5th grade Appreciations, Class B

 

Bryce's observation skills are on full display in this Simpsons "Guess Who" board.  I encourage him to bring this level of observation and engagement to every class, as the Simpsons universe is vast and could keep going.  Whatever keeps you making, keep doing it. 

Harper is a joy to work with.  She has an open mind and puts a lot of persistence in each art work she makes.  She likes working in a small group.  Her love of people is evident in her drawings, as the expressions she illustrates are elastic and elegant. 

Ben did not shy away from assignments and found ways to make them of interest to him.  He is someone who understands various roles art fills, and thus doesn't mind trying new things.  Here he makes a double colored fox stuffed animal which shows off his ability to persist and engage.  

Alex is an artist with a well defined style but also an open mind.  Here, her developed style converges with her ability to explore, as each figure is given a radiant halo around them.  She enjoys mixing the colors to create gradients.  She is a careful artist without being a rigid artist, not an easy task to perform.  I look forward to working with her in the future.  

Robbie makes big bold marks and when he's invested in a project, will pursue is goals until victory.  He thinks divergently, and sees within objects and materials many different opportunities.  His enthusiasm is an asset and he should continue focusing his efforts towards making the school and the community better places.  This can be achieved by making more big bold drawings and art.  

Aiden has made one of the most ambitious and realized stuffed animals I have ever seen hand stitched by a 5th grader.  This bird has 10 pieces when most pieces usually have 7 at most.  He made this stuffed animals with his own stencils, having to measure out the correct sizing for each piece.  He used multiple felts even when the ones he wanted weren't available.  This is A+ work, made from not just talent but persistence.  Aiden demanded the materials do his bidding.  With continued action, he will be making art that is completely out of this world in the future.  

Kat's art is dreamy.  She effortlessly mixes opaque paint with her anime inspired character to create personal universes.  Everyone is drawn with care and love, and yet she remains open minded and explorative.  She is a student who has taken the art class very seriously and her efforts have paid off.  I look forward to working with her again at Monomoy Middle School. 

This is art that cannot be done at the last minute.  It is made with engagement, persistence, expression, developed craft, reflection, imagination, exploration and a love for the community.  Cody is a student who has the good in him exuding out at all times, even when he's unaware.  He is also modest and unassuming.  But his artwork is big and brash.  I love this Guess Who board.  You can be taught how to make art like this, but you either do it or you don't, and Cody always does. 

Cohen provides evidence of his competency in the ability to draw a variety of characters in this guess who board.  The expression vary, the hair styles vary and everyone is smiling.  This is a student who has showcased his ability to imagine, observe and develop craft.  

Carter has demonstrated an impressive ability to lock in.  He gets into meditative states will weaving and sewing stuffed animals.  This ability to be alone with his thoughts will serve him extremely well going forward, as many of life's challenges demand reflection.  I hope he continues to meditate in the service of creation.  

While a stuffed animal may seem childish and juvenile due to its association with "childish things", the act of making one demands a level of maturity.  Jayden has demonstrated this maturity by making a stuffed animal.  He has demonstrated evidence of engagement, persistence, developed craft and exploration.  This is no small feet.  We should applaud his greatness.  Great job! 

Rahil is modest and humble.  He takes school seriously.  These qualities have paid off, big time, as he has finished early and can end the school year on easy street.  When I look at his work, I see influence from everywhere in the classroom; specific drawing styles from specific students, examples from the teacher, colors and techniques from every corner of the art room.  This is a student who has taken full advantage of the privileges he has been given.  I deeply look forward to working again with Rahil.  

Willow has brought elegance and grace to just about every project she has made.  I am highlighting her weavings, but I'm impressed by lots that she has done.  These weavings improve as she continues to make them and she has provided evidence of developed craft.  I hope her positive attitude and calm demeanor continues to bring her to interesting places in life.  She is a joy to work with. 

Winston gives everything a try.  He persists to the point of turning in his work.  His open mind has enabled him to reach proficiency in class.  He is thoughtful and reflective, often finding purpose in assignments not intended.  He is career driven and mature beyond his years. I hope he continues to find joy in making.  

Declan is tuned in to the culture and creative.  He has a lot of fun cartooning when doing his emotion and expression board, even subverting the assignments without jeopardizing the assignment's integrity.  He inherently understands the joy that comes from making art.  I hope he never loses that joy in making, as it is one of the greatest achievements human can hope for. 

This expression tells me so much about Grace; this self portrait is very telling to her character.  Her happiness is contagious, and when she creates, the art can make people happy too.  

Isla Wheeler is open minded, talented, persistent and a pleasure to be around.  She uses a variety of materials and listens attentively.  I look forward to working with her again.