Huichol Yarn Paintings

Traditional Huichol bead art.

Most recently, 5th grade finished up these Huichol inspired yarn paintings.  The Huichol are native Americans who live in western central Mexico.  They have a rich, spiritual culture in which art-making plays an integral role.  Many Huichol artisans make beaded works or yarn paintings that take painstaking hours to create.

A traditional Huichol yarn painting.

The students viewed and discussed symbolism within the traditional yarn paintings, and tried to describe what was meaningful to the Huichol people.  They then created a composition of their own using symbols to communicate what is important in their own lives.  Although this project was frustrating at times, the students exhibited great patience in creating their pieces (with the occasional freak out and re-group, of course!) All in all, the results were amazing.  Here are a few examples…

I also wanted to include some photos of kindergarten's pinch pot fish because they are so cute and creative.

Also, I'd been waiting until after I submitted these PS Aeropostle contest entries before I shared them.  These fifth graders real brought their A game with their clever designs.  Future graphic designers perhaps?

And lastly, a few weeks ago we studied Piet Mondrian in kindergarten and I challenged the students to create their own abstract representations of an object.  As a Star Wars fan, this particular composition fell very near and dear to my heart…

That's all for now - have a great weekend!!

Chugging Right Along

The seasons do seem to be chugging right along - I can't believe there are already Christmas decorations out in some stores and that 2013 is coming to a close.  Crazy!  I have been photographing lots of work and I wanted to share...

We finished our Dia De Los Meurtos unit in 4th grade a couple weeks ago and I was able to hang the sugar skull designs in the hallway.  

Gorgeous symmetrical sugar skull.

2nd Grade finished their ceramic suns inspired by Mexican folk art.

3rd Grade's Myan Glyphs with textured metallic frames are now on display in the hallway as well.  I love how these turned out!

And of course, a twist on the old classic: Kindergarten practiced their fine motor skills while tracing and cutting out these adorable hand and feet turkeys.  'Tis the season!

I also just finished hanging 5th grade's amazing yarn paintings inspired by our study of the native Huichol people of western-central Mexico.  They are truly a joy to look at, especially after watching the students toil away diligently over the last few weeks.  It was a frustrating and trying task at times but I think the students really felt that their hard work paid off.  I will post photos of those soon!


I thought I'd also include that the dance company I perform with is having a children's show on December 8th.  Here's a little blurb about the event, and a sneak peek at our set (made by us dancers!!)

12.8.13: The Magic Backpack: Annual Children’s PerformanceThis narrative dance performance tells the story of Pippa, a girl who dreams of being a magician. The hour-long event includes audience participation and a children’s movement workshop following the show. EDC’s Youth Dance Project will perform the company in this hilarious original production.
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2013
Time: 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Location: Ballenger Creek Community Buillding
5420 Ballenger Crk Pk., Frederick, MD
Tickets: $10 Adults; $5 Kids 12 and Under

For more information, visit Equinox's website.