Tesselations

4th graders looked at artwork by M.C. Escher and learned about tessellations. First, they created a shape that would tessellate. Then they traced this shape until in covered their paper. Finally, they brainstormed what they thought their shape looked like and drew those details into each shape. Then they colored their tessellations.

Metal Tooling

5th Graders learned about the art of repousse, also known as metal tooling. Students designed symmetrical masks and embossed them on to pieces of metal. They colored them with permanent markers and used beads, twine and raffia for embellishment. Students discussed the purpose of masks around the world. Many of their masks were inspired by masks from Africa.

Amate Bark Painting

Third Grade students learned that Amate Bark Paintings are traditionally made in Puebla, Mexico where their bright colors catch the eyes of many visitors. These bark paintings have been made for many years, but have most recently been made to sell to tourists. Artists in Puebla take the bark from mulberry trees and fig trees, soak it in water, and then pound it with a rock to form a large piece of paper. Then they use brightly colored paints to paint animals, especially birds.