New Years.....Resolutions? Or not??

With the new year looming just off in the distance....my thoughts turn to resolutions. Do you make resolutions, or rather the question should be, do you keep them?

Some people vow to not make resolutions, but where is the fun in that!?!

Well, myself, I like to make resolutions, and no, I am not making mine about eating healthier and going to the gym. Although truth be told, a trip to the gym probably couldn't hurt. No, my resolutions have to deal with art.. the making of it, the showing of it, and just plain pleasure of sharing it with other people.

Art to me.. and that's Art with a capitol "A", isn't just what you see in a gallery or museum. It's not something only "serious" artists do. Art permeates all areas of our lives, locally and globally. Because that video game you are hooked on, "sweet", was designed by an artist; the chair you sit in to watch your favorite TV shows, mine are Big Bang Theory and the Millers, or that hoodie you just can't take off, an artist of some type had their hand in creating it.

So for your new years resolutions for 2014, resolve to notice the Art in your lives!
You'll be glad you did! And this one is easy to keep.

Happy New Years!!

Happy Holiday Break!

Everyone enjoy the much needed break from school!

Have a safe and Happy Holiday season and a joyous New Year!

Happy Snow Day Everyone! Shop Homework Update

December 10th- Snow Day!

Homework update:
Elements of Art: the new cycle starts tomorrow, and your shop cycle homework is due on the first day of class. What you say, shop homework??? Yes, remember your assignment was to purchase a sketch book if you had not already done so. For those of you who already have them, well you are all set. Just remember to bring them to class.

Drawing I: your assignment was to complete one drawing of your choice in your sketchbook. It is due the first day of class.

2D Design: your assignment due today has been extended until January 8 th at the end of the period. Next cycle your project will be themed, "Dream or Nightmare?".

Digital Photography: your assignment due today has been extended until January 10th. Please see my posting on Google+, for the new details of the project which includes homework over the shop cycle. Our next project will be a multimedia research project on a photographer of your choice. We will be working with Mr. D'Agostino, who will be showing up how to use various resources for research. There is more to research than, Googling something.

Drawing II: as only half of you finished the project this cycle because of the changes that were made, we will spend the first class session back in academics finishing them up. Our next assignment will be working with a distorted grid. Your assignment over the shop cycle will be to gather a portrait photograph or two of someone you would like to draw. It does not have to be a self-portrait.

3D Design: our next project will be inspired by the artwork of Joseph Cornell. Your assignment over the shop cycle will be to do an internet search on him and to begin to collect the random and odd bits of found objects for your own Joseph Cornell inspired artwork.


Questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Washington DC Field Trip

As much as it pains me to say this.......it looks like our spring Grasso Tech- Ellis Tech Washington, D.C. Field Trip is going to be a bust for this year! So far we've only had 18 students signup and only two from Grasso Tech.

I wonder why? Could it be the current state of the economy? Perhaps it is not enough publicity, although I certainly have spread the news. Maybe it is because my venerable travel partner social studies teacher extraordinaire, Tim Scheer, has left our school for a district closer to his special lady friend and Boston. As support for the trip has to come from more than one source, me. And being he is not here to proclaim it's educational benefits and try to convince his Civics students to travel and hang out with him for three days. Whatever the reason, it surely can't be for lack of effort, although my new travel partner Mr. Sabo, was psyched and ready to travel and did his best to rally students. It is just not meant to be this year.

As an homage to past trips and the hope of future trips.....thank you to all who supported us this year by purchasing candles from my students or myself. Please know that any monies that I have personally raised this year via fundraising goes to pay for our yearly chapter and student dues for the Grasso Tech National Art Honor Society. That way any art student with one semester of art and a grade B or better can join the NAHS without having to pay dues.

 

And while we won't be trekking to Washington, D.C. this year, my art students and I will try for a day field trip to Boston in the spring time where we will be visiting the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum of Art.

