One of the joys of building an art curriculum at Salisbury Academy is the challenge of integrating classroom content into the art room. This challenge allows us to explore a wide variety of art media and a wide scope of content; everything from animals in habitat to Native American weaving to 1960's pop art!

                 

Using information learned in science class, first-graders created realistic drawings of animals in their habitats. We then transferred these drawings onto clay slabs. We painted these clay animals using vibrant colors. The next step will be to create diorama habitats for our clay animals! We are learning about realism and 2 and 3-dimensions in art. We are also reinforcing knowledge about what different animals need to survive in their environments.

                

After spending some time looking at traditional artwork, colors, and designs used by Navajo artists, third-graders painted circular looms using these traditional elements as inspiration. The next step will be to lace up our looms and begin weaving! In addition to discussing the significance of pottery and weaving to the Navajo, we spent some time talking about how these Native American peoples lived and how this might affect the colors and patterns that they used in their art.

                

In eighth grade, we have been looking at pop art and print making. After exploring famous prints and artists from the 1950's and 1960's (such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein) we talked about how the mass production of art (via printmaking) and the use of irony, advertising, and everyday objects changed the role of art in our culture. We discussed the transition of art from an elitist experience to one that all people could afford and enjoy. The discussion of these changes in art ties into the eighth grade history unit on changes in culture during the 1950's and '60's. After exploring basic printmaking techniques using simple foam plates, eighth grade artists will get to make their own linoleum prints based on objects and symbols from their everyday lives.

               

True to the nature of education, I learn so much from the students as we move through our art units and I continue to be impressed with how talented and thoughtful these SA artists are!