Arts & Activities articles from December 2007

Arts & Activities archives from December 2007

Editor's note.
December 1, 2007... Winter has arrived here at Arts & Activities (such as it is in Southern California...), so it's time to turn up the "creative heat" thermostat and explore "Fibers and Textures in the Art Room." Secondary-level students become familiar...

Linoleum Block Print Contest.(arts update)
December 1, 2007... The Blick 2008 Block Print Contest provides an opportunity to gain national recognition for your students and increase your art budget. Public, private and homeschool teachers are invited to participate by submitting their students' work to the...

National Arts & Learning Collaborative.(arts update)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... To "transform schools by providing students with opportunities to learn in and through the arts" is the mission of the National Arts & Learning Collaborative (NALC). As stated on the nonprofit organization's Web site, "There is a growing...

Help for innovative programs.(arts update)(Airborne Teacher Trust Fund )(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The Airborne Teacher Trust Fund invites elementary and middle-school teachers from public and private schools throughout the country to submit proposals for art and music programs that their schools are unable to fund. The Airborne Teacher...

NCECA K-12 Ceramic Exhibition.(arts update)(National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts )
December 1, 2007... Entries are now being requested for the 11th Annual National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition, which will be held in conjunction with the National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) annual convention, to be held March 19-22 in Pittsburgh,...

!Arpilleras! The Colorful Appliques of Peru.(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... !ARPILLERAS! The Colorful Appliques of Peru. PowerPoint presentation, assorted materials on CD-ROM/$29. 95. Level: Grades 3-8. Crizmac Art & Cultural Education Materials. Considered a supplementary curriculum resource, Arpilleras is a very...

The Future of Art in a Digital Age: From Hellenistic to Hebraic Consciousness.(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2007... THE FUTURE OF ART IN A DIGITAL AGE: From Hellenistic to Hebraic Consciousness (2006, $59.95), by Mel Alexenberg. Intellect Books. Few teachers are likely to find this book of interest; but those that do will be moved and enlightened with...

Artists' Techniques and Materials.(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2007... ARTISTS' TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS (2006; $24.95), by Antonella Fuga. Getty Trust Publications/J. Paul Getty Museum. The aim of this book is to provide an approach for viewing works of art by explaining how they were made. The small format...

Make It Pop! Activities and Adventures in Pop Art.(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2007... MAKE IT POP! Activities and Adventures in Pop Art (2006; $12.95), by Joyce Raimondo. Watson-Guptill Publications. This is a direct and simple book that would help elementary-school teachers and students explore Pop Art and use it as the...

Crayola.(shop talk)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Three new mixing mediums for washable paints will add special effects to any color tempera, poster paint or watercolor. Glitter It!, Pearl It! and Texture It! can be used over, under or mixed with paints. The mixing...

Loew-Cornell.(shop talk)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Art sets from Loew-Cornell provide the tools and materials needed to begin exploring an interest. Shape-coded symbols identify the features and benefits of each kit. Available kits include: Canvas Wrap Sets for...

Richeson Art.(shop talk)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Academy Cascade is a varnished adjustable lyre easel featuring vertical tilt and a non-slip ratchet system for easy canvas height adjustment. The easel is made of Lyptus with a maximum canvas height of 49 inches...

Art Institute Glitter, Inc.(shop talk)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Elements Earth Textures, from Art Institute Glitter, provide a way to enhance artwork in dimensional earth tones. Organic compounds make up 42 tones and textures, uniting nature, sight and scent. Textures can be used...

Crizmac.(shop talk)(Crizmac Art and Cultural Education Materials )(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Colorful mola patches from Crizmac Art and Cultural Education Materials serve as great examples to show students the art made by the Kuna Indians of Panama. Designs are inspired by birds, animals, flowers and...

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.(shop talk)(Brief article)(Book review)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Not Your Mama's Stitching and Not Your Mama's Felting, two books in Wiley's Not Your Mama's do-it-yourself book series, deliver beginner to intermediate lessons on stitching and felting for the quirky crafter looking...

Blick art materials.(shop talk)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Used both in the classroom and by textile artists, Maysville Cotton Warp is a sturdy classic cotton yarn that is versatile, economical, time tested and proven. Ideal for the beginning weaver or for rag rugs, runners,...

