NCEA Convention Art Show

Like I said the other day, there weren't too many offerings at the convention except for Dick Blick's vendor display. However, I did take quite a few photos of the art work that was on display outside of the break out rooms. St. Paul and Minneapolis schools had sent in student work from grades k -12 to put on a small art exhibit. I sure enjoyed taking my time looking at what was being shared. Two other staff members were with me and I was lucky that our gym teacher happened to have her camera along. I was able to take nice photos. Otherwise I would have only had the camera on my phone.

Dimensional Snake

Animal Transformation

Where The Wild Things Are (textures and group project)

Ceramic Frames with fiber weavings





Cave Art Replica

Apple Transition

Laurel Burch style cats

Animal Transformations

Aboriginal Style Painting

another Aboriginal Style Painting

The work was appreciated by many teachers. I am glad someone took the time to get the exhibit together. Additionally, there was one entire wall of teacher created art. They had set up several tables and used table top easels to hold the framed work. I am unsure of copyright issues so I won't be posting any of the teacher created art.

Convention Time

I've had a busy 2 days at a National Convention in Minneapolis. I attended several sectionals at the event. Luckily, I have a few vacation days before we are due to resume classes after our spring break. I am glad because it gives me time to plan my final lessons for the fourth quarter.

I will need some captivating ideas for the ending of the school year. It will be especially important that I choose the right lesson for the graduating sixth graders. They may need some extra motivation in the coming weeks.

Dick Blick had a simple, but eye catching display in the expo hall. They brought along all the examples that are written up in their latest lesson plan sheet. I think I received my copy at the end of March with a sale catalogue. Seeing the projects in real life was 10 times more impressive than the flyer.

The layered earth strata, a coil vessel, and a canvas covered book box were the lessons I will consider for my challenging sixth graders. One of these lessons is sure to draw out their creative spirits. I hope they will find the same inspiration I felt as I walked up to Dick Blick's booth at the convention earlier this week.

The art that most caught my eye was a plastic layered mosaic that looked like transparent glass mosaic tile.

It was mounted on white card stock and had a layer of large bubble wrap to lift it 1/2 in off the surface. The separation from the background gave just enough light to illuminate the art work. Surprisingly, most of this composition was made from twisted plastic shopping bags and plastic food wrap. It was recycling at its finest!