3rd Grade: Art Meets Rocks in our Parade of Artists Assembly

Some projects are meant to be. My most recent Parade of Artists assembly was definitely in the stars.

Talking with Mr. Kirwan, our wonderful School Counselor, about random artsy things, he mentioned a Photographer named Jonathon Wells that he met a while back.

This Photographer is quite extraordinary for a few reasons....
1. He is a very good photographer....
2. He is also a Geologist....
3. He has a studio near Hopewell....
4. He creates unique photo collages depicting landscapes (cities, rolling hills, etc.) and the layers of rock beneath... exposing the beauty that lies underneath.

Jonathon Wells and students

Well, guess what, I reached out and got an answer back that he would be willing to talk to our 3rd graders about Art and Rocks! 3rd grade is currently studying rocks and minerals in science so what a perfect time to match up Art and Science.

We set up Mr. Wells' photographs on tables in the the All Purpose Room. The longest photograph stretches 7 feet! The kids "gallery walked" the table which were set up in a large "U" shape admiring the dozen or so images.
Each photograph is as impressive in the visible photography skills of Mr. Wells as much so as the amazing accuracy in the layers of rocks that he has photographed underneath Boston, New York City and numerous places around the U.S.
Just imagine how difficult that is to photograph layers of rock and to arrange those layers beautiful as a collage under an equally beautiful landscape photograph....

The Third graders asked Mr. Wells really great questions that reflect how much they are learning in science and how interested they are in learning about rocks and minerals.

Students at the start of the U shaped viewing line

I always feel proud to work for my school district (and BT in particular), but felt a new sense of pride in being able to connect two areas of interest for our kids and with the perfect guest speaker.

Parade of Artists

Too often I hear a student casually mention that their parent is an artist or mention enough to give indication that their parent or family member is super artsy, even if not by profession. 

Mrs. Majkowski teaches a special workshop on making jewelry with sea glass

I would love to meet and work with these parents whenever we can make the time..they should not be hiding if they are willing to teach a workshop to their child's class or to a grade-level!

I have implemented this program/resource at my school called 'Parade of Artists' which will be a database of local artists and super crafty people who have interest in presenting workshops or being guest speakers at Bear Tavern. I would love to compile these artists and share the lists with other schools in my district so that we can all 

INFUSE MORE ART INTO OUR PROGRAM and ENRICH OUR STUDENT'S LIVES!

My Principal, who is a rock star Principal in supporting art and creativity, just sent the info below to families so we'll see what response comes in but I am excited to bring even more artists to the school!

Guest Presenter: Rory Mahon and Frankenstein

Aren't we lucky??! 3rd graders in my 3W class are in for a treat tomorrow. Artist, Rory Mahon will be teaching students how to create stencils and use them in a piece of work. Mr. Mahon, who is a parent at BT has been so kind to create tomorrow's workshop and to work with students. I am excited to see the following stencil of Frankenstein and accompanying paintings that he created and is bringing in to share with us. 

Rory Mahon holding up his Frankenstein created using stencils

I have been impressed with Mr. Mahon's professional work knowing the difficulty of the materials that he works with, iron, metals and stone. 

Sneak Peek @ Art Room Mural and Collaborative Circle Paintings

I am surprised that I am up posting right now as today was an exhausting day. The kind of day I would not trade for anything but I am tired. 
The art room was double booked all day today and will be again tomorrow to make sure that all of my 1-5 grade artists are able to meet Will "Kasso" Condry, Muralist, to view him painting a mural in the art room "live" and to participate in a collaborative circle painting project that I am running. Busy, busy, busy. 
All that were in the art room today know one thing with certainty---> Will Condry is quite incredible.
Before I fall asleep, here are a few photos from the day. 

Update: June 28, 2013. This blog post has been VERY popular due to Pinterest and has generated thousands of page views for this blog since Dec. 2011. If you create a project inspired by this post, please share your results and link back! Have fun!

I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE THESE CIRCLE PAINTINGS

.....and now..... Kasso mural sneak peek...and he's not nearly done....

He painted in these expressive circles the "skeleton" for this section of the mural in minutes. 

student asks a question to Will Condry while he paints