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!