Badger Air-Brush Co.(shop talk)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Neon Fabric Paint Set from Badger includes seven textile airbrush colors in unbreakable plastic bottles with no-clog caps. Use an airbrush, paintbrush or sponge to apply the paint on a variety of materials. After...

Crystal Productions.(shop talk)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Art Concepts Folding Posters series introduce students to basic art concepts. The first three sets of posters include the Elements of Art and Principles of Design; Drawing; and Painting. Each set contains four...

Jacquard Products, Inc.(shop talk)(Jacquard's Professional Quality Screen Printing Kit)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jacquard's Professional Quality Screen Printing Kit is suitable for paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic, leather and more. Durable, water-soluble inks offer flexibility to work and clean up easily. The kit comes complete...

Textile landscapes.
December 1, 2007... As a child, I remember my father bringing home lots of fabric, yarn and carpet samples from his architecture office that we kids used to make arts and crafts. Thinking about those days, I contacted his office to ask if I could have any...

Combination weaving: a culmination of years of learning.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] At our school, we do a weaving at every grade level. I was happy with most of the results from the lower grades, but the eighth-grade project seemed to be lacking. Because our school only goes through eighth grade,...

Creative possibilities of doll-making.
December 1, 2007... A child making a doll can be equated to an adult artist making a figurative sculpture. From ancient times, figurative sculptures have served as substitutes for originals because they can evoke a sense of presence, even though they are mere...

A crest for Canadians in Kandahar.(COMMUNITY connections)
December 1, 2007... The Canadian Armed Forces are currently deployed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The focus of our mission in that country is to make every effort to improve the lives of the Afghan people. Though some of our resources must be devoted to combat...

Clip & save art notes.(Biography)
December 1, 2007... ABOUT THE ARTIST The only thing is to avoid the suggestion that I'm a regional painter... people do like to label me, and I just don't fit in any category.--Agnes Tait Agnes Tait was born in New York City in 1894, and grew up in the...

Art print: Skating in Central Park.(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Agnes Tait (American; 1894-1981). Skating in Central Park, 1934. Oil on canvas; 33.875" x 48.125". Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. Transfer from the U.S. Department of Labor 1964.1.15. Photograph...

Classroom use of the art print.
December 1, 2007... Agnes Tait (American; 1894-1981). Skating in Central Park, 1934. Oil on canvas; 33.875" x 48.125". Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. THINGS TO KNOW * Agnes Tait was born in New York City and raised in Greenwich...

Ir-resist-ible snow people.
December 1, 2007... Physically, piles of winter white snow and cold blustery temperatures are sometimes hard to deal with, but how can we deal with those issues in a fun, creative and visual way? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My solution to this problem was to...

Rock the cradle with Klimt.(Gustav Klimt)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] In response to the automation of the Industrial Revolution, Austrian-born Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) joined with other artists to prove that art was still an important aspect of life. This Art Nouveau movement was...

Weavings with character.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Over the years, I have enjoyed weaving on cardboards with my third- through fifth-graders. My students have woven a variety of designs, but, when a colleague shared a trapezoid-loom idea with me, I was ready to try...

There's a blizzard rolling in!
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Winter is an ideal season to introduce or review landscapes with young children. The frosty quality of landscapes created by artists such as Charles Burchfield and Grandma Moses seem almost magical. After an...

Young artist.(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For me, art has been important for a long time and has been a way to escape the everyday responsibilities of life. To me, the basic elements of art are the creation of spaces, the way in which lines and shapes meet,...

Spectacular snow globes.
December 1, 2007... Next in our "eARTh... it's got ART!" yearlong curriculum we visit the interesting continent of Antarctica! This curriculum is best taught during the winter months, as the students can find some personal meaning in terms of the weather. ...

Choo-choo artists.(Children's art diary)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My neighbor Stefan had the best trains. His locomotives hauled long lines of cars all around his plush living-room carpet. Tiny mechanical figures waved to the passing trains alongside miles of tracks, occasionally...

Aardvark Clay & Supplies.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The most comprehensive ceramic supplies catalog available. Over 200 pages of clays, glazes, kilns, potter's wheels, equipment, tools, books and everything else for ceramics. From K-12 and beyond. Aardvark has what...