 

 

And if you want to give Mr. Scheer a shout out and tell him how much he is missed.....well here is his school website, where you can find his email!


https://sites.google.com/a/shrewsbury.k12.ma.us/scheer/home

Washington DC trip additional info.....

Register today using one of these methods:

Online Registration (via our secure website)

Visit www.CTAfieldtrips.com

Click on "Register/Make Trip Payment"

Enter Trip Code " t2ywnzbV " (no quotes; case sensitive)

Complete the forms and use your credit card to make the payment  
 
Mail-In Registration:

Complete the "Student Mail-In Registration Form"- Available from Ms. Roswell

Include payment as indicated by your choice of options (see ICW Flyer for details) Note: Returned check fee is $25 Mail check payable to "CTA" along with completed Registration Form to: CTA, 5194 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA 18106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washington DC

It's that time of year again! Time to sign up for the Washington DC field trip! The deadline has been extended to November 20th. I know May seems like a long way away, but in order to secure the hotel of our choice, and the preferred tour bus company arrangements need to be made months in advance!

The trip is 3 days and 2 nights, and is not only educational but fun too! There is a deposit required at time of sign up around $90 dollars. The trip itself costs $417, with most meals included.

If you are interested please email me paula.roswell@ct.gov or call 860-445-3858

I understand that money is tight for everyone, but there are payment plans available and I have a couple ideas for a few more fundraisers.

Grasso Tech PFO

Just a few bits of information about the Grasso Tech PFO....this is a worthwhile and very hard working organization. If you can't make meetings, but still want to be involved, any and all help is appreciated! Please mark your calendars for the below listed events. And to plan ahead, during Shop Selection Night, which is scheduled for December 5th, the PFO will be sponsoring a "Cookie Walk"- what that means is for $5.00 dollars, you can fill a container with cookies and other assorted baked goods. If you have a favorite cookie recipe, and/or wouldn't mind baking up a batch of cookies to donate to the event it would be much appreciated! If you have questions, please feel free to contact me and I will forward your questions to PFO President Wendy Smith or contact the PFO directly on their Facebook site.

From Wendy Smith, PFO President........
Just a reminder the next PFO meeting is Tuesday, October 15th at 6pm in the music room. Normally, they are held on the second Tuesday of the month, but occasionally we need to change.
If you have a senior student and are interested in helping with the 2014 All Night Drug/Alcohol Free Graduation Party, please contact our co-chairs, Astrid Aalund (wdwmom@sbcglobal.net ) or Sandra Wheeler (forpeaceofmind@sbcglobal.net ). The Grad Party committee will be hosting a bake sale at the Groton Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct 12th and are looking for baked good donations. Please contact them if you can help.

Our Parent's Night Fundraising was a success! The PFO has received a lot of positive feedback from the event. The school store is looking fabulous. A special thank you to Suzanne Darby for all the time she has spent decorating and opening the store during school lunches.

There are a few other fundraisers coming up at the Groton Senior Center that will be discussed at the upcoming meeting, as well as reports from our Music and Athletics departments and Administration.

Please feel free to contact PFO President Wendy Smith with any questions or ideas you may have for fundraising, All Night Grad Party planning or ways to involve and connect with more parent's and families of Grasso Tech students.
www.facebook.com/GrassoTech

Thanks for coming to Parent's Night

Thank you everyone for attending Parent's Night last night!!

It is always nice to meet my students families! If you didn't get a chance to attend parent's night, please feel free to contact me via me school email: paula.roswell@ct.gov   or you can call my classroom at 860-445-3858.

The Grasso Tech PFo had a great fundraiser last night during Parent's Night, they had the Rolling Tomato Pizza truck come sell pizza with a portion of the proceeds the PFO.
Not sure what the PFO is or how important it is for you the parents/guardians to become involved? They need and want your support!

Check out the PFO Facebook page or email them at:
pfograssotech@comcast.net

Parent's Night!!

