with Art
Learning Objectives
Students will:
• study unfamiliar materials and
discover painting using primarily
design and color.
• discover the value of art in their
own community.
• learn that the “work of art” is
valuable, and that fine art is only
one avenue to a career in the arts.
• learn hands-on the process of dis-
playing an art show from advertis-
ing, hosting an opening, to take
down.
Materials
• slides, posters, and/or textbooks
from which to share and discuss
color, design, and texture
• wood, Masonite, cardboard, or
another available support for
gesso; ours were all approximately
15 x 15" ( 38 x 38 cm)
• gesso
• acrylic paints
• rags, old brushes, cut-up pieces of
cardboard
• high-gloss, fast-drying varnish
• inexpensive metal hanging tacks
for the backs
Samantha Smith
representational images and the finished works were coated with a shiny
varnish.
Silent Auction
Forty-five gesso boards were hung at
a local restaurant. We conducted a
three-week silent auction during the
month of December, with minimum
bids starting at $30. Thirty-five pieces
sold, and we collected $1,005! We
were all shocked, amazed, pleased,
and fortified in our efforts to support our program and show the value
of student work. Students had that
real-life experience of selling their
artwork—not a familiar experience.
New energy was instilled into the artroom, and now we have supplies with
which to work.
Acknowledging that many pieces
were purchased by family members,
we nevertheless feel confident that
everyone in this process benefited
from the vicarious nature of the
sale by students to the artwork now
owned by Orlandites and hanging on
walls all over the community!
Lori Stevens is an art teacher at Orland
High School in Orland, California. lorin-damae@msn.com
Students apply media, techniques,
and processes with sufficient skill,
confidence, and sensitivity that their
intentions are carried out in their
artworks.
