2nd Annual Art Fest Coming Soon!!!!

Wow! May is already here and it feels like the year has gone by in a flash! I hope you all had a wonderful April vacation full of relaxation and rest.  The art studio at SMS has been buzzing with projects as we wrap up the school year with our annual art show!  This year's Maker Fest and Art Fest will take place on Thursday, May 18th after school from 4-6 PM and during the school day on Friday, May 19th.  This is our big art event which showcases all the artistic efforts of our K-5 SMS students.  Each child will have an artwork on display during the event and the two-dimensional work will be on display through the Grand Luncheon in June.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this event: kdow@sau16.org.  Hope to see you on May 18th!

Youth Art Month 2017

To celebrate Youth Art Month, the Exeter Arts Committee will be showcasing artworks from students in and around our school district. This show will be on display at the Exeter Town Hall (across from the gazebo) in the second floor gallery. The show officially opens this Saturday (March 11) and will run every Saturday and Sunday during the month of March from 12-4 PM.  A wonderful way to spend an afternoon being inspired by beautiful student work! The following students will be featured in the gallery:

Grade 5

Sophia P.      Sean D.      Sam C.    Brielle D.    Megan H.    Kyle B.     Kelly O.     Liam B.     Jack W.

Kitana P.B.    Clara K.     Will M.      Lauren B.

Grade 4

Maya L.     Drew B.     Lily F.     Emilie v d L.     Ryan O.     Kelsey S.

Grade 3

Caterina H.     Enzo I.     Meaghan K.     Matthew M.

Grade 2

Jillian B.     Lauren B.     Lucas C.     Grace W.

Grade 1

Alex D.     Case S.     Michael P.     Casey H.     Lena S.     Anna H.

Kindergarten 

Jasper T.     Cole G.     Addy D.     Sam R.     Paige K.   

Mehndi-Inspired Hand Designs with Grade 3

    Third grade students have showed great perseverance creating artworks inspired by the Mehndi tradition seen in India. This tradition of painting beautifully intricate designs using henna for ceremonies and important events inspired us to create our own versions on paper. As many of the symbols used in the Mehndi tradition have significance, the students as well designed elements in their hands which were of importance in their own lives. To complete this project, students created bright backgrounds through the exploration of watercolor colored pencils. 

Cast-Tissue Tiles with Grade 1

First grade students recently learned about the casting process through the use of texture plates. We discussed how casts are used by artists in creating sculptures and relief artworks. Some students were very excited to know that they have indeed used his technique by pouring chocolate into molds to make candies! To make our cast tiles, students brushed their texture plates with a watery glue mixture and then placed their tissue paper squares onto the plate. Students chose every aspect of their design from the texture plate to the colors of tissue paper. Once we coated the plate with a few layers of tissue paper, we has to patiently wait for them to dry overnight. The reveal of the tile is by far the most exciting part of this process as students get to fully see their color choices captured on a beautiful tile!

Dragon's Eye with Grade Five: Final Product

Fifth graders have worked so hard to complete their dragon's eye artworks this week! Using a combination of techniques from cross-hatching to watercolor washes, students truly added individuality and personality to their pieces. Enjoy! 

Dragon's Eyes with Grade Five: In-Progress

Fifth graders have been recently learning about the mythological creature of the dragon, which has been used in a variety of fairy tales and folklore stories. As a class, we compared and contrasted the two major types of dragons (eastern and western) and found some interesting preferences! Students then created their own dragon eye complete with a variety of shapes and designs. To focus on a range of techniques, we have been developing our skills in cross-hatching with Sharpies as well as the wet on wet technique using watercolor washes. We cannot wait for you to see the finished results! 

Back to school!

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! I am so beyond thrilled to return after a wonderful summer with my family. September is already flying by and we have been busy creating sketchbooks and portfolios to prepare for a productive year! 

Here are just a few highlights for this month:

   *Students are just beginning their first project of the school year! Look for new art project blog posts soon!

    *Mr.G and some wonderful parent volunteers have been busy working with students to create replicas of the six original school buildings of Stratham to be used in the celebration parade on September 25! We are always looking for more help as enter the last week of painting and detailing! A huge thank you to the PTO for their assistance in supplies!

  *I am excited to be offering a photography after school session for grades 4 and 5 coming in October! Details will be coming soon! 

This year is already shaping up to be the best one yet and I cannot wait to continue to share the wonderful successes of our amazing artists here at SMS!