Artists are taught to create WOW art projects through the Artist's Process. We currently have two 5th grade classes that are creating their own art lesson through this process. The process of letting go of the whole class teaching has been easier with this group of artists that have shown maturity, respect and self autonomy in their self control, respect of each other, the art studio, and art supplies. These artists have contributed immensely to this transition. I can't thank them enough for day after day inspiring me to be a better art teacher/facilitator. It has definitely being a learning transition for the young artists and for myself and I look forward to converting all upper grade classes into fully autonomous art studio environment.
Artists are encouraged to visit the "Resource" Center located in the book shelf area and use the Computer Center to find inspiration for their individual art project.
Once they have an inspiration/idea in mind they are encouraged to begin the "Artistic Habits" worksheet. This worksheet gives them the foundation of incorporating the elements and principles of design, while using a "grocery" list to select from to start the planning process.
When the artists has completed "Artist Inspiration, My Objective, and the My Plan" section we discuss the project and work out an agreement so that they can begin working on the actual creation.
If the artists if feeling that their art project is complete they return to this worksheet and answer the "Revise and Create" section to make sure they add value to their creation. At this point they return to work on their project for another class period.
Before moving on to the last leg of the Art Wow Project (Finishing Center; Please read the blog to follow) they finish the "Evaluation" portion of the Artistic Habits worksheet to reflect on the art work and art process at this point.