"talking a line for a walk"

Artist Paul Klee described drawing as taking a line for a walk, and defined line as the "movement of a point".  Kindergarten Artists have been exploring lines in all different ways.  

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"Kindness Rocks!"

Connecting with community partners and modeling collaboration is an important part of being an artist and teacher.  So when Juedevine Youth Librarian, Diane Grenkow forwarded me a link about a project that Community Allies member Rhonda Barr was involved in called "Hardwick Rocks!", I brought the idea to 5th Grade Teacher Lisa Forbes and her students who wanted to be involved too.

Fifth Graders are creating their own "Kindness Rocks" and placing them around the school and community.  Their goal is to spread kind words and bring joy to others through their art making.  If you happen to see a "Kindness Rock" we hope the message will make you smile, have a good feeling inside, and think about how you can be kind to others too.  Collaboration Rocks!

Art is the language of Pictures!

One of my greatest joys is the excitement of starting a new school year and getting back into the flow of creating with students. All grade levels are immersed and engaged with art making that stimulates their imagination, practices reflective thinking, hones observation and close research skills, as well as, encourages collaboration, persistence and creative problem solving. Knowing blogging is not my chosen medium, I am going to try really hard to post snapshots of the Art Studio so you can share this wonderful adventure with us.  Enjoy and feel free to remind me if you do not see your students class posted. - Mrs. LeCours

Pumpkin Power!

What a creative and supportive Hardwick Elementary School community we have!  Thank you to EVERYONE who helped students be successful and safe creating pumpkins for the art installation pumpkin walk.   The event was amazing and the weather was perfect for celebrating the harvest season and walking along the Hazen Trails with glowing creations lighting the way.  It is events like this that remind me how special our part of the world is and how powerful art can be in bringing people together in a positive way.

Welcome HES Artists and Families!

Students are off to a great start to the new school year in the Art Studio!

I have noticed students...  

• drawing from observation and imagination           
• working collaboratively 
• reflecting on past experiences
• comparing and constructing 3-D forms
• identifying patterns
• defining new art vocabulary
• asking questions
• thinking creatively
• modifying artwork
• practicing with art tools

                                                 ....and the learning continues to grow on a daily basis. 

A special thanks to all who visited the art studio at the HES Open House, and know that you are always welcome to come make art with your children. 

Good Process is the Road to Good Work!

I spend much time over the summer "dissecting" or "deconstructing" the art studio to prepare for the next school year. This detailed process of collecting, arranging, classifying, sorting, reflecting and designing prepares me to best model artistic thinking flexibly and creatively while teaching. So if you peeked into the art studio this summer and thought what a mess. Rest assured this is my process with ultimately the goal of inspiring students to think creatively and critically using their artistic minds and studio habits.

New Year Reflections

Planning and Integrating School wide projects are an enormous collaborative effort, and they are completely worth while when watching the joy of all students learning and creating in the classroom, and their pride and excitement participating in large events.  So far this year students have created another amazing "Pumpkin Installation" on the Hazen trails in October, decorative "Felted Insects" for table decorations at the Harvest Dinner in November, and "3-D Luminaries" culminating in a "River of Light" parade up Main Street in December.  WOW!

Looking ahead students will continue to create with different art forms to construct meaning and show their understanding of the world.  The Kindergarten Artists are working on "snowy" compositions in 2-D and 3-D media.  "Printmaking" is the focus of the First and Second Graders.  Third Graders are finishing "Winter Murals".  The Fourth Grade is learning about focal point through drawing.  Artists in Fifth Grade are working on "Color Wheel Designs".  While Sixth Graders are studying radial design and creating "Recycled Mosaics".

Happy New Year!