarah C.
Book Sculptures
May 2024
Ms Gaide
Seniors and sophomores created book sculptures from old discarded books from Assabet's library. Each student developed a theme to transform their book and planned their necessary art materials. Some books are interactive for viewer's to pick up and flip through while others stay open on display.
Through the Keyhole
May 2024
Ms Gaide
Students sketched ideas for what they could put inside of a keyhole. What view do they see on the other side? They also had freedom to choose their art materials. They had to add texture on the outside of the keyhole to bring it to life!
Celebrity Monochromatic Painting
March 2024
Ms Gaide
Freshmen and Juniors in Art Techniques chose celebrity portraits to paint using one color with its tints and shades. They learned how to work with a monochromatic palette and stencil art.
Fashion Upcycle
February 2024
Ms Gaide
Juniors upcycled thrifted clothing using paint, textile medium, embroidery or sharpie. Each design came out amazing!
Japanese Notans
January 2024
Ms Gaide
Students learned about a Japanese design concept called notan. A notan involves the "play and placement of light and dark elements as they are placed next to the other." Students used paper and x-acto knives to cut out their chosen images and then used glue to place each piece in its mirrored spot.
Hubcap Designs
December 2023
Ms Gaide
Thank you to the Auto Tech shop for donating hubcaps and rims to the art room. It turned into a wonderful project where students collaborated together to create their designs. Students used a variety of materials such as acrylic paint, paint markers, wire, string, cardboard, battery operated lights and more.
Value Portraits
October 2023
Ms Gaide
Students practiced their value scales and explored a variety of drawing pencils from H to 10B. The looked at examples of realistic portraits done in graphite and researched their own portraits. Students used celebrity or personal photos. They then used the Grid Method to create their realistic portraits. Many students surprised themselves with their ability to draw!
Mystery Shading
September 2023
Ms Gaide
Advanced Art sophomore and seniors practiced shading by receiving one small square from a photograph. They had to recreate the light and dark values that they saw in their photo. It was kept a mystery as to what they were all creating. Once all squares were glued down, the students discovered that they had collaboratively made a realistic portrait of Albert Einstein!
Disco Ball Shading
September 26, 2023
Ms Gaide
Advanced Art students practiced shading by looking at real disco balls in front of them. The light shining off each mirrored tile was an exciting challenge!
Artists: Mak Krieg, Maria Da Silva, Sarah Ciavattone, Isabella Nogueira, Lavinia De Araujo
Field Trip to ICA
May 31, 2023
Ms Gaide
I was lucky enough to join the Design & Visual seniors on their field trip to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. We saw Simone Leigh’s current exhibit, featuring ceramic, bronze and video. Her work centers around Black women including “historical periods, geographies, and artistic traditions of Africa and the African diaspora” (icaboston.org).
We had a great day!
Flower Wall!
May 1, 2023
Ms Gaide
Independent Art student, Molly Mara, planned and executed a beautiful flower wall in the art room. She used artificial grass, flowers, palm leaf cutouts, neon signs and a foam board printed in Design & Visual. The flower wall has become a fabulous backdrop for photos of students, teachers and even alumni and families from Exhibit Night.
Summer Career Discovery
April 1, 2023
Ms Gaide
Assabet’s summer experience is back! We have plenty of great activity options for grades 5-8. Call the Assabet Community Education office for questions / additional details, 508-263-9651
Enroll your camper at www.assabetACE.org
Fashion Club: Junk Kouture Contest
March 1, 2023
Ms Gaide
Ms. Harper from Design and Visual and Assabet’s Fashion Club are currently competing in Junk Kouture, a sustainable fashion competition. Students took on the challenge of upcycling junk to create a wearable high-fashion outfit. All three Assabet submissions made it to the top 10 designs (AMAZING!). Their work was looked at and judged by the president of Parsons School of Design and the top ten designs selected will advance on to the Junk Kouture World Final!
