HAPPY YOUTH ART MONTH!
Here is a link to some info about the special art activities happening this month & to recognize + celebrate our Springer artists:
Art News ARCHIVES from 2021:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Here are some pictures from the art room during the past month!
WELCOME BACK SPRINGER ARTISTS!
It has been a JOY seeing everyone back in-person in the art room this year!
WHAT’S NEW?- Each child has their own portable “Art Kit” this year which is kept in their classroom at school and brought with them to art class each week. This allows students to have their own personal supplies to reduce the need to sanitize “commonly shared” materials in-between uses. It also allows more flexibility to have art outside on pretty weather days, since the art materials are portable. Better yet, at the end of the school year, students will be allowed to take their art kits home and keep them to make art with over the summer!
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN CREATING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF SCHOOL? On the first day of art class students packed their art kits with various supplies for drawing, painting, collage, and more! They also used pipecleaners to practice wire sculpture techniques (bending, twisting, wrapping, curling, pinching, pulling, etc.) to make their own creations (various shapes, people, animals, candy, jewelry, bugs, etc.). One the second day of art class students defined the theme: “joy,” and they illustrated, “What brings me joy.” Students expressed themselves visually by drawing pictures, words, symbols, emojis, etc. to represent joyful things like animals, people, favorite foods, favorite places, favorite characters in movies and games, etc. During the past two weeks, we have continued to focus on representing themes or “big ideas” visually through brainstorming & sketching ideas before creating finished works of art based on our school theme, “Stronger Together” and the Reflections theme (see below).
THE PTA REFLECTIONS PROGRAM THEME FOR 2021-2022 IS:
“I WILL CHANGE THE WORLD BY…”
In preparation for our “Multi-Cultural Night” during the PTA meeting on Tuesday, May 18th at 7PM, students are learning about “Greetings from Around the World” and sharing how to say “hello” in another language:
https://padlet.com/avcogbill/fk75pmrihng06286
Check out this link to some self-portraits created by 4th & 5th grade artists inspired by the contemporary artist, Kehinde Wiley:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RuBhVido9tPySUVY9
HAPPY YOUTH ART MONTH 2021!
This week we’re starting fresh, new art lessons:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B-XWIo5a9dmA3ONzLQZqhjZ0otStjL9m?usp=sharing
I also challenge you to dress like a famous artist/artwork. Need inspiration? Check out some character and costume ideas here: Cassie Stephen’s DIY! Parents, students, faculty, & staff can share pics of their clever disguises here: Google Photo Album.
Last week we focused on 2 important things:
#1. Celebrating YAM in March (with a virtual art gallery & daily drawing challenge)
#2. Honoring African American Artists (from Black History Month in February).
REMINDERS:
*Square 1 Art Fundraiser Click here!
*STUDENTS- Don’t forget that you can review your art lessons each week! Just log into Schoology, look under “COURSES,” and click on the link/icon to your class’ art course, then you can see folders & files containing information about our weekly lessons. Here’s an outline of what we’ve studied in art so far this year:
Week One: Intro & Welcome to Art!
Week Two: Celebrate National Arts in Education Week & Bob Ross!
Weeks Three, Four, & Five: PTA Reflections, Cookbook Illustrations, & Yearbook Cover Designs
Weeks Six-Ten: Units on Animals in Art (KG & 1), Elements of Art (2 & 3), & FUNdaMENTALs of DRAWing (4 & 5)!
November & December: Unit on Digital Art for all grades using Brush Ninja (animated gif creator) and Kleki (free, web-based paint tool)
January: Units on Snowflakes in Art (KG & 1), Native American Art (2 & 3), & Drawing the Human Figure (4 & 5)!
February: Square 1 Art & African American Artists of the past & present in honor of Black History Month
*Congrats to the winners of the Reflections Contest and Yearbook Cover Design Contest. The list of names is posted in your Art Course in Schoology.*
Hard to see this reminder from last March during the start of the pandemic!
Please be advised that many of the activities planned for this month have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Despite the closing of schools and many businesses, let’s continue to recognize and celebrate the hard work of our students. Congrats to these young artists!
