Muralin’ with Summer School Art Kids

June 29, 2016June 29, 2016Leave a comment

This week a group of middle/high school art students will be creating a 4 foot by 8 foot painting welcoming visitors to the Sheboygan Area School District. This mural will be installed on the 3rd floor stairwell inside the administration building, 803 Virginia Avenue in Sheboygan.

Finished Mural

Here are images of their creative process. This process involved designing, selecting, finalizing, and painting their contributions to to the mural. Also, part of the process was to edit the painting to reach the desired result of this collaborative project. Students worked independently as well as in pairs and/or groups.

A Qualitative Research Study of Arts Education and its’ Impact on Post-Secondary Success. Written by Jenny Sturchio.

June 9, 2016June 10, 2016Leave a comment

This past school year I had the opportunity to work with Jenny Sturchio. She is a grad student at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee. Her ideas for her Capstone Final was to research how secondary art education impacts post-secondary success. The Sheboygan North High Art Department was one of her subjects for this research. I found it interesting to read her perspective on secondary art education and her correlations to post-secondary education. It is always neat to read what others think about the arts programming, activities, and relationships that exist within a public high school art program.

Feel free to download this PDF. Courtesy of Jenny Sturchio.

Here are some excerpts from her research.

“I find we are presented with material in a very linear way and are expected to understand it in that way as well. By participating in the arts, it has given me the chance to explore ideas and come to the conclusions in a more fluid manner. Having space to work through things abstractly has been beneficial for someone with a right brain way of thinking” (Answer from survey participant, 2016.)

“By being involved in the arts, I was able to find my passion. Being exposed to and given the chance to dabble in artistic curriculum, it opened up doors that would not have been possible otherwise. In a society where math and science are deemed the only suitably successful careers, including arts is a more holistic approach at education. Art has given me more ways to problem solve, and overall another perspective to walk through the world with. I think it is important to keep the arts in secondary education because that is how we keep it in post-secondary, which is important in creating innovators of the world” (Answer from survey participant, 2016.)

“When dealing with a struggling student they refer to creative teaching techniques to create a platform for the student to find success”.

“Not only do they [teachers] consult with the art department for their own classroom integration, but it is observed that arts-active students are more deeply engaged in classroom activities than those who are not”.

“My recommendation would be for high schools to provide professional development for their teachers that covers arts-integrated education”. – Jenny Sturchio

About

J.Sturchio. A Qualitative Research Study of Arts Education and its’ Impact on Post-Secondary Success: This narrative research project was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master of Arts in Education degree for the College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, WI. 50pps.

Feel free to download this PDF. Courtesy of Jenny Sturchio.

Reception photos for NHS AiR, Marty Carney

June 3, 2016June 3, 2016Leave a comment

Marty is our fourth artist in residence at Sheboygan North High School. A reception is a great way to celebrate the success of the artist’s accomplishment during our Spring semester. Although his time was dedicated to connecting with NHS students and staff he also created several paintings. Receptions are always unpredictable. It is probably one of the most nerve racking parts of being an artist because you never know who is going to show up.

In this case, Marty had a fab turnout. It was great to see our administration present, aspiring poets, fellow colleagues, former artists in residence, and friends. For the third time, Ms. Cavanaugh’s poetry students wrote poems based on a painting from the artist they liked and read them to the people present. The poetry readings are starting to become a tradition that has found a home at NHS. Marty shared how his paintings were influenced by ecology. Mr. Soik, Honors Humanities teacher, shared how having Marty weekly made a difference in how his students interacted with the artist resulting in a beautiful assemblage.

This program has presented many wonderful opportunities to strengthen our bond as a North High community as well as to welcome unexpected events and embracing them whilst letting things flow where they may.

EXPO recap

May 9, 2016Leave a comment

The art department participated in the 2016 EXPO. Once again we offered face painting and a nice collection of student artwork. Such a fab evening to be a Raider!!!

A huge thanks to our student artists and art teacher, Mrs. Mattern for making this evening special.

