Paper Arts Days

Thursday and Friday were spent exploring, practicing, and mastering elements of art with paper as a medium.  Students learned how to make their own paper using a blender and a screen, how to create intricate paper flowers with tissue paper, how to use a printing press after etching their own designs in acrylic, and the basics of calligraphy.  By the end of the two days, students had created their own paper, designed a thank you card, and made two flowers.  The cards will eventually go to those who support the arts track as guest speakers or financial donors.

The most popular activity was using Mrs. Lutzwolf's printing press that she brought from home.  Kids enjoyed seeing their sketches go from a thought to a reproducible object in a matter of minutes.
Next week students will get to work with a Plein Air artist to hone their painting skills, and learn the ins and outs of theatrical costume design.

Sophie demonstrates the mess involved in printmaking

Eliska, Catherine, and Lily make paper in the background, while paper dries in the foreground

Students write in their field notebooks at the end of the day about what they learned

Mrs. L. demonstrates the papermaking process

Some of the flowers created by students, including begonias, roses, dahlias, and peonies.

Mrs. L. shows Sammy how to run the blender for papermaking

Jane pushes the button to create the base for paper

Students create their thank you cards using their homemade paper and printmaking results

Mrs. L. passes around a piece of homemade paper

Nona and Hannah demonstrate how to use the printmaking machine