This Thursday October 3rd from 5:00-7:00 pm, Grasso Tech is hosting our annual Parent's Night! Although it is called "Parent's Night", it is a night designed for those of you who love and take care of our students to come into school and meet everyone, teachers and administrators. It also gives you a chance to come to meet all of the academic teachers your student has this year and to reconnect with their trade instructors.

If your student has me for an art class, I'd like to offer you, their parents/guardians/loved ones, a chance for YOU to earn a free extra credit project grade for THEM. Just stop in to my art room, room 411, and take a few minutes to complete an art project. Don't worry, I don't expect you to have any prior art background or experiences since you were in school. It will only take a few minutes, I promise!

I started this practice my first year here as a way for me to meet parents and talk to everyone, as Parent's Night is not for one-on-one conferences about your student. Not that I wouldn't love to sit and talk to everyone about their student, but it's just not possible. If you would like a one-on-one conference about your student, I urge you to contact me via email, phone or even during Parent's Night and we can try and work something out that would fit both of our schedules.
paula.roswell@ct.gov     or 860-445-3858

Parent's Night gives us a chance to meet in person, make some art together and you a chance to earn your student an extra credit project grade!!

Make sure to stop in...can't find my room...just ask someone!  See you Thursday!

Welcome to Academics ......Sophomores and Juniors!!

It's an exciting time in art class, B cycle in Academics begins tomorrow!!

For those of you in my Elements of Art class and Drawing I class, you are going to need to obtain a sketchbook. If you have gotten yours already, great! If not, we have a long 12 day cycle, so try and get one as soon as you can.

Haven't had art class since Middle School and not sure what to expect the first day?
Well, for one, we will go over my class rules, they are pretty straight forward. Respect the materials, respect your own artwork and that of your classmates. Clean up after yourself, learn something new and of course have some fun! After we go over the rules, we will spend some time completing an art game, and then decorating folders.
Every student will be expected to sign an art contract, which you can bring home to show your parents/guardians and then return to me. It's your first homework assignment.

The rest of the cycle we will begin our exploration into the Elements of Art!!


Drawing I students, I have a lot of things planned for our first day. After spending sometime reviewing the rules, or getting to know them if you haven't had me. We will start learning about Shading & Modeling. Shading & Modeling is one of the most important skills you will develop and refine throughout your time in Drawing class. This cycle you will also be introduced to the plastic fruit! While I was in Maine over the summer on vacation, I went into a store that had, well giant plastic fruit. Well not giant really, but about 8 inches tall! I could only buy a couple, one pear and one apple, but I can't wait to show you them!

See you soon!

Young Artist's Society

Young Artist's Society...............

Our first meeting of the year will be Friday September 20th, 7th period in room 411.
To help make scheduling meetings easier this year, the third Friday of every month
we will have a meeting during 7th period.

If you are unable to attend our first or actually any of our meetings, that doesn't mean that you still can't participate! Especially if you are signing up for Band, which meets Wed and Friday during 7th period, under no circumstances are you to miss band or any regularly scheduled class other than academic access. It's also helpful to your academic access teacher's if you show up with a pass already signed by me.

Drop by, or ask me in the hallway for a pass before the meeting dates if you can. If not, please make sure you arrive with a pass written by your teacher. I realize it is very hard to miss valuable shop time, so don't give your teacher a hard time, you can make the next meeting.

See you soon!

First week .....

As we all relax this long labor day weekend.. here are just a few of the latest happenings in art class.......


In Drawing II class we started construction of a paper sculpture. Yes, sculpture in drawing class! It is actually cut strips of paper (black or white) that students bend, twist and shape and then glue (black or white) on a separate piece of paper as a base. The shaping of the strips creates visual rhythm. Students will then be drawing select areas of their sculpture using Conte Crayon applying shading & modeling. Students were reintroduced to our friend "the viewfinder" as we discussed how it helps to focus our eye and create a more dynamic composition by being selective on what we draw- the content.

3D Design class we viewed a slide show that depicted a sampling of sculpture ranging from the lion man to Greek statues and ending with work by Christo. It was interesting to hear students share their thoughts and views on the artwork itself and on the purpose behind sculpture then and now.

