The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Taking inspiration from Eric Carle, the 1st Grade classes have created giant caterpillars that are climbing on the walls. I like to begin the year by introducing my 1st graders to the Elements of Art. We talked about 'Texture' first and students had an opportunity to use crayons to create texture rubbings. They painted their circle of textures with watercolors, cut it out (which helps exercise those motor skills) and added it to the caterpillar body. Thanks to Mr. Stoller at Thomas Elementary for the idea!

Adinkra Symbols of Life

This collaborative artwork was created by the 5th Grade class of 2008-2009. We learned about Adinkra symbols that are used culturally in Ghana, Africa to represent different aspects of life, love and spirit. Each student chose a symbol that they identified with and used tools to carve their stamp from an EZ-Cut linoleum block. They created their own artworks and then used their stamp to contribute this collaborative artwork on a 4'x4' piece of birch plywood. Each student also contributed to painting the border which they voted on to be the colors of the Ghana flag. This piece is proudly displayed at the end of the 5th Grade hallway for all to see.

A Fresh Start

Welcome to the new and improved Riverside Elementary Art Blog! I began this blog two school years ago and took a hiatus last year. It's a new school year, a new beginning, and I plan to keep this blog updated.

I've found a lot of great ideas and inspiration from checking out blogs made by other art teachers and I hope to pay it forward with this one.

Below are some photos of the AMAZING Bottlecap Artwork the students collaborated on with our visiting artist, Michelle Stitzlein. I installed these pieces in our beautiful courtyard so that we can see them every day walking to and fro throughout the school day...