Awesome Art
Awesome Art is a PTO-sponsored enrichment program created for children, parents, and teachers to explore and enjoy art together. The program was recently re-written to intentionally focus on diverse artists - their stories and works - highlighting that people across genders, cultures, races, ethnicities, and various identities create meaningful art. It is an opportunity for students to see themselves in the art that they study and create, as well as an opportunity to learn about others. Children are encouraged to connect to the artist, as well as themselves and their communities through the planned lessons. In second grade, for example, inspired by Alma Thomas' goal of using art to bring forth beauty and happiness, students are encouraged to use Thomas' style of "dabs, ablaze with color" to create an image that brings them joy. In fifth grade, inspired by Zughaib's goal of depicting displacement and the refugee experience, children are asked to create a work that brings understanding and acceptance to an issue that they care about. Across grades, the new program focuses on art as a form of self-expression, encouraging children to make choices about what they create, as well as the tools and mediums that they utilize in the process.
Each grade focuses on a specific artist, with Kindergarten focusing on Leo Lionni, first on Georgia O'Keeffe, second on Alma Thomas, third on Takashi Murakami, fourth on El Anatsui, and fifth on Helen Zughaib. Parents prepare materials to facilitate lessons about the artists that culminate in children creating their own pieces. These works of art are then displayed throughout the school for teachers and students to enjoy and learn from.
The schedule for the school year is as follows:
- Kindergarten: October
- First Grade: November
- Second Grade: January
- Third Grade: February
- Fourth Grade: March
- Fifth Grade: April
Please contact the Awesome Art coordinator with any questions.
Click on the artist name below for more details.
Kindergarten - Leo Lionni
Parent Preparation/Instructions
First Grade - Georgia O'Keeffe
Parent Preparation/Instructions
Second Grade - Alma Thomas
Parent Preparation/Instructions
Third Grade - Takashi Murakami
Parent Preparation/Instructions
Fourth Grade - El Anatsui
Parent Preparation/Instructions
