The Sun will shine in the Fiesta Gallery

 In just a few weeks, I will be setting up student works for the Fiesta Art Gallery.  Students in grade K - 4 have been exploring the artist culture of Mexico and creating art for the exhibit.  It will be held in conjunction with the Fiesta dinner and dance at one of my schools.   I am especially pleased with the results of 4th grades student's work with art foil.  I created a simple template for the sun and students were encourage to adapt and make it their own as they created Mexican Suns.  They had spent some time viewing examples of the use of the sun in Mexican arts and crafts prior to beginning their own work.  After working the foil to give it the dimensional qualities, they added color using sharpie markers.  I'll post works from other grades to share their projects as they are completed.

Fiesta Art Gallery

Every year I am ask to create decorations for the teacher managed Fiesta dance.  I personally don't like to have my students create "decorations".  For me, it diminishes the roll of art in education.  A few years back, I shifted the focus somewhat and began to create art projects that were then used to decorate the walls.  I attempted to make cultural connections and made sure that students viewed the work they were doing as art and not decorations.  This year, I approached those in charge and requested that I shift the focus a bit more.  As a result, we will be creating the Fiesta Art Gallery.  The dance will be an event for the gallery opening.  Now, yes, I know it is still the annual dance but I think my new approach with the students will create a new experience as well.  Here are a couple of the completed projects.  I will be grouping projects by subject matter complete with labels, artist statements and description plaques reflecting the purpose of the lesson and the Visual Arts standards that are in use.  I'll let you know how it all goes and promise to post more pictures as projects are completed.  Anyone have any suggestions as I try to make the gallery a reality?  Please share ideas!