Each month, the art teachers from Altamont Elementary, Guilderland Elementary, Lynnwood Elementary and Westmere Elementary highlight students who have demonstrated they are practicing Studio Habits of Mind. These eight habits – develop craft, engage and persist, envision, express, observe, reflect, stretch and explore, and understand art worlds – encourage and enable students to be more mindful during the creative process. This is not a contest; the Young Artist of the Month accomplishment acknowledges specific learning and critical thinking that happens in the art room, in relation to Studio Habits of Mind. The students’ pictures and statements are framed and hung in the schools’ entryways.
Altamont Elementary: Li Saam
Congratulations to Li Saam in Mrs. Wilczak’s fifth grade class, who has been chosen as our Young Artist of the Month! Li exemplified the Studio Habit of Mind Engage and Persist by showing outstanding dedication and focus. Li went above and beyond by coming in for extra time to complete a project, demonstrating both perseverance and excellent craftsmanship. Their hard work and determination truly paid off!
Guilderland Elementary: Harshil Surapur
The June Young Artist of the Month at Guilderland Elementary is Harshil Surapur. Harshil is in Mrs. Rossi’s fifth grade class. During art, Harshil has exhibited the Artist Habit of Mind: ENGAGE AND PERSIST, which means he can develop meaningful focus and embrace art problems. Throughout the year, Harshil has done just that. He approaches all of our art units with a positive attitude and brings his own ideas and thoughts to his work. If something is challenging he does not try to take the easy way but instead tries to find the best way to express his ideas. Harshil is focused during class time and gives his work 100% effort. I can’t wait to see what he will create at the middle school next year! Way to go Harshil and keep up the great work.
Lynnwood Elementary: Eva Battisti
The June Young Artist of the Month at Lynnwood Elementary is Eva Battisti. Eva is in Mrs. Guidi’s fifth grade class. During art, Eva has exhibited the Artist Habit of Mind: EXPRESS. That means she can create art that expresses her own unique ideas, feelings and stories. Eva is creative and has a clear idea of how she wants her work to look. She spends her art time wisely. Planning and solving problems so her ideas and thoughts can be expressed well. She is very conscientious about her work and is always striving to do her best work. Keep up the great work Eva. Congratulations!
Westmere Elementary: Drew Smith
The June Young Artist of the Month is Drew Smith, who is a fifth grade student in Mrs. Ray’s class. He has demonstrated the Studio Habit of Mind: Stretch & Explore. When asked to share a few words about what art means to him, Drew said, “Art lets you bring your imagination to life!” He is always coming up with new ideas and finding inspiration to create. Drew challenges himself frequently by stepping outside of his comfort zone and trying new things… this helps him to grow as an artist. He enjoys creating at school, at home and with friends. Drew puts a lot of effort into his artwork.