In Digital Photography class we began with a discussion on the difference between a "snapshot" and a "photograph" as we looked at examples of both types of photos. Students will also spend time throughout the year responding to photographs in writing. Their first assignment was to view Dorothea Lange's, The Migrant Mother photograph. The FSA, the Farm Security Administration, a US government program during the Great Depression; was the first time that photographs were used to depict actual working and living conditions of rural farming communities. Unlike current media bombardment, back in the day so to speak, there was only news radio. Photographs provided the visual evidence of poverty conditions to those all across our country. I also chose this photograph because it is very relatable to my students, a mom and her kids.

We have added a new class this year, 2D Design and I am just getting started with the class and students. Our first project will be using pattern and repetition to create movement and emphasis. More details to follow.....

And we're off!!

Well the proverbial first day of school has come and gone....now it's back to work and back to making art!

Each student should be obtaining a sketchbook, they can reuse one from last year, or can go out and get a new one for this year. They are even a limited number of them available in our school store! (see previous posts about specifics)

One additional thing I wanted to share. Although we don't have one for everyone, there is a single classroom set of an Art based textbook called, Art Talk.

We will be using in throughout the year, for reading, writing, and other class discussions. The nice thing about this book, besides all the great art examples in it, is the ability to access an online edition using a passcode!

Art Talk Textbook- pass code A62025EE04  (it is case sensitive)

http://www.glencoe.com/ose/index.html


See you soon!

Media Center

With the upcoming new school year about to begin...it is a bittersweet thing to see the newly remodeled Library Media Center. While the new space brings with it a much needed breath of fresh air with it's new computer rooms and the like.

It also brings much sadness as the mural created several years ago in the once dreary hallway leading into the Library Media Center is no more.

So here is a post in remembrance of those students who spent much time and effort into making over the space! It was a great experience gentleman!!

 

Left to Right:

Shawn, Jimmy James, Jason, Marc, Aykurt and Joe.

Missing: Josh & Brenton.

 

 

Young Artist's Society & The National Art Honor Society

 The Young Artist's Society~

Statement of Purpose:

The purpose of this organization shall be to:

1. Further creative abilities and talents of the Society’s members, as well as the school’s entire student enrollment.
2. Aid members in working toward the attainment of their highest potential in all artistic endeavors
3. Bring art to the attention of the school and community
4. Increase an awareness of art in relation to other areas of the school curriculum
5. Provide the Society’s members with an avenue to perform Charitable Service to their school and community
6. Increase the Society's members cultural knowledge and experiences via Virtual and Actual Field Trips to Art Museum's and Galleries.

The Young Artist’s Society at Grasso Tech is open to students in all grades who have an interest in the arts- drawing, painting, photography, anime, comics, graphic novels, etc. The Society enables like minded individuals with the opportunity to share their interests and ideas with other students in different grades and trade disciplines.

 

During our last meeting for the 2012-2013 School year, YAS held elections for the new year, that would be both for YAS and NAHS.

 

Installed as our officers for the 2013-2014 school year are as follows:

President: Aryel Brosnan (Senior-Drafting)

Vice-President: Ray Ward (Junior-Auto body)

Secretary/Treasurer: Rene Morgillo (Junior-Auto body)

 

I will be meeting with the YAS officers once school officially begins to plan out our meeting schedule for the year. In the past they have been during 7th period access in my room, 411. We are also planning a day field trip to either NYC or Boston to visit an art museum. We will be having a Yankee Candle Fundraiser towards the end of October with delivery in time for the holidays, that will be used to fund our day trip.

 

The National Art Honor Society~

Is very similar to the YAS in it's statement of purpose and intent, hence my reason for not posting that here as well. The NAHS is open to any student in grades 10-12, who has a "B" or better in any of their art classes after the second marking period. Those are not my stipulations, but required by the national organization that we are affiliated with. We also are required to collect a modest amount for dues, $3.00 per student.

