Middle School Art from a Distance

Fifth and sixth grade artists have continued to create, sketch, paint, iterate, build and draw wonderful works of art in the distance learning environment. Students are asked to do a half-hour of artwork between their art class sessions. They have freedom of expression with this assignment, and they are encouraged to use whatever materials and mediums they have available in their homes. Creativity abounds with these wide parameters and limited resources, and the results are pretty amazing, as you can see in the slideshow of pieces below. The photo captions include student reflections on their work.

Middle School Visual Art Teacher Jayme Zimmer and Middle School Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair JoAnne Vogel are providing some structure for the assignment; however, they are allowing for a wide range of mediums, materials, structures and skills.

Zimmer shared, «During our distance learning experience in Middle School Visual Arts, our main intention is to have fun and enjoy being expressive. Students are using many of the same concepts and skills that we learned in the classroom, just now in the home setting. They are building on their understanding of the modes of expression (realistic, expressionistic, abstract) and they are practicing ‘layering’ as a system for building a visual expression. Students are learning how to be resourceful to create an idea, build skill and use specific materials and processes. We have given students freedom to use whatever materials they have access to at home to express their ideas based on what they enjoy the most.»

Zimmer is a big proponent of the arts and the positive influence they have on students overall. She shared a helpful insight from a website focused on the healing power of art:

«There is an increasing amount of scientific evidence that proves art enhances brain function. It has an impact on brain wave patterns and emotions, the nervous system, and can actually raise serotonin levels. Art can change a person’s outlook and the way they experience the world.»

Head of Middle School Jen Schuckman was so impressed with the artwork that she decided to feature a piece of art in each of her daily morning emails to all Middle School students, faculty and staff. What a great way to build community, lift spirits and celebrate the arts!