Art Show

Mason (6th) and Duncan (4th) took an art class at a local university last semester.  At the end of the semester, the teachers put on an art show for the students and the parents.  I didn't get to see any of their artwork all semester until the art show so I really enjoyed seeing all of the art projects that my boys had told me about throughout the semester.

When we first walked in, we were met with their multimedia art journals.  Duncan's theme was "Home Sweet Home."

Mason's theme for his multimedia art journal was a song by the Black-Eyed Peas.  I particularly liked the incorporation of beads into both of the art journals.

My very favorite project, though, was the three-dimensional layered drawing project.  Mason's theme was Baking a Cake.

Duncan and Mason both completed paintings using acrylics.  They were allowed only one color which they could make lighter or darker by adding white or black paint and black paint.  Both of them found this project challenging.  The theme was "A Time When You Were a Hero."

One of the most interesting projects they completed in the course was printing with easy-to-cut blocks that they carved themselves.  Mason carved a graffiti image into his block.

Duncan carved an image of Dave and Buster's into his block.

Lastly, they made really cool kaleidoscopes.  Duncan, in particular, loved this project.  I found this project to be very interesting because of the interactive aspect of it.

The inside of the kaleidoscope was lined with reflective paper.

I am pretty sure that Pringles can lids were used to make the viewer end of the kaleidoscope.  The plastic lid was secured with a T-pin which allowed for gentle turning of the lid.

While both of my boys enjoyed the class, they have no desire to take the class again next semester.  While they enjoyed the projects, they often felt that the teachers treated them as much younger than they actually are, particularly Mason.  They also didn't think they did any better art projects than we do at home using Atelier Art.  I liked the variety of art materials they worked with in the class and will consider doing our own printing projects in the future at home using the Easy-to-Cut blocks.

Have your children taken art classes outside your home?  Has your experience been positive, negative or a mix of both?