2nd Semester if Here....

Yes, I have been slack about posting in the blog....my goal is to get better with posting our amazing work.  Anyhoo....the new semester is here and I wanted to share the Guidelines and Procedures with everyone...click on the link to access.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nSqxGPPp4Que4OMHV23JxhFAOkzJFWzfOVhbE_5zWKU/edit

Clay Planters....Bloomin' Cute!

These 8th grade clay planters are so bloomin' cute filled with coral impatiens.

Kayla's Giraffe

Mai Xee's elephant...or is that an anteater with wings?  Whatever it is, it's adorable.

Owen has a gift with clay sculpture....his alligator won 1st place in our art show.  Here is his turkey planter.  

Principal Art Choice Award Winner!

The 2013-2014 winner of the Principal's Art Choice Award is Hunter!!!

Usually it takes a while for Mrs. Watson to sort through and choose the winner of this award...but this year, Hunter's art stood out and it was a quick, easy choice!  Hunter's artwork will be framed and hung in our school to represent the year's

He is so proud of this accomplishment....and he should be since he is only in the 6th grade!

Something's Fishy In Here!

8th Graders are working on their fish weaving......

kinda sketchy

kinda wet

kinda cool!

AND The WINNER IS......Owen!!

North Stanly Middle School Art Show 2013-2014

Students from North Stanly Middle School had their artwork on display at the Falling Rivers Gallery in Albemarle from May 6th  through May 19th  Approximately 95 pieces of student work were shown, including two dimensional media as well as sculpture and pottery.  Emily Thompson, art teacher from Cannon Day School in Kannapolis, judged for this show.   A reception was held for students, parents and public on Tuesday, May 13th.  Special thanks to the Falling Rivers Gallery for their support in hosting and publicizing the show and also to the North Stanly Middle School staff for providing refreshments for the reception.

And the Winners Are…..

First Place:Owen Harris, 8th Grade, Clay Animal Sculpture

Judge’s Comments: This sculpture caught my attention by his use of color, texture, detail and color.  Great job on hand building your animal and choosing contrasting colors with your glaze.  The scale of the pottery was perfect.  It was my favorite!

Second Place: Mattie Harward, 6th Grade, Egyptian Portrait

Judge’s Comments: What a striking piece of artwork.  I loved your use of scale, proportion and subject matter.  The colors were carefully selected and really popped off the black paper.  I loved the asymmetrical characters in the left hand corner

Third Place: Logan Chandler, 8th Grade, Fall Still Life

Judge’s Comments: I kept going back to this piece of artwork and touching the lines.  I loved the range of value in pumpkins had and the attention to detail and texture.  Great composition!  

Honorable Mention(s)

Mallory Russell, 6th Grade, Egyptian Portrait

Stephanie Fraley, 8th Grade, Lichtenstein Painting

Mariah Helms, 7th Grade, Yellow Line Painting

Jenny Loflin, 8th Grade, Impressionist Painting

Camille Shelton, 7th Grade, African Mask

Chamar Watkins, 6th Grade, Story Quilt Painting

Paint and Pour Class for Adults....Sign up NOW!

I don't usually post personal things, but thought some of you adults might be interested in this.  I will be teaching a Paint and Pour class at Cherry Blossoms in Troy on Friday, April 11th from 6:00-8:00.  We will be doing these little stylized cherry blossom trees as the first official paint and pour for the shop.  Cost of the workshop is $4 .  Space is limited so call 910-571-0030 to sign up or get more information.

FYI......Cherry Blossoms is a small antique and gift shop located on Main Street.  I currently have a booth there called Vintage Blessings.  If you can't make the class, stop in and see all the visual treats there.  You'll be sure to find something that you can't live without.

Hope you will join us!

Scrap Wood Sculptures

These pictures show 8th grade scrap wood sculptures.  This is always a favorite project.....but it's also a challenging one.  Students are given very little instruction.  Yes, I know I'm supposed to teach, and I usually get a lot of "I can't do this", "what do I make", or "this is too hard" comments when they start.   But part of my job as a teacher is teaching kids to think for themselves.  Too many times children come to me and have been spoon fed the instructions, the processes, and the solutions.   This projects forces them to become the thinker and the results are always so creative.  

For this project, students are given a pile of wood scraps, wood glue, and some hot glue as well (we do take time for teaching safety for the hot glue).  Their directions..... create some kind of animal, insect, bird, or person that must stand alone and balance. 

With this project, I get to see them really take ownership of their creativity and problem solving skills and they are very proud of their finished pieces!  Below are just a few.....

This cat is waiting for the fish to jump out of the bowl!

Little Princess made by a little princess.

Spot the Dog is leashed and ready for his morning walk!

Ahoy Mates....this barge is ready to set sail.

Puppy Love!

Little black cat....hope you aren't superstitious.

Taking the tabby for a walk.

Painting on a smile!

Bird Walking.....