PTA GRACE Art Program Page
GRACE Art is a program created by the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) to bring arts education to kids in schools. This program was established in 1976 to supplement and support local children's art experience in school. The program is based on in-class presentations of art historical subjects, followed by coordinating art projects. Oak Hill PTA sponsors this program in our school for all children.
Click here for information about the Art in the Schools Program.
Questions? Contact the GRACE Arts Committee:
Sally Burns, Projects: 703-796-6037, sally_burns@verizon.net
Ann Marie Dorn, Docent Coordinator: 703-435-4613, amd7@verizon.net
Tracy Plummer, Supplies: 703-481-0045, ohplummer@cox.net
Stephanie Sheridan, Communications: 703-742-8001, srsheridan@verizon.net
GRACE Art Portfolios for 2010-11
Through GRACE Arts students will learn about sculptors Louise Nevelson and Martin Puryear during October. Both artists are known for using wood and wood scraps to assemble their sculptures. Docents will explore biomorphic and geometric forms which provided both artists with much fascination and inspiration. While Nevelson explored geometric shapes and the rhythm and repetition they could provide, Puryear explored natural and man-made forms that stimulated the imagination. Texture as a key element in the sculptures of both artists for will also be discussed, as will each artist’s technique for providing impact; lighting and monotone color for Nevelson’s pieces and the imagination and environment around the sculpture for Puryear's. Students will learn that although Louise Nevelson and Martin Puryear had artistic differences, they shared a common idea in their wood assemblages.
For the month of November GRACE Arts will focus on African Masks. The children will learn that masks are commonly used in Africa to represent a particular spirit or emotion during tribal ceremonies. Such ceremonies may take place to celebrate a wedding or birth, or perhaps, a funeral or initiation into adulthood. Carved in wood and then decorated with paint and natural materials, masks offer symbolic meaning to tribes. Docents will explore patterns, shapes, lines, and color, all of which present important value. Masks often incorporate a tribe’s history, or sacred animal. Through the diversity and craftsmanship of African Masks students will learn the great value they hold in tribal societies.
GRACE Arts will explore author and illustrator Eric Carle during the month of February. As an artist, docents will explain that Carle is a collagist, meaning he uses a cut and paste technique to create his pieces. Students will learn that by cutting and pasting tissue paper and then painting over it, Carle gave his work texture, color variation, and an impressionistic style. One such example is the illustration of the caterpillar, in his infamous book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." While inspiration has come to Eric Carle in the form of life experiences, the world around him, and his upbringing, the children might be surprised to learn that he has even found ideas in the whimsical, such as punching holes in a piece of paper! Perhaps its time for you and your child to read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" again!
In March GRACE Arts will explore the works of Japanese Art. Docents will explain that strong cultural traditions and beauty are prominent aspects in the art of a society deep in ritual and religion. Artists often meditate before painting so they can get in touch with the inner spirit of the object. In doing so, artists often create a dreamlike, imaginary setting particularly found in landscapes. The children will learn that the Japanese believe that art is intrinsic and can be found in all aspects of life such as homes, gardens, writing, clothing, food, and painting. Living in an isolated country, Japanese artists have created some of their own art forms in addition to traditional painting. Students will explore Haiku poetry, which uses calligraphy or brush writing, colorful wood block prints, a form of print making, and kabuki theater with its elaborate make-up as examples of such art.
During the month of April students will learn about architect Frank Lloyd Wright through GRACE Arts. The students will learn that Wright was greatly inspired by the natural world around him. He strove to bring the outside in and often incorporated nature in such forms as water, light, and natural materials in his designs. Docents will explore Wright's belief that structures should blend with the outside environment, but also blend with its inhabitants. Buildings were designed to appear as if they were meant to be there and interiors allowed great function and flexibility for residents. The docents will explain that non-residential structures designed by Wright followed the same theory. He took great consideration to the needs of the inhabitants in terms of function, flow and beauty. Students will discover that Frank Lloyd Wright's designs prove him to be one of America's greatest architects.