Visual Arts 

It’s hard to believe that the end of the year is almost upon us. It’s been a topsy turvy year with plenty of curve balls along the way. Despite this, 2020 has been rich with unexpected silver linings. From a personal point of view I’ve really enjoyed my first year in the Art Room at St James. I’ve learnt a lot, had to adapt like everyone else to many changes along the way, but the main thing I’ve noticed and come to really appreciate is the level of connection and support between all members of this school community.

The Art Show will be dismantled at the end of this week and finally the students will be able to take home all their beautiful art work.

They will bring their art works home in a folio. Could I ask that the folios be returned the following week.

We had some lovely feedback for Grade 1 and 2 students this week from Melbourne illustrator Ann James. Earlier in the year they created a chalk pastel and paint artwork based on the book Lucy Goosey by Margaret Wild and illustrated by Ann. The students were very pleased with their works and so was I. I sent Ann a photo of the works as displayed in our Art Show. 

She posted the children a limited edition print from the book which has been signed by the author and illustrator in appreciation of their efforts. Here is a photo of Oliver, Alessandro, Audrey and Ella with the print and book. We will have it framed and hang it in the school.

During the Art Show students were asked to ‘purchase’ 3 pieces of art work to hang in Mr Flanagan’s office for the rest of the year. There were several ties so with the highest number of purchases the following students are:

Sophie Gr6 : Positive negative Painting   

Siena G Gr4:  Sea Monster

Tilly Gr1: Parrot

Mia B Gr6  : Autumn Leaves

Grace Gr4 : Sea Turtle 

Lucia : Gr1 Van Gogh at My Place

Congratulations to all the students who had art work selected for the Share Stories publication. It’s wonderful to see their work highlighted.

Here are a few photos of some of the student’s artworks from the last few weeks.

Preps have produced Owl Babies paintings using cotton balls for paintbrushes. They also enjoyed playing Art Bingo.  Grade 1 and 2 used paint slicks to create witches legs. Grade 3 and 4 painted crayon relief/ water colour pumpkins inspired by Yayoi Kusuma and Grade 5 and 6 created 3D cartoon cockatoos inspired by the drawings of Gwyn Perkins in the book A Walk in the Bush.

Every student in the school has been working on a special artwork which will be revealed in a couple of weeks!

Best regards,

Mandy Cooper

Visual Arts Teacher