Block Printmaking (7th/8th Grade)
This lesson was the first in a trimester-long printmaking unit of study. This class of 7th and 8th graders began their journey into the study of printmaking with the introduction of linoleum block printing. The concepts that students had to understand were the use of negative and positive space, and how to balance these visual tools to develop and image.
For this project students were asked to design a shadow puppet by carving and printing the components of their chosen characters. Once printed they cut up, and constructed their puppets using utility knives and paper brads.
Drypoint Etching (7th/8th Grade)
This lesson was the final project in a trimester-long printmaking unit of study. The 7th and 8th graders in this class used their prior knowledge learned during the trimester to tackle the traditional practice of drypoint etching.
This project had a large focus on process, and students were free to work from any subject area they chose. Once their plates were created they then learned how to use the classroom printing press. This project required students to work in teams of two as well as follow specific steps in order pull a clean print. Using a press is an advanced phase of printmaking, and this class excelled.
Ceramic Milagro Charms (6th Grade)
In celebration of Septembers Hispanic Heritage Month our 6th graders learned about the history and use of Milgros or Milgro Charms. Milagros (meaning “Miracles” in Spanish) are a common used icon or votive in places like Mexico and Spain, and their purpose is to bring attention of things in ones life that may need thought or care.
Students with asked to consider what areas of their lives that wish to help or improve. Maybe they want to be better at soccer, or run fast. Then they were asked to create a visual representation of that hope or dream. After sketching out ideas with pencil and paper, the students sculpted their Milgros from clay and glazed them once fired.
Graphic Novels (5th Grade)
In this lesson 5th graders learned about the wide world of comic books and graphic novels. They also learned how to design the layout of a page and translate a narrative into the visual form.
Students were tasked with creating a comic or graphic novel in which they highlighted an important moment in time. The moment could be real or made up, and they could use text to support their narrative. They also bound their books using a simple Japanese stab technique.
Ceramic Shoe (7th/8th Grade)
As an introduction to clay hand-building, this group of 7th and 8th graders used their new knowledge of slap, pinch-pot and coil manipulation to build something they hold near and dear to their heart. Shoes.
Shoes are one of the most powerful tools for expressing ones identity and style. Students were challenged with designing and building an original shoe, using all three hand-building techniques.
Textured Monoprint (5th/6th Grade)
This textured monoprint lesson was an introduction to printmaking for a our 5th graders. With no experience with any kind of printmaking, the class focused on the effects that different kinds of texture can make on paper.
With each print, the class was asked to show balance and symmetry in their composition. The students were limited in their choice of ink color, though had the freedom to design their monoprint in their own style. Everyone was required to make at least three prints, though almost everyone produced much, much more.