Aztec Suns

2nd grade experimented with clay to create Aztec-style suns in our Mexican Art unit. We pinched the sides to create the "rays" and used basic shapes and the "slip and score" method to add facial features. Then we used warm colors to brighten them up.

Calaveras Masks

5th grade amazed us with their paper mache Calaveras masks for our Mexican Art study. I loved hearing stories and facts from our Mexican students and celebrating their culture while educating their classmates. :)

We used plastic mask forms, newspaper, glue, and water. I always just mix regular white glue and water instead of using paper mache mix and I've found it works pretty well. Once they dried we painted our masks with Calaveras designs. Gorgeous results! Way to go 5th grade!

Kimono Collage

FINALLY getting around to posting about 3rd grade's fantastic Kimono collages from our Japanese Art unit.

The kimonos are made from coffee filters. We colored them with markers then sprayed them with water to create a "tie-dye" effect. Then we used a template on various skin-toned papers to create our people and dressed them up!  We also added scraps of ribbon and cloth for an extra dimension. Love how unique these are. ^_^

Why yes, there is a video. My first video, such a sweet baby.

Navajo Weaving

4th grade experimented with weaving in our Native American art unit while looking at the artworks of the Navajo people. These kids got to experiment with circle weaving last year with our Van Gogh Sunflowers and this one was actually a little easier. 

After we added string, we colored the rest with Sharpie markers. Some students chose to stick to natural colors to emulate real Navajo weaving, but others couldn't stay away from bright colors. Either way, they are great! 

Hopi Pottery

For our Native American art unit, 3rd grade created cylindrical pinch pots inspired by Hopi pottery. We explored using natural colors and symbols. 

Coming Soon!

A YouTube channel for Art From Chaos is in the works! I will post how-to videos so that our students can try out projects from other grades as well as informational videos on what we are studying. I have one video up so far; How to Create a Japanese Tea Cup from Clay. Check it out and come back for more soon!

ALSO so proud of my opening jingle and animation?! Thanks to husband for helping me work out the kinks. 

Sumner County at the Frist Center!

This past weekend we had the reception for our amazing Sumner County students at the Frist Center of Visual Arts in Nashville. It was packed with families and friends of our tiny artists from 20 schools around Sumner County. Thank you so much to everyone who participated, Andy Daniels from Sumner County Schools BOA and to the Frist Center for hosting us. You've made these upcoming artists feel so important!

PACKED room for our opening remarks.

Happy Holidays!

Normally, I don't do "holiday" projects. But I was feeling extra jolly this year. 

3rd grade created the gorgeous painted paper poinsettia collages.

4th grade marker-printed some ornaments then added them to our realistic tree branch designs done with oil pastel. 

5th grade practiced 1 and 2 point perspective to make these beautiful present collages/cards.

Now back to real projects...