Puzzle Mural
February 28, 2023
Ms Gaide
60 art students have been adding to our puzzle wall with acrylic paint. Each student has ownership over their own puzzle piece and a few collaborated with connecting pieces. Students had to brainstorm and sketch ideas before adding it to the large puzzle wall. The mural is an ongoing project and will be wrapping up soon!
Self-Portraits
January 31, 2023
Ms Gaide
Art students used the Grid Method to learn how to draw a realistic portrait. They surprised themselves with their drawing abilities and were very happen with the results. Each portrait looks just like the artist!
Book Sculpture
December 1, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Forrest Lortie
Advanced Art students took on a Book Sculpture project. It was amazing to see old, discarded library books take on a whole new form and theme. The students’ visions came to life using a wide variety of tools and materials, such as book pages, paint, styrofoam, clay, drills, xacto knives and more.
CD Art
November 20, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Angelica Riveria
Students in the Art Techniques course used a brand new canvas for painting, blank CDs. Students first sketched their designs before creating their CD Art. Some decided to use the holographic background and others covered it. Each design was unique, fun and eye catching. We made one giant display of colorful CDs in the hallway!
Ceramics
October 18, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Emily Spencer
Here are this year’s ceramic tiles made by both Ceramic students and Advanced Art students.
Shoe Portraits
September 30, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
A fun way to get to know my new students is through their shoes! Shoes have a unique way of showing personality, style and even career. Art students practiced drawing from observation to create their own shoe portraits. Many students shocked themselves at their ability to draw something so realistic. They added light, medium and dark values with a shading pencil, as well as colorful backgrounds. I decided to change up this project by giving students the option to divide their shoe into black/white and colored parts. I am glad I did!
"Beyond the Beaten Path" at Southborough Library
June 22, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Students were selected for their artwork to be on display at the Southborough Library (located in the teen room). The theme chosen by the library was “Beyond the Beaten Path” so each Assabet artist included nature within their work.
Seashells by the Seashore
June 15, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
To finish out the school year, Art Technique students studied a variety of real seashells. They practiced layering with colored pencils and then went on to draw a realistic shell. They added the colored pencil technique and created beautiful drawings on a natural paper. Just in time to head to the beach soon…
Artwork for Solomon Pond Mall
May 31, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Art classes were given an exciting opportunity to exhibit student work at the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough, MA. Students have been working hard on a “graduation cap” design that reflects on their 4 years at Assabet, as well as looks at their future. 16 students feel honored to be the first ever to be exhibited at the new Gallery space at Solomon Pond.
Graduation Caps
On Display!
April 28, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Graduation season is upon us!
Seniors were excited to design the top of their “graduation caps.” Some students looked towards their future by drawing their career and college plans. Other students decided to honor their vocational shops or use photographs from throughout the years. We then displayed each cap from the art room ceiling. The room is filled with color as the caps hang all around the art room and give recognition to the hard work throughout their high school careers.
Portrait to Painting
April 1, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Mr. Rusack’s art class just finished a new project, “Portrait to Painting.” First they learned about proportions of the face and how to shade with a value scale. Then, their drawings were photoshopped to a gray scale so students could start planning for their monochromatic paintings. Each student chose a color and created many different shades using acrylic paint. We were very impressed by the outcome of this project!
Monochromatic Portraits
March 30, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Some art classes took on a challenging project of using acrylic paint to create monochromatic portraits. Students chose both portraits of themselves and portraits of celebrities. Their paintings represent a specific artistic style, that resembles stencil as well as street art.
Fashion Upcycle
February 28, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Students are working hard on their “Fashion Upcycle” project. Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming products into new materials with greater quality and artistic value. Students brought in their own clothing they were willing to use and winter beanies were provided. Everyone is excited as they are painting on white sneakers, embroidering hats, painting on jean jackets and leather purses, as well as using sharpie on button down shirts.
