NCEA Convention Art Show

Like I said the other day, there weren't too many offerings at the convention except for Dick Blick's vendor display. However, I did take quite a few photos of the art work that was on display outside of the break out rooms. St. Paul and Minneapolis schools had sent in student work from grades k -12 to put on a small art exhibit. I sure enjoyed taking my time looking at what was being shared. Two other staff members were with me and I was lucky that our gym teacher happened to have her camera along. I was able to take nice photos. Otherwise I would have only had the camera on my phone.

Dimensional Snake

Animal Transformation

Where The Wild Things Are (textures and group project)

Ceramic Frames with fiber weavings





Cave Art Replica

Apple Transition

Laurel Burch style cats

Animal Transformations

Aboriginal Style Painting

another Aboriginal Style Painting

The work was appreciated by many teachers. I am glad someone took the time to get the exhibit together. Additionally, there was one entire wall of teacher created art. They had set up several tables and used table top easels to hold the framed work. I am unsure of copyright issues so I won't be posting any of the teacher created art.

Spring Art Show

Earlier this week, my colleague and I hung our combined school art exhibit. This afternoon we held our reception. I thought I'd share a few photos of how we place the 2-D work on the walls. We really packed the pieces in tightly so that more children could be represented. It was almost like doing a mosaic tile job. We hung the larger works first and filled in the rest of the wall with smaller works. Lastly, we placed the 3-D work around on the window ledges and pedestals.

Since three of the walls are carpeted with a low loop, it is really easy to change out the shows. There is a plywood base under the carpet and it can take many nails before a remodel is needed. The carpet will also take the sharp part of velcro really well for any lightweight matted works and it sticks right were you want it. It allowed us to make many changes as we put the final touches on the show arrangement.

I think we got more pieces hung this year than in the past. It certainly took a little longer than usual to arrange everything. We served cookies, party mix, fresh veggies, and grapes. For a beverage we served clear soda. I think we enjoy having this show, but we are glad it is only an annual event.

Mall Exhibit

I took a sampling of work from my students of grades 3 - 6 to the local mall for our annual Catholic Schools Exhibit. The display boards contained 2 -D work that has been completed since this fall. I am saving the sculptures and the masks for an exhibit coming up in March that has an attendant.

These 4 display boards contained the Personal Art Series done by 2 fifth grade students and 2 sixth graders. Each year since 1st grade they have made a sample drawing containing the following subjects: people, animal, building, vehicle, and plant. They may arrange it differently each time or the same. They challenge themselves to come up with a slightly different version each year as their skills and talents develop. It is fun to see this series come together as the students reach the upper elementary grades.

The idea came from a colleague of mine. She got these 2 groups started with the pencil drawings back in first and second grades. Because of her encouragement, I decided to add it to my curriculum. The children have grabbed on to the idea very well and they are amazing me with such creativity. I am so glad she didn't keep the idea to herself.

Personal Art Series by MorganM. grade 5



Personal Art Series by Ryan S. grade 5

Personal Art Series by Kellan D. grade 6

Artistic Statement: "It was really fun to make these. I hope I can keep doing them!"

Personal Art Series by Courtney F. grade 6

Artist Statement: "I like drawing in a lot of colors."