Art

 Our Art Room

You may have noticed that the Art Room looks a little different recently, and your children may have mentioned having Art classes in an alternative space. At present, the Art storeroom is undergoing repairs due to ongoing water damage issues. As a result, there may be some temporary disruptions and adjustments to the Art program this term.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the students for the patience and flexibility they have shown during this time, particularly as they are accustomed to a busy and engaging Art program. We will continue to keep families informed as further updates become available.

PREP

We have been practising drawing people this term. To coincide with the students’ classroom unit, students have been exploring the theme of “family” in their work. This week, we used wax candles to create “invisible pictures”. The students painted watercolours over their drawings and were amazed to see the wax repel the water and paint, revealing the hidden images underneath.

The students were encouraged to draw their family on a long strip of paper. They were invited to include whoever they considered to be part of their family and to think about people beyond those they live with who may form part of their family or chosen family.

GRADE 1/2

The Grade 1/2 students’ classroom teachers will be asking them to create a sculpture from recycled materials at the end of the term. To prepare for this, we have been making sculptures using items collected from the playground. Working with natural materials is a very different experience from using plastic.

First, we explored the work of Oliver Ashworth-Martin, a Melburnian artist who creates art from materials he has foraged during walks. Much of his work focuses on showcasing cross-sections of Australian native seed pods and highlighting their incredible geometric structures. Through his art, he hopes to inspire mindfulness and a deeper respect for nature.

The students went outside to hunt for treasures. As always, they were encouraged to look on the ground and to take only a small amount if collecting from trees. The students are always so excited to get outside and go exploring... they are masters at finding treasures! We then returned to the classroom, where they were invited to create any kind of sculpture they wished. Encouraging children to create without limits often produces some of the most imaginative work.

GRADE 3/4

FINALLY! We are painting our clay houses. The children have been very patient (and, at times, very impatient), but I was finally able to unload all 180 houses from the kiln, and it was time to paint. Due to the ongoing classroom works, the children had only one session to complete their painting.

Unfortunately, we were unable to seal the houses as we do not currently have a suitable place to store them. However, we all agreed that the matte finish made them look more realistic. The children were incredibly proud to show off their work. We will post individual photos next week once all classes have completed their houses.

GRADE 5/6

We have been learning about Australian artists this term. Currently we are looking at the work of Aretha Brown. Her work is centered around truth-telling, inclusivity and identity. We discussed the importance of her work, and amplifying the voices of First Nations artists.

Students practised drawing in her style. They explored her unique motifs and reflected on what symbols they would use to tell their own stories. We then went outside to spread positive messages throughout our school, just as she does. Public art is powerful because it reaches many people. This week, a number of students and staff have approached me to say that the messages displayed around the school made them feel happy and uplifted. Well done, Grade 5/6.

Artwork of the Week

by Heidi F and Leo X (Art Captains)