Art with Mrs. Kinman

The major goal of Garrison’s Visual Arts Program is to generate an appreciation for visual arts in all students-to excite students about art. Lessons are designed to help students meet the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements in Visual Arts. Written critiques are designed to help prepare students for success on the WASL.

All sixth grade students receive seven weeks of art instruction as part of their exploratory wheel. The seven-week course is an introduction to the basic elements of art (line, shape, form, texture, value, color, and space), with Color Theory being a major focus. Students will explore a variety of media during the quarter, including clay, as time permits.

All seventh and eighth grade students, who are not office or library assistants, nor participate in band, orchestra, or choir, will receive nine weeks of art instruction as part of their exploratory wheel. The nine-week course explores the basic elements of art (line, shape, form, texture, color, value and space.) Students will explore a variety of media during the quarter, including clay, as time permits.

8th grade one computer-created project will be assigned to be completed on the student’s own time in the library or at home.

All art projects are designed to give students the tools and confidence they need to organize art elements into artistic compositions effectively. As the grade-levels progress, greater emphasis is made on craftsmanship, technique, and presentation. Specific projects may vary from one exploratory class to another throughout the year.

Please supply for your 6th & 7th grade child the following materials for this course within two weeks of the start of the exploratory session:

· A box of crayons (24 count)

· A package of markers (broad tip usually last longer and are more versatile)

· A large eraser (white rubber or art gum work best)

· No. 2 pencils preferred, rather than mechanical

· A black permanent marker (ex: Sharpie fine point)

· Optional: a ruler, glue stick, scissors, colored pencils

Please supply for your 8th grade child the following materials for this course within two weeks of the start of the quarter:

· A package of markers (broad tip usually last longer and are more versatile)

· A Sharpie Marker (Black)

· A large eraser (white rubber or art gum work best)

· No. 2 pencils preferred, rather than mechanical

· A package of colored pencils

· A small pencil sharpener

· Optional: a ruler, scissors, glue stick

These materials will be carried in your student’s book bag and will be useful in his/her other classes as well. All of these supplies are available at any store, which carries school supplies. The teacher will provide students with drawing paper, construction paper, clay, glazes, tempera paint, etc.

I use a weighted grading system, which I believe allows all students the opportunity to be successful in this class, no matter what entering skills they possess:

· 60% based on Project Points

· 40% based on Daily Points (for arriving to class on time, being prepared, having necessary art supplies, following directions, staying on task)

Project Criteria includes:

· Following project specifications

· Quality of work

· Neatness and presentation

Because students will not finish projects at exactly the same time, I only deduct points for late work if I have given them a specific deadline by which the project must be submitted for grade. Students are expected to stay current with projects, though, and if they fall behind, they are encouraged to come after school to finish their work. This should not be considered a detention time, but rather an opportunity to get extra help. Since we only have seven to nine weeks for this course of study, every project is important to the student’s grade.

Students are expected to use class time for art activities-working on assigned projects, or if between projects, extra credit drawings. Extra credit drawings may be drawings of objects in the classroom or from drawing guides and/or books. Students are encouraged to continuously work toward building their drawing skills. If current with all art assignments, students may work on drawing assignments for other classes.

Throughout the year, samples of student artwork may be displayed in the hallways and on walls in the art room. This coming May is Garrison’s Seventh Annual Celebration of Art, a gallery event open to families and community members. I look forward to seeing you there.

Gayle Kinman

Art Teacher