Mrs Wickum's blog

Every year I look forward to beginning the art program, and this year no different. I have seen most of the 1st and 2nd graders and look forward to greeting all the 1st graders this week.

During cirriculum night, Sept.9th, I will have on display many of the projects we will be creating this school year. Please stop by and say hello.I look forward to meeting all parents on that night. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help in the art room, please call or leave a message at (847) 745-3760. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

 These pictures were taken at the Lincolnwood Village Hall. The Art Show will remain there until May 30th.

The First grade classes have finished their spring lions. The challange of using watercolor paints was met with gusto by our first grade classes. Their work is extraordinary and shows great enthusiasm and creativity. A few of the paintings are in the 2nd grade hall, and many more will be coming home very soon.

Second grade has finished their Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters sculptures. This project was an extension of a fairy tale literature unit in their general class room studies. Most are displayed in the class windows, and will be coming home very soon. A request for shoe boxes to transport these sculptures home will come in the next several weeks.

First Grade created snowmen to celebrate the winter season. Enjoy the variety and interesting 'characters' that adorn the 2nd grade hall.

" A line is a dot that went for a walk." That is a quote from artist, Paul Klee.

1st Grade is creating pictures using various line styles and shapes and coloring them with craypas. They watched a 4 min. video describing the various line styles and what they represented. The pictures are stunning, and I know you will see many of them in the halls of Todd.

I want to thank Susan Reza, Elizabeth Ahn, and Kathy D'Agostino for all their wonderful help in preparation and the installation of the 1st Grade art show in the main hall at Todd. Olivia Lee's help in preparing the 1st and 2nd grade portraits to hang in the 2nd grade hall was tremendous. Thank you all!

The 2nd grade art classes have started a unit exploring colors at " The Todd Hall Paint Shop." They are studying the color wheel and how to mix secondary colors(orange, green & purple) from combinations of the primary colors( red,blue,& yellow). The unit is the longest of the year and involves creating a custom paint color, naming it, and using that color for the "Blue Dog" pictures they will start before winter break.

The first and second grade art programs offer a wide variety of experiences in painting, sculpture, drawing, portraiture, paper construction,printmaking, art history and architecture.The inspiration for many of the art projects derive from literature, classroom course content, art history,artists, and seasonal themes. Students create projects referencing the styles of Vincent Van Gogh, Mary Cassatt, Claude Monet, M.C. Escher,Piet Mondrian, and influences from world cultures.

The art room has a relaxed atmosphere, fostering creativity and self-expression. Grade level behavior is encouraged through teacher and peer group modeling, positive reinforcement, and challenging activities. Every effort will be made to insure a pleasant and creative atmosphere for every student.

The 10th Annual All district Art Show was held at the Lincolnwood Village Hall from May 5th to May 31st. Students from all three schools were chosen to represent our district art programs. From Todd Hall there were 65 students from 1st and 2nd grades. Sculpture, drawing, tempra and watercolor paintings and paper design was on display.

The talent of our students in district 74 is awe inspiring. The creation of any art is an expression of accumulated experiences, exposure to other artists, and learning how to use all types of materials. At Todd Hall our students bring to the program their life experiences and vast cultural influences. From this point they are exposed to a wide variety of art materials and art references.

The 2007-2008 school year will focus on traditional areas of painting, drawing, sculpture, architecture, and a more detailed emphasis on printmaking.