The NAHS sponsors a spring field trip to Washington, D.C., which is tentatively set for the second weekend in May. The trip which both Grasso Tech and Ellis Tech plan together is open to all interested Grasso Tech students and costs around $450.00 dollars for 3 days and 2 nights, which covers transportation, hotels, museum and attraction fees and several meals. Interested in attending the trip?? Stay tuned for further details.

Questions about either organization? Please contact me and/or watch the Art News bulletin board in the hallway outside my classroom, and this blog for upcoming meeting information.

Tick tock..Tick tock......the back to school clock........Tick tock....

Hello!

I've mentioned in a previous posts that we study the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design, so I thought I would list them for you.

Elements of Art:
Line, Shape, Color, Value, Form, Texture and Space.

Principles of Design:
Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Movement, Pattern, Rhythm and Unity.

Don't worry.. I don't expect you to know and remember them all for the first day!

Speaking of the first day.. what can you expect to happen during your first day or so of art class, any of my art classes? One of the first things to occur in my classes, is for me to learn a little something about you, and in turn you will learn something about me. It's important that you understand my expectations for the year from you and for you to know what to expect from me. Having a clear understanding of classroom procedures and policies makes for an educational and fun art class experience. Does that mean that I have an exhaustive list of "do's and don'ts"? No. It means that similar to your trade area safety procedures, we also have some basic art safety rules and classroom routines. Don't worry, everything will be explained in greater detail in class!

But for now....enjoy the rest of your summer, obtain a sketchbook and think about some ideas for art projects that you might like to do. Although I have things planned, I like to incorporate things that you are interested in, if I can, into the curriculum that we have.

See you soon!

Back to School

As the summer vacation slowly draws to a close. I know my thoughts are turning to the new school year as I am sure yours are also. I start thinking about revamping old projects and developing new ones. Luckily the CTHSS Art Curriculum is based on state and national content standards. That means that every project and assignment that we do in class relates in some form or fashion to learning about The Elements of Art and The Principles of Design.

Although the District curriculum serves as a guide, each instructor tailors it to the needs and interests of their students. What can you expect during the first cycle of the year.....

Elements of Art-
In this class you will be introduced to the Elements of Art, and the procedures and inner workings of art class. We will discuss sketch books, materials and their care. We will first focus on the Element of Art-Line.

Drawing I-
We will be discussing the difference between content and composition. You will be rendering objects from a still-life using shading and modeling so that I can see what you remembered from your Elements of Art class.

Drawing II-
We will be discussing the Elements of Art as a review and then focus on one of the Principles of Design. The first principle we will be exploring will be Rhythm. Similar to rhythm in music, visual rhythm has to do with how the eye travels around the page responding to a focal point and positive and negative space.

Studio Art-
This class is a little different from Drawing, we will be using the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design, to respond to themes. We will spend the first cycle or two experimenting with different art materials that you might not have had a lot of time to use in previous classes. We are going to start with colored pencils.

Digital Photography-
Although we are using a different format, this class will also be studying the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. As we discuss the difference between a "snapshot" and a "photograph", we will identify how the photographer used the Elements and Principles in their art work.

3D Design-
Once again Elements of Art and Principles of Design will be the backbone of the class. However, we will primarily be creating projects that have height, width, depth and volume. Throughout the year we will be using paper mache, wire, wood, and found objects. We will also be studying the history of sculpture from prehistoric times to modern day. The first project is going to focus on primitive art and symbolism.

.......  See you soon!

Just 3 weeks away!!

Wow! The first day of school is just three weeks away! While you are enjoying the last bits of summer vacation. I am sure you are wondering what the new school year will bring?!?? Thinking about back to school shopping and wondering what you might need??

Well, for most of your art classes you are going to need a sketchbook. Why a sketchbook and not a binder? A sketchbook is similar to a binder, in that it is full of paper. But this paper is blank on purpose so you can fill it throughout the year with your class practice assignments, notes, drawings, doodles, zentagles or what-have-you. 9 x 12 is a good size, and you can find them at your favorite retailer. Try not to go larger than 11 x 14 as they don't fit very well in your locker or your back pack.

