The Koru is a symbol of New Zealand culture representing growth and new life, significant of a baby palm frond. Our Heathrow artists looked at the pieces of Raewyn Harris, New Zealand artist, and created compositions using the Koru spiral shape.

"Art Cycles" was all about learning natural life-cycles through artwork. We studied seed and frog life-cycles and created clay pieces as well as collage paintings!

Kindergarteners and 1st graders were introduced to Robert Indiana, artist of the well-known "Love" sculpture in Philadelphia. We discussed 3D/sculpture versus 2D art pieces, and why we thought Indiana created such a large, bright display of love. We then  brainstormed 4-letter words on "something you want everyone in the world to have."  First graders brainstormed 4-letter rainforest words. Students then were taught how to use rulers to make a 4-square grid, and use their rulers to create bubble letters. Love was a common "thing we want everyone to have," but other heart-felt messages included "beds, safe(for safety), toys, home, arts, sing(for singing), pets, food, kind(for kindness), hugs.

Kindergarteners are learning more and more how art can send a message beyond the paper, canvas, or artwork--a vital critical thinking skill that enhances their ability to analyze images and the world around them.

Some final "Little Owl" collages by our Kindergarteners!

We read "Little Owl" by Divya Srinivasan, then discussed the definition of a collage (an artwork made with cut paper or bits of fiber/ephemera). We then practiced with our own hands to draw geometric shapes and cut them out. We then practiced spatial understanding to overlap collage papers and glue them in order.