Playlist Mural
January 1, 2022
AVRTHS Webmaster
Art and technology meet on our latest temporary mural in the art room. Advanced Artists in the 10th and 12th grade recently completed this large-scale project after starting it in November. Students brainstormed many different themes and then voted for their top favorites. They ended up choosing “Playlist,” which was the original idea of senior, Olivia van Wart. Each student designed their own album covers to reflect their personalities. We later decided to add a QR code that scans to their curated playlists using Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube.
Come check it out in the Art room!
Main Office Mural
December 31, 2021
AVRTHS Webmaster
Art and technology meet on our latest temporary mural in the art room. Advanced Artists in the 10th and 12th grade recently completed this large-scale project after starting it in November. Students brainstormed many different themes and then voted for their top favorites. They ended up choosing “Playlist,” which was the original idea of senior, Olivia van Wart. Each student designed their own album covers to reflect their personalities. We later decided to add a QR code that scans to their curated playlists using Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube.
Come check it out in the Art room!
Looking to spruce up your office walls? Call the Art Dept!
October 19, 2021
AVRTHS Webmaster
Students were given the opportunity to put their artwork on display in the Business Office. Ms. Miller’s office now has a colorful bird theme! It worked out perfectly that students had recently created animal drawings…and Ms. Miller owns two parrots!
Advance Artist Animals!
September 30, 2021
AVRTHS Webmaster
For Advanced artists in grades 10-12, we kicked off the school year with animal drawings. Each student selected a unique animal using the art material of their choice. They were instructed to use the Grid Method for creating realistic proportions. Artists started with realism and added some creative and dreamlike backgrounds as well.
Window Art for Spring :)
April 29, 2021
AVRTHS Webmaster
Sophomore and Senior students recently decorated the windows on the first floor of the building. After studying street art through out the year, drawing on the windows felt fun and exciting for the students. We used washable paint markers that are intended for glass. Students chose scenes that were spring-like, such as flowers and birds. We did have a Homer Simpson appear, as well as a window dedicated to SENIORS 2021. If you are in the building, go check out the student artwork before it disappears!
Hello again
April 28, 2021
AVRTHS Webmaster
The blog took a break for awhile but stay tuned for more updates in the Assabet Art Room.
Students have been busy with remote learning. Projects have included Photography, Mail Art, Album Covers, Skateboard Designs, Object Color Wheels, Name Mandalas, Personal Narratives, Awareness Posters and MORE.
Phewwww… that’s a lot of art 🙂 Check out the Photo Gallery section for photos of these projects.
Artist Visit From S0MA79
November 8, 2019
AVRTHS Webmaster
Advanced Art students had an inspiring visitor this week! Timothy Johnson, also known as SOMA79, spoke to students about his pathway to being a successful artist, how he developed his artistic style and what his creative process looks like. SOMA79 is a local artist who recently had a pop up art show in Hudson, MA. His work is influenced by comic book styles, graffiti and music. SOMA79 is also known for completing a portrait a day for 365 days. Students gained some honest insight on being an artist in the real world.
Personal Narrative
June 11, 2019
AVRTHS Webmaster
Students were challenged to tell a story using visual imagery and symbols.
Book Sculptures
June 11, 2019
AVRTHS Webmaster
Students worked with recycled books to create sculptures. They chose to work with paint, clay, modeling paste, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, yarn and more…
Our 2018-2019 Mural Wall
April 30, 2019
AVRTHS Webmaster
Our mural wall has served as a unique platform for our artists. We usually have new 2-3 murals each school year.
Our first mural this year was completed by Luiza Landrau (sophomore). Luiza LOVES The Beatles and used their Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover as her inspiration. She used a palette knife for much of the color application and included lots of original detail.
Our second mural was our “Elephant In The Room,” an annual project completed by many different students. Students in all four grades, in both A Week and B Week, had the opportunity to make their mark on the wall. The term “the elephant in the room” describes obvious or heavy problems that people avoid talking about. So what do we do? PAINT THEM ON THE WALL!
