Completed:How to paint an elephant in under an hour
"I teach K-2 grade children art. I have taught at my school for over 10 years. Every year my budget gets cut more and more. Our community is a high poverty community and is in need of generous organizations like DonorsChoose.org. Thank you for your consideration.
"I teach K-2 grade children art. I have taught at my school for over 10 years. Every year my budget gets cut more and more. Our community is a high poverty community and is in need of generous organizations like DonorsChoose.org. Thank you for your consideration.
If I did not write grants for these students, we would not have the needed materials to create works of art. Talking about art is one thing but being able to express themselves through art is priceless. With today's standards in reading being so high, more emphasis is put on the written language. My students spend an awful long time learning to read written language and only a little while learning to apply what they have read. Art is a good way to teach nonverbal communications. Reading art takes time. Students find clues in art that help them understand what the artist is trying to convey. Ceramic artist use the clay body to speak to their viewers in a subtile nonverbal language. The curving lines of a clay vessel speaks softly, while angular lines tend to shout. There are no two vessels that look exactly the same. The potter never tries to speak for the vessel. The vessel will speak for itself. If the potter forces his/her will on the vessel it shows. Children are formed the same way vessels are. We mold them into what we think they should be. It is up to both the child and the vessel to decide if it wants to conform or rebel against the potter. Clay is formed to show it's function. A clay pot
"Paint an elephant in under an hour" is about tackling a large project and seeing it through. This project comes from an old saying, "How do you eat a whole elephant?" and the answer is "One bite at a time."
In giving you can plant a seed for future generations attitude toward charity. My students understand that they need help and one day maybe they will understand the meaning of "Paying it Forward."
My students need 10 25 lb. bags of white clay, 6 tempera paint cake trays with paint and refills,a box of assorted markers, a class pack of paint brushes and an assortment of origami papers to construct an elephant "Piggy Bank".
See Mr. C.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Apr 1, 2009
Dear Neil & Priscilla, Dave, Cindy and Johnny, Kenneth, Josh, Jenna Boozer, Derek, connor, Gurpreet, Brian, renee, Hollis, Community Foundation of Central Georgia and Anonymous Donors,
I would personally like to thank each and every one of you for your contribution to my classroom. We have already started project and the kids are having a ball. In using the clay, my students will be able to learn more about free-form forms and geometric forms.
Creating three dimensional art allows the student to connect what he has learned kinetically with abstract ideas such as math. Building a firm foundation for learning is my job. A child enjoying what is learned is a byproduct.
Again, I would like to thank everyone for their support and hope that you will continue supporting public education. In the long run we will all benefit from your generosity.
With gratitude, Mr. C.
Mr. C. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Mar 28, 2009
Dear Neil & Priscilla, Dave, Cindy and Johnny, Kenneth, Josh, Jenna Boozer, Derek, connor, Gurpreet, Brian, renee, Hollis, Community Foundation of Central Georgia and Anonymous Donors,
Waking up this morning, I could not wait to check my e-mail. I could not believe that my words inspired such an outpour of giving. My students and I will gain a further understanding of our culture. Art is truly cherished and needed. By donating to this project you have insured that my students will value their creations even more. In these desperate times it is donors like you that help keep the arts alive. I have received grants from Best Buy and Target but this grant is special. It is special because you have given from your heart for something that you think is important. Being the first fully funded project in my school system proves just how important you think the arts really are.
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Natalie F. (staff member)
on Mar 10, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
Natalie F. (staff member)
on Mar 10, 2009
"I gave to this project because I know how important art is to your education.... and how fun!!!! You are very lucky to have Mr. Clements as your teacher!"
Cindy and Johnny
gave
on Mar 17, 2009
"Thank you,
It helps to have friends. We are one step closer to our goal"
The teacher Mr. C.
on Mar 17, 2009
"I gave to this project because this a worthy cause. We know that Mr. Clements is a great teacher who really cares about his students and their well being. Thank you for your hard work!"
Neil & Priscilla
from Hendersonville, NC
gave
on Mar 22, 2009
"Hey,
Thanks for your kind words and the donation. We will send you an elephant."
The teacher Mr. C.
on Mar 23, 2009
"I gave to this project because...
Tim asked us to help.
http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/
"
"I'll take a line from KC and the Sunshine Band, "Keep it coming Now""
The teacher Mr. C.
on Mar 26, 2009
"I gave to this project because...even though moulding clay itself doesn't speak to me; the plea revealed a depth of consideration and insight into the larger picture of his students' lives, that convinced me of the ability of this man to make a vivid & lasting difference in his students, with far reaching positive consequences."
"In this month's Time magazine there is an article about the new 3D movies. Cameron commented on how 3D movies speak to a different part of a persons memory. When a child constructs something from clay it leaves a stronger understanding of creativity than if he/she just produced a 2D rendering. Working with clay also gives a child a sense of control. The kids I teach have almost no control over their lives. Pushing, pulling and coaxing the soft material gives the children a feeling of self accomplishment which you have helped bring with your donation."
The teacher Mr. C.
on Mar 26, 2009
"I gave to this project because...I love to do arts and crafts. I think everyone should be able to do crafts. I hope my donations will help you towrards making a successful craft."
"Thank you for your donation. We are excited about starting our project."
The teacher Mr. C.
on Mar 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because I am a graduate student earning my Teaching Credential in Art and a Master's in Art Education. Art is an important componant in any classroom."
"Thanks to you we are almost there. In education we try to make children life long learners. My belief is that art education is the only discipline taught that last a life time."
"In celebration of 15 years of
philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia contributed to
this project in support of teachers and their students in Central
Georgia."
gave
on Mar 27, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Mar 27, 2009
"Thank you for stepping up and finishing this grant off. In these hard times education needs sponsorship like this."
The teacher Mr. C.
on Mar 28, 2009
"Thank you to EVERYONE that supported this project!"
on Mar 30, 2009
"This is such a great idea. I have put out the word and proved it can be done. Expect a lot of teachers in our district to be calling soon. Our community will reap the rewards of your donations."
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Natalie F. (staff member)
on Mar 10, 2009
