Past projects 7
Weaving, Clay Sculpting, and Printing Fish!
Funded Oct 1, 2022My students were so surprised when I showed them the fish replicas and told them we were going to print with them. They loved the project and I believe it was like nothing they have ever done before. We utilized the mirrors with a successful self portrait project. We are slowly using the other nifty supplies. I introduced weaving with paper strips and now we are ready to try the cardboard looms and the yarn. I am so grateful to be able to expand my materials beyond markers and crayons and to give my students an unforgettable art experience.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nesper
Combining Art and Literature
Funded May 1, 2019As the new school year unfolds I am thrilled to be reading the new books in my classroom made possible by your kind donations. Just today I read a book called "Squares and Other Shapes". It features the artwork of Joseph Albers, mostly shapes and colors. After the book the students worked on their own "Shape Book". I saw combinations of shapes clearly influenced by Albers work. This is a wonderful way to combine literature with art in a way that enhances their art experience.
I thank you again for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nesper
This classroom project was brought to life by LIFEWTR® and 8 other donors.Kyotaku Fish Printing
Funded Dec 21, 2018My classes have begun to use the supplies and create fish prints. This technique is new to us but everyone is thoroughly enjoying it. My 6-8th graders have had the opportunity to make several prints of each fish, mount their best one, and then prepare them for display. They will also be writing about their habitat and features. These are all fish found in the Great Lakes and since we are on the coast of Lake Erie it is fitting to learn about the local environment. Also a great way to connect art to another subject.
The students are careful with the fish so I believe I will have them for many years to come and many more projects. I am considering bringing in a real fish to show them how the Japanese fishermen did it, which is something I never thought I would do, but now that we are getting the swing of printing the rubber fish, what could be so hard about printing a real one?
Man thanks for your donations!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nesper
This classroom project was brought to life by Someone Who Cares and 7 other donors.Japanese Mini-Kimono and Shibori Fabric Project
Funded May 23, 2018My students and I have ben so excited to begin to use the art supplies for this project. We are working on batiks. Instead of using hot wax we made pictures by drawing with glue and then painting on top. The glue acts as a barrier to the paint and when you wash the whole thing in warm water the glue comes off leaving white lines. Next we will be using the indigo dye to dye some white fabric in a Shibori fashion. The last of the supplies will be used to make a picture using glue and little colored paint crystals which are sprinkled on wet paper to "bleed" color out into the space. I think the 5th and 6th graders are really excited to be learning about the Asian cultures where this art is made. I think it is important to expose the students to many different types of art and cultures. They are making art in new ways that they would not be able to experience without the funding of this project. Thank you again.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nesper
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Arts Funder and 7 other donors.We Love the Art Books in our Art Room Library
Funded Mar 27, 2018Thank you so much for your donation to my Art Room library. The students and I are enjoying the books immensely. I have a nice book rack that displays the books in the classroom. At the start of each class a student picks out a book for me to read to them. They are then free to read on their own when their work is complete and their hands are clean, at the end of the class period.
I notice kids wanting to finish their work early in order to have time to read. One little girl actually tries to skip the project and just go read. Another child cried one day because she said she never gets to read in Art.
I also notice a difference in their artwork. When I read a book about Kandinsky, who was a beginning abstract art painter, I see the students understanding what abstract art is and creating much more interesting pictures of shapes and colors. When I read a book that is constructed entirely in black and white I notice the students making really well thought out black and white collages, which enhances their knowledge of value.
I am looking forward to incorporating the art books into the lessons I am creating for next year and years to come. As you can see, both the students and I are benefiting from your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nesper
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple and 2 other donors.Art And Literacy Connect: A Library For The Art Room
Funded Sep 6, 2017When I conceived of this project I had no idea of the impact it would have in my classroom. One way is that I now start my classes by reading a book to the students from our classroom library. This is a calming way for the little kids to transition into art and it begins to focus their attention on whatever aspect of art we are learning that day. Not to mention that I am incorporating literacy into art! When we were making projects primarily with Lines I read "Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson at the start of class. The stories help to settle the students and get them focused on what comes next.
The students love the books so much they try to finish their work early so they can have time to read. One student picked a book at the start of class the other day and asked if she could read it to the class. With the that much enthusiasm about reading I could not say no. I have students asking if they can be the Librarian in charge of the book collection during their class period. I am so proud of them for wanting to take care of our new treasured collection.
I always say things like "don't waste paper, try to fix your mistake", but the book "Beautiful Oops" by Barney Salzberg gives them the message in a much lovelier manner. I am also fond of the books with the message that you don't have to be a perfect artist, like "Ish" and "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds.
I am encountering issues I had not even considered when conceiving an art room library: for instance students wanting to take a book from my room to read elsewhere. So far the answer is no, but I am tickled that they love the books that much.
Thank you so much for contributing to this wonderful addition to my classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nesper
Printmaking with Linoleum Blocks
Funded Jun 28, 2016Dear Donors,
My students were excited when they came back to school this fall and found out I had this special project for them. We began by making our own sketch pads and going outside to draw trees in the park. When they each had several good drawings to choose from we began to transfer the drawing to linoleum blocks. From there the students printed a proof and then made changes before printing an edition of 4 quality prints.
When designing a linoleum block one has to keep in mind that when printed, the portions they cut away on the block will remain the color of the paper. The part that remains will be the image that prints. This deduction thinking is a new skill that my students mastered well.
I would like to introduce more projects that involve multiple steps and that develop new ways of thinking. I am busy figuring out just what these will be. Probably more printing and some 3-d sculpture. I will keep you posted.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nesper