YAM Activities 2020 2-sided flier
At the Twin Hickory Area Library there is a display of “Undersea Collages”created by second and third grade artists & inspired by the illustrations in Eric Carle’s book, “A House for Hermit Crab.”
Sam’s “Gyotaku: Fish Print” represented our school in the regional CVAEA SunTrust Art Show:
Emmaline’s “Crazy Cat” represented our school in the School Board Art Show:
Maya’s “Vase of Flowers” represented our school in the elementary level General Assembly Art Exhibit:
Kennedi’s “Self-Portrait” represented our school in the Central Office YAM Exhibit:
In February, Nora’s “Tar Beach” represented our school in the Black History Month Exhibit at CO:
Also in February, Madison’s “Tar Beach” represented our school in the Exceptional Education Month Exhibit at CO:
Back in November 2019, Raegan’s “Sailboats Sailing at Sunset” represented our school in the elementary level Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Art Exhibit:
Happy New Year!
Students have been very creative and productive in Art class during the first semester. Here are several links to view some of their art work:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WP5Hmw1gDET9D5QZa-0yLcZ7f5LvPqM7
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1a7zCLG8pthl1_OpqL4Q0Gg7yBrV5v-Dl
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZaaUOe3aANtSPAfKrI3tAshC5Kodc_SZ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YIQ8cSaWlO7mQedJ8ectS8ai2CXRNI-s
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aojQ2lZ8NgTyiqRnYlMybx1vu4f-3isi
Here are some pictures of my “Whimsical Fairy Cottages” class during the PTA sponsored after school enrichment program called “Kids Club” this past fall:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GX2XcOBE6uz8enhrntk-DQvG-xq97osa
Welcome to the 2019-20 School Year!
This year our school’s theme is: “Sailing the C’s to Success!” The C’s stand for creative and critical thinking, communicating, collaborating, quality character, and becoming a global citizen. We will do many thematic art projects centered around ocean life, seascapes, water, and nautical subject matter. Here’s a link to some projects I have in mind:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ijf98nRvfqaLHIfjcQUPIzlDwEwJG-Gx?usp=sharing
There are many ways that students can get involved in art. Consider participating in the following:
1. PTA “Reflections” Program
https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections
2. PTA 
“Square 1 Art” Fundraiser
Parents can also get involved by donating supplies. Here’s a list of items needed in the art room:
nature & food magazines, baby wipes (to clean hands), cardboard egg cartons (please no styrofoam), toothpicks & mini marshmallows, Q-tips, eyedroppers, washi tape, ziploc bags (sandwich, quart, & gallon sizes), buttons, acrylic gems, glitter glue, pony beads, solid wood building blocks, playdoh, legos, kinetic sand, smooth river rocks, Zentangle coloring books, spirograph, rock salt, wide masking tape, spin & paint art kit, marble run maze, & magna doodle drawing board
ARCHIVES-
Spring 2019 News:
We ended the school year working on various owl-themed art lessons in preparation for a school-wide collaborative art project in memory of our former librarian, Mrs. Diane Strait. Students learned cool facts about owls, including: owl anatomy, how owls have been depicted in art history across the world, owl sounds, & various ways to draw owls. Students also looked at the art of John James Audubon who traveled around North America drawing & painting owls and other birds. Check out their progress:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wkHlSpbWeTw2BvkuLLAd3qRyCdTtDDzn
Fall 2018 News:
A warm Springer welcome to my VCU student teacher, Katy Rickards. She will be working with us until mid October, and we are excited to have her share new lessons!
Main hallway displays:
Gelati Celesti display:
January 2018: Students are kicking off the new year with so
me cool projects including: (click on the blue links to see a photo gallery of projects!)