But I have Digital Photography Ms. Roswell, do I still need a sketchbook? Do I have to have a digital camera? If so, what kind???
First of all, for my Digital Photography class it is not necessary to have a sketchbook. A folder or space to hold handouts and assignment sheets would be nice. You don't need to purchase a digital camera if you don't already have one. You will be able to use the camera on your cell phone, or IPod. You will need to have internet access on your electronic device as we use Google+ as our web based photography sharing site. Luckily there is a no cost "app" for both Apple and Android platforms for Google+.

I will go into more details during the first few class meetings on the logistics of how we will be using your electronic device and Google+ for class. Don't have a smart phone, but your phone can still take photos? No problem, as long as you have a micro SD card adapter or a USB cord, we should be able to make it work.

Parent's/ Guardians~ concerned about your students privacy online? I am very cognizant about ensuring your students private digital foot print. If you have questions about Google+ and photographs, please contact me by email or call my classroom. I will be sending home a letter at the beginning of the year with more specific details.

Did you sign up for 3-D Design?
For this class we do a project or two using "found" objects. What is a found object? Well, it is something that is used as art materials or project that wasn't what it was designed for. I will explain more in class. But before you throw that stuff out, unless your parents ask you to do so, start saving things for art class projects!


Oh yeah, don't forget your safety glasses for shop!!!

Summertime!

I hope everyone is enjoying summer vacation!! What are you doing to occupy your time and to keep your brain creatively thinking?? Reading? Hiking? Drawing? Photography?

I have been doing a little bit of everything! I recently traveled with a friend to the Berkshire Area in Massachusetts where I visited quite a few historical and art museums and even did a little hiking!

It not only was relaxing but inspiring at the same time. I visited the Norman Rockwell Art Museum, and was amazed again at his ability to handle light in his artwork.

Look at this photo I took of one of his pieces.....

 

Pretty amazing right!

 

 

 

 

I zoomed in a little, to the focal point of the work.

 

 

 

Wow! It was this attention to detail that helps set his work apart from others! It really was stunning to see in person.

 

 

 

 

 

Those of you who have had me for Drawing I class, you most likely groaned every time I pulled out the "Fruit" for a project. I tried to explain that practice rendering objects from life is really important to develop your artistic eye. It is your ability to apply shading and modeling to whatever is your subject that sets your work apart. It is not my goal to have everyone crank out Rockwell like drawings, I just want you to develop your own artistic voice.

 

 

While you enjoy the rest of the summer, please make some art, and go out and visit nature!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Congratulations Class of 2013!!

Wow! Where did the school year go?

As I wish the Class of 2013 best wishes and success is this next chapter of their lives, it is a bittersweet goodbye. During their time at G-Tech, the Art Dept., added new classes, 3-D design, Digital Photography and new for next year 2-D design.

In so many districts around the country "The Arts", are suffering from budgetary cutbacks along with academic directives and the arrival of the new Common Core Curriculum. With all these changes, even here, come both the good and bad. Our students are still being offered the most diverse course selection in our district, even if now they are being reduced to a 1/2 credit, 3 day a week elective.

Although are students' primary focus in attending our school is to leave with a certificate in a trade area. Many of them are venturing off to college, and we even have a few heading off to art school. Full sail University, The Art Institute, Fashion Institute of Technology, and even The Lyme Academy of Art no less.

To all of you graduating and heading out into the world,
I have just a few words of advice..........Follow your dreams,  be happy, have adventures and most importantly, make ART!!

3rd Annual CTHSS Art Show

Although I have not selected works of art to represent my students from Grasso Tech yet, I know this show will be amazing!

Snow Day..Snow Day!!

Well, yet another snow day!

While you are enjoying this additional day off from school, why don't you check out the latest additions to the word of blogging by going to......


Ms. Ruggiero's new blog...

http://ruggierohpe.blogspot.com/

 

 

Or you can check out Grasso Tech's Health and Physical Education's new blog....

