Art Masterpiece at Auxier

Edition #1

Art and Auxier

Dear Auxier Families,

Welcome to another exciting school year! We are eager to embark on another year of learning, growth, and community. In this newsletter, you’ll find information on the program students will be participating in, the plan for this year's program, and what to expect from us.

We hope you find this newsletter informative and helpful as we kick off the year. Let’s make it a fantastic one together!

What is Art Masterpiece?

Art Masterpiece is a program in the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) that aims to educate elementary school students about art through the use of reproductions of fine art. The program is run by volunteers called Art Guides who present lessons to students in their classrooms.

Program Overview

Program History

The Art Masterpiece program has been part of the CUSD curriculum since 1992.

Lessons

Art Guides present six lessons per school year, each lasting 30 minutes to one hour. The lessons include a discussion about an art concept and a hands-on activity.

Art Guides

Art Guides do not need to have an art background. Training is provided.

Art Exposure

The program introduces students to different artists, art styles, and elements of art.

Art Appreciation

The program aims to help students see art as a form of communication and an adventure, not just decoration.

Art Literacy

The program's goal is to promote art literacy and increase students' awareness of the world around them.

Why Art?

Is art education really important?

"Visual art is a fundamental component of the human experience reflecting the world and the time in which we live. Art can help us understand our history, our culture, our lives, and the experience of others in a manner that cannot be achieved through other means. It can also be a source of inspiration, reflection, and joy."

Here are some of the ways art benefits and enriches our students' lives:

Art teaches self-discipline and enhances motor skills
Art promotes cognitive & creative thinking
Art teaches problem-solving skills
Art strengthens self-esteem and self-confidence
Art provides a means of self-expression and promotes appreciation for the individuality of others
Art improves overall academic performance

Sample Art Masterpiece Creations

Focus: Texture, Line

Texture is the physical feel of something — smooth, rough, fuzzy, slimy, and lots of textures something in between.

Focus: Shape, Texture

In the visual arts, shape is defined as a flat, enclosed area of an artwork created through lines, textures, or colors, or an area enclosed by other shapes, such as triangles, circles, and squares.

Focus: Movement, Contrasting Color

Contrast can create movement by creating tension, drama, and focus, while harmony can create movement by creating balance, rhythm, and flow.

Focus: Op Art

Op art, or optical art, is a type of abstract art that uses optical illusions to create the impression of movement, hidden images, or other visual effects. Op art is often characterized by geometric shapes and patterns, and can be so complex that it can make the viewer feel dizzy.

Focus: Repoussé

Repoussé is a metalworking technique that creates a raised design on a metal surface by hammering from the reverse side. The word comes from the French word pousser, which means "to push forward".

Focus: Organic Shape

Organic shapes are figures that do not conform to specific mathematical or geometrical principles and appear natural. They have freeform and inspire feelings of calmness and naturalness.

Focus: Ink & Brush

Brush drawing, in the visual arts, is a technique in which a brush, usually round and pointed (in contrast to the flat and even-edged ones used for oil painting), is used to make drawings in ink or watercolour. Some artists like Degas have used oil paint heavily diluted with turpentine..

Things to Expect This Year

Newsletters

A newsletter will be sent out to teachers for each of their classes, highlighting the current lesson being taught along with samples of work completed by students.

Dedicated Bulletin Board

Located in the 2nd grade hallway is the new Art Masterpiece board. This board will showcase selected art throughout the year from all the classes.

Social Media

See art created by students on social media and bring more awareness to the program.

Art Exhibition

At the end of the year, the 6th grade class normally would have an art event to show their final project but also their work throughout the year. This year, the exhibition will be for all grades to proudly display their work and share their portfolio of work with family, friends, and other school administrators. Students will be able to take their portfolios home after.

Interested in Volunteering?

Art Guide or Helper

If you'd like to become an art guide for your child's class or just help other guides with prep work for lessons, please reach out to the Auxier Art Masterpiece Program Coordinator. Contact information is below.

Christina R. Michaud, M.B.A.

Volunteer School Coordinator, Auxier Elementary

CUSD Art Masterpiece Program

+1 480-937-6382

christinarenee@onmail.com