Chicago Canvas & Supply.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Artist Canvas and wide seamless muslin. Primed Canvas, Gesso, Deka Fabric Dyes in bulk. Duvetyn, Commando Cloth and Theatrical Gauze. Curtain Track & Hardware for Moveable Backdrops--fits any area. Fabrication...

Blick art materials.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Blick's Resources for Art Educators 2008 catalog contains over 600 full-color pages of products for grades 6-12 art teachers. You'll find all the best brands at the best prices. Unique lesson plans and helpful...

Debcor Inc.(winter catalog showcase)(art and activity tables )(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "ROCK SOUD" ART & ACTIVITY TABLES Debcor's heavy-duty Art & Activity Tables with large work surface are ideal for grouping students. Spacious 60" x 42" tops have scratch, stain, and liquid-resistant laminate surface....

Chavant, Inc.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since 1892, Chavant has produced a wide variety of professional grade, oil based, plastelines. Please order a sample kit and evaluate these superior quality clays and tools. Skilled sculptors agree--the fine art of...

Duncan Enterprises.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Free Duncan Creativity Guide offers you a total solution featuring a comprehensive line of ceramics arts products including bisque, glazes, underglazes, brushes and tools. Duncan provides quality products, education...

Evenheat Kiln.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Evenheat Kiln, Inc. has for over 50 yrs supplied the firing community with Top-of-The-Line Kilns. We have a large array of kilns to suit virtually any need or desire, in both kiln size and style of controllers. Our...

J & J Display.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] J & J Display has an attractive and economical solution Mat makes the most of your precious SPACE AND BUDGET. Our racks are great for showcasing artwork, photos, historic documents and for use in the classroom. Show...

Runyan Pottery Supply Inc.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of the largest "FAST/SHIP" Factory Outlets in the U.S.A. for Clay, Glaze, Tools, Ceramic Equipment and Thousands of Supplies. TEACHERS: Call for 100-page catalog and technical help on kiln and equip, repair parts...

Frame Fit.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wholesale Picture Framing and Malting. 30 Years Experience Over 2,000 Frame and Matting choices Most orders shipped same day as ordered. "Holiday Special" Mention this ad & receive 25% off first order Please...

L & L Kiln Mfg., Inc.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] L&L EASY-FIRE KILNS Color catalog describes L&L's new Easy-Fire kilns designed for schools. More rugged than typical kilns they feature hard ceramic element channels to protect the kiln's interior. The...

Sargent Art.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sargent Art manufactures a variety of art materials for artists including; Paints: Acrylics, Oils, Watercolors, Liquid Watercolors, Temperas, & Washables, as well as Pastels, Colored Pencils, Chalks, Markers,...

Graphic Display Systems.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Versatile and lightweight for use in classrooms stage backdrops and art displays. For a free catalog contact Graphic Display Systems 308 S. 1st., Lebanon, PA 17042 www.graphicdisplaysystems.com Circle...

Peters Valley Craft Center.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Peters Valley offers intensive summer workshops in blacksmithing, ceramics, fibers, fine metals, photography and other special topics and is a registered provider for the professional developments hours as required...

Sax Elementary Art 2007 Fall Catalog.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Art Martials for Early Childhood to Grade 6 This 220-page catalog offers excitinng new products focused on the elementary age student. Many products are suitable for teaching students with Special Needs. Also...

Skutt Ceramic Products.(winter catalog showcase)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Check out our NEW CATALOG! Skutt has been a leading manufacturer of electric kilns and kiln vent systems for nearly 50years. Our sectional design has become a standard in art classrooms all over the world. Don't want...

Spectrum.(winter catalog showcase)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The widest range of fired colors for pottery and ceramics available, including: low fire glazes; stoneware glazes; high fire cone 9/10 glazes; undergraze colors; majolica colors; raised underglazes (engobes); ceramic...

United Art & Education.(winter catalog showcase)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new 2008 Art Materials Catalog is now available and features 100s of new items for your art classroom! Stretch your budget with our competitive pricing, volume discounts and free shipping programs. Our friendly,...

Texture and fiber.(tried & true tips for art teachers)
December 1, 2007... Texture is an "element" of art we've all employed in our teaching, offering our students yet another tool in their visual vocabulary. We know we can use texture either literally or visually, giving our students the opportunity to create work...