Design it Yourself Gallery Project: A deeper look into the 365 Artists 365 Days Project

April 22, 2016April 25, 2016Leave a comment

Appleton art teacher, Elyse Lucas collaborated with Kate Mothes of Young Space inspires high school art students to research, collaborate, and design their own gallery. Mr. Juarez’s 365 Artists 365 Days Project provided students with a list of artists whose works were explored for the curation of the exhibitions that were organized within their own galleries.

It is such a rewarding experience to see this project inspire students to look at the [art] world through a different lens. When this project was released on January 1, 2014 the primary intent was to introduce our readership to contemporary artists, studio cultures, and diversity in media from across the globe. It is neat to see this project implemented within a secondary art curriculum and to see the possibilities unfold. – Mr. Juarez, art educator and founder of 365 Artists 365 Days Project.

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Ms. Elyse Lucas’s unit: Design it Yourself Gallery Project

Unit and images courtesy of the teacher and used with permission.

Objective: Design your own art exhibition in your own imaginary gallery. The artwork and gallery space must work together to invoke a common theme. Students may select any contemporary art pieces from the list of contemporary artists on Frank Juarez “365 Artists in 365 days” website. Students may design any space that the artwork will be hung. Student will create 3D models of their gallery space as well as an exhibition guide showcasing their selected artwork and describing their theme. Student will then present their ideas to professional curator Kate Mothes. Student will gain a greater understanding of contemporary art, art appreciation, art criticism, and the value to art in a community.

Requirements:

Research on Artwork –

Select 8-12 pieces of contemporary art from Frank Juarez’s website “365 Artists in 365 Days”
Artwork must have common theme (aesthetically or message)
Describe artist’s intent with artwork (chart)

3D Model of Gallery –

Must be made out of cardboard
Must be 3D and painted white
Must be laid out with where artwork goes and why

Exhibition guide for show –

Must include mission statement about the show (intent or what message you want the viewer to observe)
Paragraph about each artist and description of their artwork

Presentation –

About 20 minutes long
Re-state mission statement and intent with the show
Explain why you designed the space in a certain shape
Explain why you hung artwork in certain spots
Explain what you learned through this process

Standards:

Art Theory: Visual Thinking : Vocabulary Use (id:9968)
Art Theory: Visual Thinking : Interpretation/Evaluation (id:9969)
Art Theory: Visual Thinking : Formulates Opinion (id:9971)
Art Theory: Visual Thinking : Personal Opinion (id:9974)
Communication Arts 9. : Key Ideas and Details 2 (id:10151)
Communication Arts 9. : Production and Distribution of Writing 2 (id:10167)
Communication Arts 9. : Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas 3 (id:10177)

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Design it yourself Art Gallery: Research

Directions: Visit Frank Juarez’s website “365artists365days.com.” Click on the “Artist Database” link at the top and then “Download 2014/5 Artist Database” link. You can choose to look up an artist based on their medium (materials they used to make art) or theme/category they fall under. Visit the artist’s website, find images of their work, read about their intent/process. If you like an artist or think it works with a theme, add information to the chart below. Explore all sorts of artists, themes and mediums until you find one you appreciate/find aesthetic connection to. Collect 8-12 pieces for your show and print thumbnail picture of each piece.

Design it yourself Art Gallery: Research

Post-Research Reflection: Respond to the following prompts thoughtfully and thoroughly. Based on your reflection, write your show’s “Mission Statement” below.

What is similar about all these artists?
What mediums are the works made of? Where are the artists from?
What overall theme does the artwork have (aesthetics or meaning)?
Why will these works make a unified show?
What do you hope the viewer will take away from visiting your show?
What did you learn about your own aesthetics/taste in art through this research process?

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DIY Gallery: Community Engagement Piece

Directions: Design a community engagement piece to accompany your exhibition. What is something that will greet the public and encourage them to have a voice about your art show’s theme? Engagement piece should be something interactive that either remains in the gallery or people can take with them. Be creative and build off of your theme!

