Zart Extra Term 4 2011
Involving the School Community Through Art
Aspendale Gardens Primary School
Aspendale Gardens Primary School invites the school community to share in the school’s visual arts program.
Preparations for our VINCENT EXHIBITION began with our study of the artist’s life and works. Students passionately delved into Vincent Van Gogh’s amazing yet so tragic life. Students and their families were personally invited to join with us as we shared our knowledge and understandings. Prior to the evening, families were also invited to create their own masterpiece for our ‘Family Masterpiece Competition.’ I couldn’t believe the interest that had bounced off the students and fired the enthusiasm of whole families to recreate one of Van Gogh’s masterpieces. Students arrived in the art room days before the due date carrying their precious reproductions. Others waited excitedly with proud mums and dads and little brothers and sisters watching, waiting for their turn to present their ‘entry.’ We had canvases, pieces torn from sketch pads and even elaborate ‘Starry Nights’ complete with real starry lights!
The students’ first attempts at recreating Van Gogh’s techniques were displayed for students to explain and share their learnings. Two students of Dutch descent welcomed everyone to our Exhibition in Dutch. Their proud mum had worked with them and also brought samples of the Dutch culture to display. Dutch music played while our Visual Arts Leaders explained our ‘Match the Van Gogh painting with its title’ competition to families as they arrived. Families rushed to enter, eagerly discussing the works and each member enthusiastically contributing their ideas. Our LOTE room became a mini theatrette in which families could view a DVD created with our LOTE teacher showcasing in more detail, the life and works of the artist as seen through interviews and drama presented by the level 3 students. This was hosted and introduced by our Visual Arts Leaders.
Families moved through the various venues ending up in our school library where students had recreated their own complete Van Gogh style masterpieces. Students proudly led their families to their works and shared with them all they had done. Our ‘Family Masterpiece Competition’ was displayed in our school foyer and was a wonderful finale to the evening…..demonstrating how the students’ engagement and love of their learning can drive them to share it with others.
Last term our Level 4 students showcased their story of the wonderful inspiring Australian artist Mirka Mora. We decided to present our artworks to our families in an authentic French café. The Visual Arts Leaders took on the task of organizing the two evenings. Notes were written home asking parents to assist with the catering arrangements for the nights. Parents and staff were also ‘roped in’ to help with decorations. Sewing bunting in the café colours and sewing a MIRKAS CAFÉ sign to hang above the entrance. Students created invitations for the two evenings to ensure all would be able to fit into our Level 4 Headquarter space. They stayed back after school to help set up the café style exhibition. Hanging bunting, placing lamps and low coffee tables and chairs and hanging fairy lights. French music played as cute lanterns flickered on the balcony, the aroma of coffee and French delicacies served by ‘our French’ waiters and waitresses’ dressed in French style. They welcomed and made everyone feel like they were really in the Latin Quarter of Paris! A visit by ‘Pierre de la Rue’ our ‘real French and artiste added the final touch to the night. He formally thanked everyone for coming, praising the efforts of all in French and announced those who had won special mention for their efforts. Families soaked up the atmosphere, moving through the ‘café’ coffee and crepes in hand, discussing their own child’s piece but also relishing the opportunity to admire and celebrate the works of all the students.
Julie Lach
Visual Art Teacher
Aspendale Gardens Primary School
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Key words: Zart Extra, newsletter, article, teacher resource, School Projects
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