 



http://grassotechhpe.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend everyone! Make sure to "Spring Forward" on Sunday and set those clocks one hour ahead. You don't want to be late for school on Monday!



To tweet or not to tweet...that is the question...

 

Is it possible? Say it isn't so?!?.....

 

Afraid so.....To Tweet or not to Tweet is no longer the question...

it is the answer!!

 

Stay tuned while I learn the in's and out's of this particular form of social media.

Maybe I'll just ask the kid's to show me!

Academic Open House February 21st

Come join us for Grasso Tech's First ever Academic Open House!

February 21st from 5:30- 7:30 pm

Join us for information on the following important topics:

AP and Honors Classes

Course Selection Information

Music and Art Programs

CAPT Testing

PSAT and SAT Information

College Placement

Financial Aid for college help

Sports

ACE 21st Century Afterschool Programm

Class 2017 Course Information

Why attend this event? Well... you will be able to pick up your course selection

sheet for next year and select those classes that you want to enroll in!!

The Fine Arts Department here at Grasso Tech will be offering

the following courses:

Sophomores~

Elements of Art (.50 credit)

Juniors~

Drawing I (.50 credit)

Digital Photography (.50 credit-first time at this level for next year!)

2D Design (.50 credit-new for next year!)

AP Studio Art (1.0 credit)

Seniors~

Drawing II (.50 credit)

Studio Art (.50 credit)

Digital Photography (.50 credit)

2D Design (.50 credit- new for next year)

Printmaking (1.0 credit)

3D Design (1.0 credit)

AP Studio Art II (1.0 credit)



Something to look forward too!!

With the bleak weather we have been experiencing for the last few days, and if you like me are feeling a little bit stir crazy. Here are a few things to look forward too!

The 3rd Annual Tech Schools take Washington, D.C. Field Trip  May 2013!
Grasso and Ellis Tech students will be heading to our Nation's capitol via a Chartered Bus. Although we leave very early in the morning on May 2nd. We have an action packed adventurous time planned for everyone.

One of the first stops we are going to make once we arrive in Washington, D.C. will be the White House!

 

Although with the new security measures, we are unable to take interior tours, the excitement of setting eyes on it is still a thrill!

 

 After a short walk, we will be arriving at the Smithsonian Institute: American History Museum. http://americanhistory.si.edu/

Not sure about you, but seeing "Old Glory" is something inspiring. There is so much to see and do at the museum, if you are going on the trip, you might want to check out the website and decide your "must-see" items. For me it's the Ruby slippers and Kermit among other things.

 

Our adventures do not stop there...next it is off to the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

http://www.ushmm.org/

 

All I can say is...powerful. 

 

Dinner on Thursday is going to be at Carmine's Italian Restaurant. http://www.carminesnyc.com/locations/washington-dc/

This is a new venture for us this year. Student's will have a choice of menu items and should provide enough energy to get us through the Night Light Monument Tour.

 

The Night Light Monument tour begins at the Washington Monument, goes to the WWII and WWI monuments, then to the Lincoln Memorial, and concludes at the Korean War Memorial.  Please kid's don't text all day if your are going to take photos with your cell phone, these night tours are really something!

 

 

Mr. Lincoln is quite impressive!

 

 Don't worry kid's, we arrive at the hotel around 10:00 pm, just in time to for sleep and light's out!      

 

Wow! All that is just the first day! Friday and Saturday morning, we start the day with a hearty Deluxe Continental Breakfast before heading out: eggs, homefries, bacon, sausage, cereal, fruit, yogurt, milk, juice are just some of the things you can expect to eat each morning. Eat up kid's because we are off for another filled day of learning and fun times!

 

 Saturday we start out at viewing Ford's Theatre and then off to the U.S. Capitol Building for our guided tour. This is one of the most extensive security checkpoints we will have to go through on our trip. Please kid's leave everything but the necessities for the day in your hotel room or on the bus, although we won't see either until later in the evening. 

