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: Connor Fitzpatrick
The young artist for the month of February is being awarded to Connor Fitzpatrick in Ms. Gould’s fourth grade class! Connor has done an amazing job practicing and improving his art skills. In art we call this studio habit, developing our craft. Connor loves being creative and pays close attention to making their artwork just right. He is always trying new things and uses different materials and ideas to make his art even more interesting. Throughout this year Connor has shown that not only is he passionate about art but has a special way of making his art one of a kind! Great job Connor, I can’t wait to see what you create next!
Guilderland Elementary: Kriti Nandimandalam
The February featured artist is Kriti Nandimandalam. Kriti is in Miss Dollard’s fifth Grade class this year. Kriti has demonstrated the Artist Habit of Mind, Engage and Persist in art. That means that she has been able to focus in art class and embrace the art problems we encounter in class. Kriti has also demonstrated the Artist Habit of Mind, Develop Craft. She is able to use a variety of materials to create her artwork and is skillful with whatever material she uses. This takes time, patience and practice. Remember,“practice makes progress!”. Way to go Kriti!
Lynnwood Elementary: Allie Gula
The Lynnwood Young Artist for the month of February is Allie Gula. Allie is a second grade student in Mrs. Armlin’s class.
Westmere Elementary: Emma Kacani
This month’s featured young artist is Emma Kacani! Emma is in Mrs. Garrity’s third grade class. She has demonstrated the Studio Habit of Mind: Engage and Persist. Third grade students had the chance to express themselves through their artwork! Adding yarn to their pieces is a task that requires a lot of care and persistence. These “yarn paintings” were partly inspired by those created by the Huichol people of Mexico. These artists use many colors and symbols in their yarn paintings. Traditionally, they also use beeswax to hold the yarn into place, instead of glue! Excellent work, Emma!