Printmaking!

Last week at PPS we continued our studies in printmaking by learning about the traditional Japanese art form known as Gyotaku (meaning "fish print"). Gyotaku began in the mid-1800s as a way for fishermen to record their catch. Before selling their fish at the market, they'd make a print of the fish they caught using ink and rice paper. We used rubber fish and reptile molds for our prints: they came out great!  

The Colchester District-Wide Art Show

I've been getting ready for our annual district-wide art show for these last few weeks. It's never easy to select artwork for these shows; so many students exhibit talent, creativity and imagination at this age. I've tried to represent as many artists as possible. Here's a list of PPS students who will be represented at this year's show, May 5-8 at the CHS gymnasium (Reception Night: Thursday, May 7th 6pm-8pm Refreshments Provided). I hope you'll attend:

2H Jude, Whitney, Tyler, Shaylen, Isaac, Jacob, Maddie, Briland, Ella, Sara C., James
2L Julien, Ty, Madelyn, Dakota, Devin, Fiona, Kayden, Kaylie
2BAli, Greta, Ava, Mayzee, Abigail, Jayden, Alex
2W Owen M., Amani, Charlie, Rylee, Leah, Emma, Molly, Sam, Isabella,

1H Emily, Brady, Ariana, Izzy, Nellie
1D Kala, Gunnar P, Aneysha, Madison, Ava, Nyachido, Becky,
1Silv Olivia, Destany, Caleb S., Simon, Choe S.
1P Travis, Jane, Nate, Parker, Bella, Hailey, Eve, Jet
1Shep Eva, Hailey, Kellan, Tanya, John, Emily,


KR Madison, Colby, Clara, Breezie-Lynn, Kylee, Brayden,
KA Caroline, Athalie, Spencer, Lillian, Clara, Eliza S., Chase, Ana, Will, Alee, Eliza F.
KB Maggie, Alee, Kevin, Desmond, Elzie, Tre

Video Demonstrations

Lately, I've been making videos of my demonstrations before class so that I know my instruction is at its best. I've been trying to model my thinking with my words while I teach, which isn't always easy. I think this demo has been pretty popular with the kids (especially since there's a special cameo by Mr. G about halfway through).

Paying Attention to Detail

This special friend came into the art room for some extra drawing time on Wednesday. He loves buses and drew this incredible drawing using only a pencil. Each bus (I think there are at least 15) is unique. Only a focused and deliberate artist can pay attention to that many details! Keep up the good work, Buddy!

2015 Champlain Valley Regional Art Show

I just got back from hanging our student work at the Champlain Valley Regional Art Show. This exhibit is held every year at the University Mall in South Burlington and includes artwork by schools throughout the Champlain Valley. Artists represented range in age from kindergarteners to seniors in high school. There is such a great deal of variety in the works on display this year; please bring your friends and family to check it out! The Porters Point School display is located near the Khol's entrance along with the rest of the Colchester School District.

Here is a list of PPS students with artwork on display in this year's show:

2nd Grade - Addy, Lucas, Leah, Ben, Savanah, Isabella, Danielle, Sarah, Graeson, Abigail, Brayden
1st Grade - Jane, Aarohan, Alaina, Jacob, Sanel, Samantha, Destany, Gigi, Alyssa

Kindergarten - Maximus, Minnie, Sullie, Abby, Makayla, Khloe, Kolby, Andrew, Eliza F., Desmond

Textured Papermaking

One of my favorite illustrators, Eric Carle, has inspired me to continue our work in collage. We made these stunning papers today using printmaking brayers, sponges, liquid watercolors, salt, texture rubbing plates and paint scrapers. The floor's still wearing visible swipes of paint, but I think the experience was well worth it. I can't believe how creative our students are! Next week, we will start cutting these up to create our collages.

Paper Mache Ice Cream Cones!

Kindergarten and 1st Graders have finally gotten the chance to paint their ice cream cones. We did two weeks of pasting to make these beauties. Some students loved the feeling of the paste, while others...not so much.