Requirements:

Piece should relate to the theme of your art show
Piece should be interactive
Prompt people to participate (see/feel the impact)
Remain in space or people take with them (memory)
Quick activity (less than five minutes)
Minimal supplies/mess

Ideas to build off of and adapt to your show:

Writing prompt (Kate’s show)
Collaborative drawing (Tedx talk)
Collaborative sticky notes mural (Tedx talk)
Take away card/gift/message (Felix Gonzalez Torres)
Be Creative!!! Think of your own!!!

Describe your community engagement piece below:

Describe the activity in 5-7 sentences (include a sketch as necessary)
What do you want people to take away from the activity?
What materials are necessary to the activity?
How does the activity relate to your theme?

Describe your community engagement piece below:

Describe the activity in 5-7 sentences (include a sketch as necessary)
What do you want people to take away from the activity?
What materials are necessary to the activity?
How does the activity relate to your theme?

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Design it yourself Gallery: Exhibition Guide

Directions: Create your own exhibition guide for your art show. Exhibition guide should walk your viewers through your art show and provide them with necessary information so they understand your theme/message of the show and layout of your gallery. Students may use Indesign or Publisher to create their 2-3 page guidebook.

Requirements:

Exhibition guide with likely be a trifold or booklet and must include the following:

Title/Cover Page:

Title of your gallery
Title of your art show
Picture (one attractive piece of artwork that represents the show)

Information about the show:

Location (imaginary location-city, state)
Run time (imaginary dates-2 weeks, 2 months, other)
Mission statement of show
Map of the gallery/digital Homestyler.com model

Information about the art:

Artist, Title, Date, Medium of every piece of art in show
Small paragraph/blurb about each artist and their piece
Selective photos of work (not for every piece but range of work)

Information about your gallery:

Who are the curators (that’s you!)
Why did you choose to design your gallery the way you did?
What future shows would you like to hold in your gallery?

Note: Please use an attractive layout, font, colors and visuals that all work with your art show’s theme and is inviting to the public.

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DIY Gallery: Model

Objective: Design a model of your gallery space that help articulates your gallery’s mission statement and showcases the selected artwork. One model should be completed digitally with http://www.homestyler.com. You will need to create an account with your school email for this site. One model should be 3D and made out of cardboard. Students should paint cardboard white and include a key for the model explaining where artwork will go. Research other art galleries and museums and consider their layout when designing your own. Consider traditional elements of a gallery including blank slate layout (white walls, wood floors, artwork as focal point). Consider sizing of artwork when planning what pieces go where (an instillation piece should have adequate space for viewer to walk around piece, 6ft painting will need larger wall so work has space, etc.)

Requirements:

1 Model should be made digitally with homestyler.com
1 Model should be constructed 3D
- Made out of cardboard and hot glue
- Painted white walls
Clear simple layout (complements the art)
Considerate arrangement of work (pieces thematically tell story)
Artwork sizing considered
Key/chart:
- indication where artwork is hung
- compass/label for bearings
- title of the gallery
- mission statement of gallery
- thumbnail picture of art pieces (8-12)
- statement explaining gallery design and layout (why pieces go where)

DIY Gallery: Model statement

Explain your thought process is designing the gallery space. Why did you choose this layout? How does the layout relate to your gallery’s mission statement and theme of the art show? What other art galleries/museums did you look at for inspiration for your gallery? What pieces needed extra consideration for placement? (7-9 sentences at least)

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Design it yourself Gallery: Presentation

Directions: Pitch your gallery idea to Kate Mothes and Ms. Lucas! Presentation should be 15 mins in length and both partners should be actively participating equally. Discuss all components to your gallery including the following: information about the show, art pieces/research process, exhibition guide, layout (digital and scale model), community engagement piece.

