The second graders learn about the Japanese Culture in their classrooms so we explore the Japanese art of George Hokusai in the Art Studio. He created over 100 views of Mt. Fuji. The students created their own versions using oil pastels and watercolors on a long skinny paper similar to the format of much Japanese art. They also learn to fold an origami house which they add to the composition and practice Japanese calligraphy with bamboo brushes on rice paper to make a unique signature for their landscape.
The Fifth graders had the choice of printing with a real fish or rubber molded fish. They brushed ink onto the fish and printed onto muslin. Then they glued their fish onto a watercolored background.
The 4th graders learned about the
bright wooden animals carved in the Oaxacan region of Mexico. Since we
dont have the tools or first aid kits for wood carving, the children
drew the animal outlines on canvas. They used tempera paint to paint
solid colors on both sides and then added patterns in paint and or
craypas. The animals were stuffed slightly and sewn together. The students then created a striped "rug" as a colorful backdrop also inspired by the crafts of Mexico.
In the Art Room we looked at the colors and
handicrafts of Mexico. We discussed the significance of the Sun in Ancient
Mexican Culture, agriculture, tourism and daily life. The students painted
assorted papers with bright colors and added texture. Then they cut the papers
into unique Sun Faces. 
