I make messes,
i make mistakes,
but deep inside, I’ve got what it takes.
I am an artist.
I Am … (2021/22)
School: Clayton Elementary
Class Mascots
Each class voted on an animal to become their unicorn hybrid mascot for the year. Students then learned how to draw that animal (plus its unicorn features) and altered their designs to represent their own uniqueness amongst the classroom family.
With every ART project THIS YEAR, STUDENTS IN EACH GRADE LEVEL (K-6) aimed to express unique features of their identity through the language of visual art. THis year-long challenge was not only a way for students to build self awareness, but also a way to engage with our school community as a whole and find a sense of belonging. Coming out of the covid-19 pandemic, our staff and students continually recognize the need for connection to self and to others.
Arts Alive Week
Arts Alive Week is a long standing tradition at Clayton Elementary where ALL STUDENT artwork made throughout the school year is displayed in our building, transforming our school into an Art Museum! Artist and performers from our community are invited to perform throughout the week as we celebrate the arts! Families are invited to join their students for a special Art Show Opening and performance from our talented students.
This year we were able to fully celebrate the Arts live and in person! This is such a special week for our community and especially for our students!
Kindergarten & 5th Grade Collaboration
This year’s Kindergarteners and 5th graders worked in collaboration to design (K) and make (5th) Imaginary Pet Stuffed Animals. After Kindergartener’s imagined up and designed a pet they would want to have, they met with a 5th grade buddy to tell them about their ideas. 5th graders then secretly started to transform these little drawing into a stuffed animal using sewing techniques. After the long process of making was completed, the Kindergartners met with their buddies once more to receive their surprise gift.
Self Portraits
S.E.L. SKILL - SELF-AWARENESS
Plein Air Painting
4th Graders experienced the joy of making art outdoors - to actually be looking at a landscape rather than a picture while painting. Student’s also designed and made their own traveling “paint” pallet using water and washable markers to make travel sized art supplies!
PRINTMAKING
4th & 5th graders brainstormed objects from their daily life to become a symbol they would use as a stamp. Students discussed how looking at the every day objects around us, we can learn a lot about who we are and the culture we live in. The symbol each student designed is a clue to the viewer about a part of the artist’s identity (interests, values, personality, skills, family, heritage, inspirations, etc.)
Fibers
Students 1st-6th grade used fibers as a medium in multiple projects throughout the year. From weaving to shoe design, yarn art to tie dye! Using fibers was such a popular medium for all ages that we even created an after school club for those students looking for a deeper dive into this skill base.
Cyanotypes
6th Grade artists learned about the chemical process behind the magical Cyanotype print as well as a brief history of the process. Using materials found in nature or in the classroom, students then created their beautiful prints.
NFT
6th graders designed a series of nine PFP (Profile Picture) images using sketchbook for iPad. Students continually discussed the impact of similar high value of NFT’s on the world and imagined new ways to make art in this realm.
Clay
Each year, every student K-6th gets an opportunity to make a clay project. This year, our teachers and building staff also got an opportunity to make with clay as well!