Rotating Art Exhibit at the Coffee Loft!!
February 6, 2019
AVRTHS Webmaster
Assabet’s Art Department is pleased to announce our rotating exhibit of student artwork located at the Coffee Loft in Marlborough, MA. Every two weeks, new student work is selected to go on display at this local small business. It presents an exciting opportunity for young artists to put their work out into the world. Students have had positive reviews on going to see their art in person!
Go check it out at the Coffee Loft. 406 Lincoln St, Marlborough, MA 01752
Advanced Artwork on Public Display
December 2, 2018
AVRTHS Webmaster
Juniors in Advanced Art and three Seniors in Independent Study are currently exhibiting their artwork within the surrounding community! You can find student work at the Hudson Public Library, as well as at the Coffee Loft in Marlborough. The assignment was open content with an emphasis on public display in the community. Students started off by completing 4-5 sketches each day before finalizing their ideas. They met with Ms. Gaide individually to explain their piece and what materials they would use to bring it to life. This assignment has led to the opportunity of a rotating art display at the Coffee Loft.
4th Grade Art PALS!
November 2, 2018
AVRTHS Webmaster
19 Juniors in an Art Techniques course have been assigned a 4th grader from the Freeman-Kennedy School in Norfolk, MA as their “Art Pal.” We sent hand written letters introducing ourselves and cannot wait to receive letters in return. Assabet art students will create a work of art based on their Pal’s hobbies or interests after reading their letters. We are excited to see how long we will be writing to our Pals!
Bicycle Drawing
March 15, 2018
AVRTHS Webmaster
The bicycle is notorious for being challenging to draw. It is also a tradition for high school students applying to the Rhode Island School of Design to successfully draw a bike as a part of their portfolio submission. In our own Art Techniques courses for Freshmen and Juniors, students took part in drawing a bike from memory. They were surprised at how challenging it was to remember all parts of a bike. Afterwards, a bicycle was rolled out to the middle of the classroom and they compared their drawings to the real thing. Students then took part in viewing the bike from observation and tried drawing it again. We sectioned off each piece of paper to create unique viewpoints of bike details. Students used pencil or charcoal. Here is the outcome!
Shattered Selfies
February 12, 2018
AVRTHS Webmaster
The bicycle is notorious for being challenging to draw. It is also a tradition for high school students applying to the Rhode Island School of Design to successfully draw a bike as a part of their portfolio submission. In our own Art Techniques courses for Freshmen and Juniors, students took part in drawing a bike from memory. They were surprised at how challenging it was to remember all parts of a bike. Afterwards, a bicycle was rolled out to the middle of the classroom and they compared their drawings to the real thing. Students then took part in viewing the bike from observation and tried drawing it again. We sectioned off each piece of paper to create unique viewpoints of bike details. Students used pencil or charcoal. Here is the outcome!
Annual Elephant in the Room Project
January 24, 2018
AVRTHS Webmaster
Every year, students take part in an “Elephant in the Room” classroom mural. The mural is used to explore a variety of topics that are not often discussed yet remain prevalent. Topics often include drug addiction, peer pressure, bullying, social media appearances, stereotypes, global warming, relationship abuse and more. The students have done a great job bringing awareness to such difficult subjects.
Art students continue on as semi-finalists in the Arisia 2018 Art Show
January 19, 2018
AVRTHS Webmaster
Three students from Assabet Valley, Kendra Rodriguez (Junior), Jason Patanao (Sophomore) and Nirran Lachmann (Sophomore) have been selected as semi-finalists for the Arisia 2018 Student Art Show. The contest received a large number of submissions from all across New England. Submissions were chosen with an emphasis on both quality and meaning. Subject matter includes science fiction, fantasy, space, and other speculative subjects, in a wide variety of media.
The final judging took place at the Westin Waterfront in Boston, during MLK weekend. Awards included up to $200 and the opportunity for resume building. Nirran Lachmann was awarded Third Place Winner and Kendra Rodriguez received Honorable Mention. All three students did a fabulous job making it into the show! Congratulations!
