Artist-In-Residence - Linda Fernandez
Greetings from the Art Room! The first few classes back in room 110 have been wonderful! It has been such a pleasure meeting our new young artists and reconnecting with returning students during the past few weeks' creative ventures.
I want to share a very exciting opportunity in art this year! We have engaged an artist-in-residence to lead us with a special project to continue to expand on our commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment.
Linda Fernandez is a Puerto Rican, Cuban and Jewish artist, educator and advocate for the arts in public spaces. She is a founding member of Amber Art and Design, an artist collective based in Philadelphia that creates public art through engagement with community members. Linda was recently interviewed on Fox 29; the paintings you see in her studio are the artworks on display at The Walden School this year. https://www.fox29.com/video/973263
In her artist statement Linda says, "My identity is shaped by a connection to multiple cultures which gives me a unique perspective and ability to relate to people from all different cultural backgrounds. I’m inspired by how culture and history shape our identity; what it means to be part of a multicultural diaspora living in the U.S. and how this affects our daily lives. Some of my recent work is inspired by tiles of Spain and Morocco, which became popular throughout Latin America and the Caribbean through colonization of these lands.” Learn more about Linda’s art at www.lindafernandezart.com.
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On October 4th and 5th, young artists in grades 1-8 will be meeting Linda and will learn about her tile paintings while they create some of their very own. Traditionally the tiles of Latin America each have a unique symbolic meaning while also symbolizing a sense of home. Art students in Elementary and Middle School will be creating tiles to reflect our own identity here at The Walden School to create a mural which will adorn the exterior of the music building. Before the student tiles are installed, student work will be documented and reproduced, so each student will have a way to keep a piece of the mural.
The mural installation will take place later this Fall. I will be sure to keep you updated on our progress with photos and stories as we commence this very exciting art project!
Ms. Quincy
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." ~ Vincent Van Gogh
Welcome to Walden's Online Art Gallery!
As part of Ms. Quincy's 'Awesome Art Challenge', kids get inspired and make submissions on topics ranging from Texture and Perspective to Color and Portraiture...and beyond! Check in on our rotating exhibits here, and then below for Ms. Quincy's personal resource faves!
If you’re craving some creating inspiration for your kiddos, here are some of my favorite art resources :)
Mo Willems has been doing some incredible drawing videos on his Kennedy Center page.
Cassie Stephens’ blog is one to check out. She’s a little nutty, but really fun!
Meri Cherry has a beautiful art studio full of inspiring process art and great advice on art supplies.
Barb Rucci is doing a cool art and play activity guide during quarantine.
Hello Moonpie has some cheerful and bright project ideas.
Tinker Art Studio is offering free art workshops and free subscriptions!
Happy art making!
Ms. Quincy
Kindergarten
This is the first year that students go in groups to the art room to enrich the work created in the classroom. Through children’s literature, viewing art, and learning about artists, Kindergarten students are given a supportive environment to discover new ways of creating, exploring mediums and gaining skills to apply to all of their work. Each student keeps a sketchbook throughout the year and participates in the whole school Artist Study.* Mediums include pencil, color pencil, crayon, watercolor, collage, tempera paint and clay.
Grades 1/2
The elementary art curriculum begins with the exploration of mediums. Students are presented with materials and the best ways to use and care for them. Some art projects are connected to themes in the regular classroom. Others spring from learning about various artists. Each student keeps a sketchbook throughout the year and participates in the whole school Artist Study.* Mediums include pencil, color pencil, crayon, watercolor, tempera paint, clay (using the kiln*), printing ink and collage.
Grades 3/4
During these elementary years, students explore the question “What is art?” Students learn about the diverse world of the visual arts from architecture to automobile design. There is an emphasis on sculpture and thinking in three dimensions. Working with a classroom time line, students work towards a better understanding of connections throughout art history. Many of the projects are collaborative class community builders. Each student keeps a sketchbook throughout the year and participates in the whole school Artist Study.* Mediums include oil pastel, chalk pastel, pencil, marker, watercolor paint, Model Magic, clay (which is fired in our kiln*) and papier mache.
Grades 5/6
During these early years of middle school, there is an emphasis on the elements of art and principals of design. The activities center on building students' confidence in making art. During these years students often make the decision that they are an artist or not. The projects are centered on ways to build confidence in the fact that all people can make art. To support this concept, students learn about artists that have worked in many different ways and how the community felt about their art at that time in history. Projects connect to the history and world cultures curriculum. Each student keeps a sketchbook throughout the year and participates in the whole school Artist Study.* Mediums include oil pastel, chalk pastel, pencil, marker, watercolor paint, Model Magic, clay (which is fired in the kiln*) and papier mache.
Grades 7/8
During these years of middle school students are encouraged to find their own artistic voice. Students work towards expanding their knowledge and use of terms to both view art and have conversations about what they see. Students continue learning about the history of art and the various styles of art as well as learning more specifically about historically important artists and contemporary artists. Students work from a time line to make connections to historical events, technological advances, and changes in art. Each student keeps a sketchbook throughout the year and participates in the whole school Artist Study.* Elements and mediums covered are self-portraits, perspective, digital animation, still-life drawing, painting and clay sculpture, which is fired in the kiln*.
*Artist Study
The whole school Artist Study begins each January and continues through March. Each year an artist is chosen and students throughout the school learn about the artist, their life, view examples of their art and create art in the spirit of the artist. Artists we have studied in the past include Isaiah Zagar, Faith Ringgold, Henry Mercer, Mary Cassatt, Jim Henson, and more. The students' work is displayed in a gallery show throughout the school celebrating National Youth Arts Month in March.
*Kiln
Thanks to the generosity of our parents and supporters of the arts, we've been sculpting, firing and glazing special projects since 2015!
Creating Community Connections
Each year we invite local artists, parents and caregivers to bring in their talents to share. Whether it be photography, interior design, coin collecting, dollhouse building, cartooning or knitting, all mediums are welcome. Students gain an understanding of the importance of the arts in both our community and the world. We take opportunities for our students to exhibit their work outside the school building and to participate in charitable events where art can help to change lives in our community.