 

 

U.S. Capitol Building 

 

Inside the dome...it's stunning!!

 

 

Not bad for a cellphone camera!!

 

 

 

 

Also on the agenda for the next two day's are.........

National Zoo~ oh yes, I am heading to see the Panda's!!  http://nationalzoo.si.edu/

Arlington National Cemetary  http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/

Iwo Jima Memorial: National USMC Memorial

Smithsonian Institute: Air and Space Museum   http://airandspace.si.edu/ 

Night Light Monument tour: ML King, FDR and Jefferson Memorials

Vietnam Veteran's Memorial

National Archives http://www.archives.gov/  

Smithsonian Institute: Museum of Natural History   http://www.mnh.si.edu/

Newseum   http://www.newseum.org/

National Gallery of Art     http://www.nga.gov/

 

 

 

Whew...it's going to be fun! Here are just a few photos from previous trips... 

 

                                                   

The Sculpure Garden at the NGA



 

 

The Smithsonian Museum  of Natural History

 

 

Smithsonian Air & Space Museum

 

Newseum

 

 

Inside the Newseum they have a September 11th Exhibit.

When I was there there was a little beam of light shining in creating this rainbow!

The photo is a little fuzzy...but still pretty awesome!

 

Part of the Berlin Wall inside the Newseum

 

Iwo Jima Memorial: USMC

 

Korean War Memorial

 

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetary

 

 

 

 

One of the things I personally bring, is my Passport to your National Parks book.

It's small and portable and let's me collect "stamps" which are dated and specific to each national monument. It's a fun (to me) way to record my adventures. You don't have to buy the official Passport book, you can use a postcard or what-have-you to collect your stamps. Not sure if the location we are at has a stamp? Just ask me, or follow me to the stamping/cancellation station!

 

Not sure if you could tell, but I personally can't wait to go on this trip!!

Come on Spring!!



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



Washington DC Trip May 2013

It's that time of year again, hoping and wishing we get enough students enrolled in the Ellis Tech/Grasso Tech Annual Washington DC Field Trip. Right now, I am sad to say, we are shy about a dozen students. Yes, I realize money is tight for everyone and field trips aren't a priority when you are worried about paying for heating oil, gas to get to work and food for the family.

Field Trips aren't just for fun, well ok, they are a lot of fun! They are also suppose to be educational and make a lasting impression on everyone involved. Traveling to our nation's capital and viewing things we see so often in the news makes everything come together.


Did you know there was a law that prohibits any building to rise above the Statue of Freedom?

Here is some quick info on her.. from wikipedia....
The Statue of Freedom—also known as Armed Freedom or simply Freedom—is a bronze statue designed by Thomas Crawford (1814-1857) that, since 1863, has crowned the dome of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Originally named Freedom Triumphant in War and Peace, official U.S. government publications now state that the statue "is officially known as the Statue of Freedom".

Let me share a few photographic highlights...

At the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden..

Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.... I love planes!..

At the Newseum...

They have some of the most amazing artifacts from our history....I've been a few times and I still haven't seen everything!

They have a piece of the Berlin Wall!

Their display artifacts from September 11th is very moving....
learn more at...
http://www.newseum.org/


The deadline for sign-ups for this trip has been extended for the last time.. until January 11th. I hope between the two schools we can get the forty students needed to make this trip happen. If not we'll try again next year!!   We use CTA Field Trips as our preferred trip provider. They are amazing, provide overnight security and have the best guides! We've been lucky enough to get Mr. Foxx (aka. The Hat), in fact we request him. He knows his history and keeps the kids interested.

For more information as always, please feel free to contact me at:
paula.roswell@ct.gov

 

Drawing I Class......

Meanwhile in Drawing I class..... we have used several different types of media so far this year....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new year dawns in art class....

Wow!!
I can't believe we are welcoming another new year! Where has the time gone??

My students and I have been very busy so far this school year. I thought I would share some of their artwork.....Enjoy!

3D Design Class   And Studio Art....