- KG/1st grades: “Van Gogh Cats” & “Valentine’s Day Self-Portraits”
- https://photos.app.goo.gl/PhxO0RQBldlpNbCp2
- 2nd/3rd grades: “Ancient Egyptian Self-Portraits,” “Greek Vases,” & “Chinese Willow Plate Designs”
- https://photos.app.goo.gl/5gS5cI6ksYSZBWSj2
- 4th grade: “Monochromatic Paintings” & “Intermediate Weavings”
- https://photos.app.goo.gl/r3QgbCKpCxYiwpWJ3
- 5th grade: “Half Photo/Half Drawing Self-Portraits”
- https://photos.app.goo.gl/WDiM6MFSpXyHw28G3
Fall 2017 :
School Beautification Project Nov. 4th
Join us for an afternoon of fun & creativity in the S.P.E.S. art courtyard on Saturday, November 4th from 2:00-4:00PM. Faculty, staff, parents, & students are invited to paint river rocks that will be used to decorate the S.P.E.S. gardens. “Be the change” by decorating rocks with inspirational words & pictures. Bring your own rocks to contribute if you can.
March 2017Art News: Celebrate “YAM” (Youth Art Month)! Each year we recognize the importance of visual art education programs in schools & recognize the accomplishments of student artists. Here’s a list of some special events and exhibits:
*”Groovy Art Display” of K-5 art at the Twin Hickory Area Library in the children’s section from Mar. 1st-31st.
*”Groovy Fridays”: March 3rd- dress up as an art career, March 10th- dress up as your favorite artist, March 17th- wear your favorite color(s), March 24th- mismatch pattern day, March 31st- dress up as a famous work of art
Congratulations to the following students who will have art on display in various exhibits during the month of March: “Cubist Picasso Face” created by Lily N. in Mrs. Moore’s 4th grade clas for the SunTrustBank Exhibit, “Robot Wolf” created by Beau N. in Ms. Heiberg’s 3rd grade class for the School Board Exhibit, & “Abstract Design” created by Kaylee B. in Mrs. Waters’ 1st grade class for the C.O. YAM Exhibit.
February Art News: Congratulations to the following students who had art on display at Central Office during the month of February: “Groovin’ at the Park: Peace, Love, & Happiness” by Ciara R. in Ms. Atkins’ 5th grade class in honor of Black History Month, and “Mr. Seahorse” inspired by Eric Carle, created by Carter J. in Mrs. Bryants’ & Waters’ 1st grade class in honor of Exceptional Education Month.
January Art News: Welcome Miss. Bell!
Please join me in welcoming my student teacher, Miss. Bell, from VCU’s School of the Arts and Department of Art Education. Miss. Bell will be teaching lessons about printmaking, weaving, painting, and drawing. Kindergarten and first grade students will be exploring self-portraits with warm and cool colors. Second and third grade students will be weaving on individual looms plus collaborating on a community project incorporating their “wish.” Fourth grade students will be exploring their identities through “hair portraits” inspired by the contemporary artist, Lorna Simpson. And fifth grade students will be practicing gesture drawing and the human figure.
Congratulations to Emily C. in Miss. Staib’s 5th grade class whose “Sea Creature Silhouette” was selected to represent our school in the elementary art exhibit at the General Assembly!
December Art News: This month students created works of art about ice cream! KG/1st grade students made a TALL waffle cone with up to 6 scoops and added yummy toppings! 1st/2nd grade students painted 1-3 cones with a variety of flavors and added shadows for a 3-D effect. 4th grade students painted snowman ice cream cones surrounded by snowflakes, and select pieces of art are on display at Gelati Celesti in the Gold’s Gym Plaza.
October/November Art News:
Thank you to all the students who participated in this year’s PTA Reflections Program. Thank you to the PTA Chairwoman, Kimberly Campbell, for organizing all the entries and displaying the visual art & photography in the main hallway by the cafeteria for everyone to see & enjoy. There will be a ceremony at the PTA meeting on Tuesday, November 15th at 7PM to recognize all of the participants and announce the winners.
Congrats to Bao T. in Mr. Whitehead’s 5th grade class. His “Daylily” watercolor painting was selected to represent our school in the “Elementary Student Art Exhibit” at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. His art will be matted, framed, and displayed in the Robins Visitor Center from October 28th, 2016 through February 1, 2017.
Thank you to the Eagle Scout, Thomas C., for completing his project for school beautification in the art courtyard. Students and teachers are enjoying the new picnic tables, raised box flower beds, and freshly painted bench outside. We appreciate all his hard work and dedication!
