CAITLIN RAE MILLER
ARTIST & ART EDUCATOR
"The arts enable us to have experience we can have from no other source and through such experience to discover the range and variety of what we are capable of feeling." Elliot W. Eisner
Kindergarten- 5th Grade Work
Each slideshow is a collection of images from a specific project. Click on the cover image to start a slideshow of each collection.
Cindy Sherman Portraits
Students learned about the contemporary artist Cindy Sherman and how she transforms herself into different characters using makeup, props, costumes and a background. Third Graders chose a character they wanted to transform into and then researched the different costume and prop items they would need. They used a variety of materials and techniques to make their transformed self come to life, including paper, glue, markers and paint. Once the project was completed students shared their work in a group critique and then took turns trying on portraits.
The image on the left of the diptych is an observational self-portrait drawn while looking in a mirror. The image on the right is an imaginary self-portrait that was cultivated through dramatic play activities and sketches. (3rd Grade)
The image on the left of the diptych is an observational self-portrait drawn while looking in a mirror. The image on the right is an imaginary self-portrait that was cultivated through dramatic play activities and sketches. (3rd Grade)
The image on the left of the diptych is an observational self-portrait drawn while looking in a mirror. The image on the right is an imaginary self-portrait that was cultivated through dramatic play activities and sketches. (3rd Grade)
Self Portraits
Self portraits are an integral part of the art making experience. In this slideshow there are examples of three different self portrait projects. The first is a 3rd grade project which is a self portrait diptych. Students made the first self portrait from observation and the second one from their imagination. The second group of self portraits is a 1st and 2nd grade project in which students made observational self portraits with tempera paint and oil pastels. The final group of portraits is a 5th grade project and is a silhouette. Students collaged images and text to represent their dreams for themselves (inside the silhouette) and their dreams for the world (outside the silhouette).
Puppets
These puppets and props were part of several short films about social justice topics. Students began the project by brainstorming important issues they thought younger students should learn about. Groups were created based on interest in a particular topic such as bullying or homelessness. Each group created a plot, characters, and a storyboard. They made puppets using model magic, watercolors, fabric and felt. For props they used model magic, paper and various pieces of wood. All filming was done in front of a green screen and backgrounds were added during post-production work in iMovie. To see the puppets in action, go to the "Student Film" section of the student gallery.
Mythological Creatures
Students began this unit by looking at mythological creatures from around the world. Together, we made a list of mythological creature traits, such as being made up of more than one animal and possessing a power. They created their own mythological creature by combining more than one animal and then created an environment where that animal lived and or practiced its powers. Students also named their animals and came up with elaborate stories about their living habits and special powers.
We began this unit by learning about mandalas and the people who create them. Mandalas are spiritual circle paintings that represent the inherent connectedness of everything in the universe. Throughout history, many people have created mandalas to show how they are a part of the world around them, from Tibetan monks to Navajo Indians. The 4th grade students created personal mandalas representing the various circles within their lives. The smallest circle represents the student and his or her family, the second circle represents the student’s community or neighborhood, and the last circle represents the student’s world. In the space outside the circle, each student represented the universe and all the things we know and imagine exist within it.
Personal Mandalas
Paper Mache Monsters
3rd grade students first designed their monsters in KidPix using basic geometric shapes. After, they collected recycled materials such as egg crates, paper towel rolls, and cereal boxes that matched the shapes of their digital sketch. They taped various pieces together to create a basic armature, and applied paper mache over it to reinforce the joints where separate pieces were taped together. Once the paper mache was dry, they made their monsters come to life with paint and accessories.
Ceramics
Students began the ceramics unit by learning several foundational techniques and processes such as how to make a pinch pot, slab, coil, and how to “scratch and attach” separate pieces of clay together. They learned about the various stages of the ceramic process such as wet clay, bisque-ware, glazing and firing. For inspiration, students also viewed a slideshow of both contemporary and ancient pottery. After several “mini-projects”, students were allowed to make several independent projects that incorporated one or more of the techniques they had learned.
Imaginary Islands
For this interdisciplinary lesson, the 5th graders used their knowledge of geography to create maps of their very own imaginary islands. They designed their islands in their sketchbooks first, making sure to include at least 4 landforms. The students used their sketches as a reference to draw their map on large watercolor paper in pencil. They added a compass rose, a key and a capitol and a title. After laying out the components of their map in pencil, they outlined it in black sharpie and then painted it with watercolors.
Student Art Show
The Spring Art Show is a culminating event that showcases one artwork from each student. Because we were unable to hang work on the walls, this show displayed 3D work on tables along with a slideshow of 2D work from each class. The Art Show closed with a film screening of several student made films.