Information on show: (3 mins)

Title of gallery and exhibition
Mission statement
Theme of the exhibition
Describe artists and their pieces (artist, title, date, medium, meaning)

Research process: (3 mins)

Why did you pick the pieces you did?
What were some hardships with finding your artists?
Why were you drawn to the pieces?
What did you learn about your own taste in art through this process?

Exhibition Guide: (3 mins)

Why did you design your guide this way?
What hardships did you have when creating your guide?

Layout of gallery (models): (3 mins)

Why did you arrange your model/gallery layout this way?
What hardships did you overcome in planning out the location of your pieces or what special considerations did your artwork require?

Community Engagement: (3 mins)

What activity did you provide the public?
What are you hoping people take away from participating in activity?
How does your activity relate to your theme?
Why is it important to have a community engagement piece?

*** Note: This is a formal presentation. Please introduce yourself and conduct yourself professionally in front of our community members. Please rehearse your presentation with your partner in advanced so you meet time and response expectations. Please hold up/display model and guide when describing these pieces. Can provide powerpoint of enlarged images when describing art pieces if desired.

Presentation Feedback (see front of this sheet also):

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Project Feedback (see individual sheets also):

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Unit and images courtesy of the teacher and used with permission.

Below is the article that was published on April 11, 2016 by The Post Crescent.

Mr. Juarez teaches art in Ojai, California

March 26, 2016March 29, 2016Leave a comment

This spring break Mr. Juarez is participating in a visiting artist program at The Thacher School in Ojai, California. He will be working with Mrs. Mahoney’s art students. He will be introducing students to the Midwest Artist Studios Project (MAS), which highlights artists living in the Midwest. In addition, he will be Skyping the artists into the classroom so that they can have the opportunity to interact with them via a critique and/or Q & A.

On March 25th, he spent the day getting to know the art students. Mrs. Mahoney’s students are fabulous and talented. He will be facilitating a few projects from the MAS Project and will be documenting his stay.

To see images of students working on the MAS art lessons click here.

Below will be a growing gallery of images.

10 Tips for New Art Teachers. Written by Mr. Juarez

March 17, 2016March 17, 2016Leave a comment

SchoolArts Magazine

Written by art educators for art educators!

SchoolArts is a national art education magazine committed to promoting excellence, advocacy, and professional support for educators in the visual arts.

10 Tips for New Art Teachers

Written by Mr. Juarez

Video: Artist Frank Juarez. Filmed and directed by Zach Schramm.

February 13, 2016February 13, 2016Leave a comment

This week Zach, senior, at Sheboygan North High created this awesome video for one of his class projects.

About the video:

High school art teacher and artist Frank Juarez talks about how his involvement outside the classroom has made him a better teacher inside the classroom.

Running time: 2:33

Check out other videos he filmed and directed. Click here.

Artist Liz Ann Lange ends semester long residency at Sheboygan North High School

January 15, 2016Leave a comment

Liz Ann Lange is about to wrap up her residency at Sheboygan North High School. She is the third artist in residence that we have had in the past 1.5 years. This program is supported by the Sheboygan Area School District and Sheboygan North High School. It is always magical to see student interact with professional artists. There is always a high level of enthusiasm in the air.

The Sheboygan North High Artist in Residence Program is designed to expose, educate and engage the North High community to local and regional artists each semester during the current academic school year.

Running time: 9:48

The Power of Art: Hmong Leadership Council spring formal mural

June 2, 2015Leave a comment

Mr. Miller always finds ways to incorporate art into the programming of the Hmong Leadership Council. Below is a great example of what transpired during a spring formal at North High School. Thank you for sharing, Mr. Miller.

A note from Mr. Miller, Hmong Leadership Council advisor

I thought you might like to see some of the art from our spring formal: Bangkok fading into a lotus lagoon, bamboo, and a lake by the jungle. Senior, Savannah B. was the lead artist and important contributions were made by Paris H (’14) and Sophomore, Lilly K. About 30-40 students worked on the murals. I finally confronted my blending phobia and am proud of what I was able to do with Paris on the water and beach areas!

Thanks for always letting me share this work with you.