Lower School Artists Spread Their Wings

​​“Just make a mark and see where it takes you” is the advice given by the art teacher in the children’s book “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds. Her student, Vashti, is sitting in front of a blank piece of paper at the end of class. Somehow, Vashti got the idea that she is not good at drawing, but with a little encouragement, she soon discovers that she can create something of her own.

Two years ago, I asked my Lower School students to do the same thing. Students in pre-K through fifth grade started the year by adding their own dot to a mural as a tribute to this book. It was our very first collaborative work of art. We made our mark on the school, and from there we have created a new Lower School-wide project each year.

Last year, the students made mini monochromatic self-portraits that when put together spelled “Better Together.” This was a visual reminder of how special it was to be back together again after the COVID-19 lockdowns kept us apart in the spring.

This year’s project is a set of giant wings, now hanging on the wall outside the Lower School art room. Every Lower School student made a feather to add to the wings:

• Pre-K – Red
• Kindergarten – Orange
• First grade – Yellow
• Second grade – Green
• Third grade – Blue
• Fourth grade – Blue
• Fifth grade – Purple

Students were asked to use the color assigned to their grade level, and they could add touches of one of the colors next to it on the color wheel since they would be going in rainbow order. This was a great reminder of color theory and color mixing for all of our students. Each of them made the feather their own by adding lines, patterns, value, shapes, or textures.

I knew the students would love an interactive work of art. They were so excited to see the feathers put together, and now they enjoy standing in front of the mural and spreading their arms like they are ready to fly.

My students also love working together. Collaboration is such an important part of the art classroom. The sharing of ideas is essential for artistic growth but also their ability to communicate and contribute within other subject areas.

Each year, the art curriculum builds on the skills learned in the previous year, but our students get a new chance to make a mark and see where it takes them. While learning skills that will give them more confidence, they can make their art their own and let their personality shine through. I can’t wait to see what all we can create together in art class this year!

Christina Weiss
Lower School Art Teacher