Artwork for a Cause
December 15, 2017
AVRTHS Webmaster
This week we made postcards to be sent to the Floating Hospital for Children. A little girl named Ruby Mae Millea has been asking for holiday mail. Ruby recently turned 4 years old and is currently undergoing chemotherapy for stage 4 neuroblastoma. We hope all of our mail will keep her smiling! Read the story from WCVB5:
wcvb.com-4-year-old-girl-battling-cancer-in-boston-asking-for-holiday-mailDownload
Massachusetts Art Education Gallery Exhibit
November 17, 2017
AVRTHS Webmaster
This past weekend, we attended the 2017 Massachusetts Art Education Conference in Amherst, MA. We both entered our own Encaustic paintings into a jurored show for art educators and, to our surprise, we were accepted into the exhibit. Our paintings are made from melted bees wax and show a variety of techniques using brush, collage, 3D wax building and more. Here we are at the opening reception of the show!
Classroom Mural Wall
November 16, 2017
AVRTHS Webmaster
At any given moment, you can walk into the art room and discover something new developing on our mural wall. Currently, Kendra Rodriguez (Junior) is painting her original drawing on the wall. This piece will help with Kendra’s art portfolio for college, as well as take part in student art competitions. We are excited to see the finished results! See the progression below.
Nature Photography
November 8, 2017
AVRTHS Webmaster
Students walked the perimeter of our school and captured these beautiful shots of nature.
They were then challenged to create a realistic drawing from their photograph, using colored pencils and watercolor.
Altered Books
November 8, 2017
AVRTHS Webmaster
Students were challenged to think about a book and it how it has served us through out time. They learned about altering the meaning of objects to create art using mixed media. The students then chose from a collection of used books and began their book sculptures. They tore, ripped, cut, painted, folded, collaged and more. It was exciting to watch their projects come to life.
Ceramics Throwback!
June 12, 2017
AVRTHS Webmaster
Ceramic piece by a graduated Assabet artist, completed in 2012
Album Cover Designs
June 9, 2017
AVRTHS Webmaster
Sophomore students in Art Techniques have finished their Album Cover Designs, a lesson centered around music and its role in our every day lives! Students reflected on their music styles, as well as their personalities, to create the cover of their own albums. Collage and mixed media allowed for unique and personal designs and the back of their albums were decorated with song titles and words found from magazines. Enjoy!
Call of Duty Inspired Prop by Jazon Claire
June 8, 2017
AVRTHS Webmaster
Jaxson arrived to class with a vision. He decided to spend the last weeks of art creating a Call of Duty inspired prop from scratch. He quickly brought his plan to life by working in class and at home with great enthusiasm. A sophomore enrolled in the Electrical Wiring shop, Jaxson was able to use his trade skills. His video game sculpture is not only designed with foam board, spray paint, acrylic paint, and metal, but it is wired with working lights as well. Jaxson upcycled many materials in order to complete his prop, including leggo pieces, bottle caps, a ring and other found objects. Below is a timeline of Jaxson’s project.
The Elephant in the Room
June 5, 2017
AVRTHS Webmaster
The art room mural wall began during the 2015-2016 school year. The idea stemmed from a construction wall that was located in the art room. Students began to decorate this big, eye sore and it soon became something worth looking at. Carpentry and Painting & Design students teamed up with the art department to create a permanent mural wall. This project has been named “The Elephant in the Room,” relating to the popular saying describing issues that are present, yet not often talked about. Students start with painting a massive elephant right on the wall. They then brainstorm topics and issues that are local and global, creating interesting and valuable conversations around the art room. Topics have included, drug abuse, physical abuse, politics, depression and anxiety, suicide, racism, bigotry, body image and social media.
2022 Featured Alumni Artists
Art Club meets on A Week Wednesdays in the Art Room (B-231)
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