In addition, thank you to the School Beautification Committee, teachers, and students who volunteered to “Spruce Up” the school grounds. Despite the rainy weather, the team managed to clean up the front garden, library courtyard, and art courtyard after school a few days. Thank you to the Landscaping Chairwoman, Cathy E., for picking up new flowers and herbs to plant in the gardens.
Currently on display: Select ice cream drawings created by second grade artists are at Gelati Celesti Ice Cream in the Gold’s Gym Plaza!
’16-17 School Theme: “Groovin at The Park-” Celebrating 20 Awesome Years!
Congratulations to the following students whose artworks were published in the Virginia Art Education Association’s Winter News Magazine: Farrah S. (2nd gr./ Nguyen) “Egyptian Mummy Sarcophagus,” Thomas G. (3rd gr./Newton) “Tar Beach,” & Nathan M. (4th gr./Moore) “Self Portrait.” You can view their artwork in the “Student Gallery” on pages 14-15 online at:
http://www.vaea.org/uploads/3/2/1/2/32127137/vaea_winter_2016.pdf
January 2016:
Welcome back students & parents for the New Year 2016! Students have been working on the following art projects:
KG &1st grades- Snowmen Collages, Paper Snowflakes, and Pop Hearts (inspired by Jim Dine)
2nd & 3rd grades: (2nd)Egyptian Mummy Sarcophagi + Bamboo Brush Paintings, (3rd)Tar Beaches (inspired by Faith Ringgold), and Fiery Fall Leaves (ceramic w/ acrylic paint)
4th grade: Fruit & Vegetable Faces (inspired by Giuseppe Arcimboldo), Winter Birch Tree Landscapes, & Abstract Nature Drawings (inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe)
5th grade: Wire Figures (inspired by Alberto Giacometti & Alexander Calder) & Pop Portraits (inspired by Andy Warhhol)
November 2015:
Thank you to all the students who participated in this year’s PTA Reflections Program. I was impressed by the quality of projects relating to the theme: Let Your Imagination Fly! Thank you to the PTA Chair, Kendra Holeman, for displaying the visual art & photography entries in the main hallway by the cafeteria for everyone to see & enjoy. There will be a ceremony at the PTA meeting on Tuesday, November 17th at 7PM to recognize all of the Reflections participants and announce the winners.
Art Exhibits: Please visit the Twin Hickory Area Library during the month of November to see an exhibit of K-5 student artwork in the children’s section. Also, there’s a display of 2nd & 3rd grade ice cream drawings at Gelati Celesti Ice Cream located in the Gold’s Gym Plaza on Broad St.
Congrats to Lily D. in Mrs. Lang’s KG class. Her owl collage was selected to represent our school in the elementary art exhibit at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
Reminder: Mrs. Cogbill is collecting aluminum can tabs again this year for “Ronald McDonald House Charities.” Feel free to drop them by the art room anytime.
Looking ahead: The “School Beautification Committee” and PTA Landscaping Committee will probably host a “Spruce Up Day” in the spring of 2016. We would love to your help with weeding, planting, and mulching in the gardens! Please let Mrs. Cogbill know if you’d like to help out, or contact the PTA Landscaping Chair, Michele Powers, at: landscaping@springerpta.com
Attention: Watch D.O.G.S. are needed to help display art throughout the year. If you’re interested in assisting then please fill out a volunteer from & sign up. Thanks to Mr. Smith for being the first Watch Dog to help this year!
Donation Request: Please consider donating nature magazines, kleenex tissues, hand/baby wipes, mild foaming hand soap, and hand-sanitizer to the Art Room.
March 2015:
S.P.E.S. had an exhibit of K-5 student art work at the Twin Hickory Area Library in the children’s section in celebration of Youth Art Month! Projects included: Monet’s Water Lilies, Paper Snowflakes, “Day of the Dead” Skeletons, Egyptian Mummy Sarcophagi, Greek Vases, Woven Landscapes, Chinese Dragons, & Fall Leaf Illustrations.
![IMG_0800[1]](https://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/avcogbill/files/2012/07/IMG_08001.jpg)
