School 20

(Community Artists in the School Program - 2003/04.)

In April, 2004, students in grade 4 at James Bolton Public School learned about painting techniques through a mural making project that reflected and celebrated individual creativity.

"I learned many things during this amazing artistic experience. The very first thing I learned is that the silver part of the paintbrush is called the style. Also that any time you get paint on the style it is best to wipe it off then continue. The final bit of info is that when you paint with permanent paint do two layers to really make a nice thick smooth colour. I learned two skills while painting with Judy. One skill is to keep the bristles pointing up for smooth strokes. Finally black outlines make objects really stand out. I really enjoyed it because its fun and will stay forever." - student

"I learned that the metal part of the paintbrush is called the style. I also learned that you don't use a paintbrush like a pencil. It was the best project ever." - student

"I learned how to hold a paintbrush and how much paint I should use." - student

"I learned that I have found a great hidden talent within myself." - student

As a second, smaller project the two grade 4 classes each illustrated two well-known stories; The Ugly Duckling and Never Cry Wolf. First, the students learned that they can use elements of design to express feelings. As a class activity we sorted colours, lines and shapes into happy and unhappy (positive and negative) groups. Then, individually, students identified a feeling for their own artwork and chose appropriate elements of design on a planning chart. Each student created one illustration to be included in a book that was laminated and bound.

"I liked the idea of drawing feelings for a story book. I learned that you can use happy or unhappy shapes, colours and lines to draw feelings. My favourite part of the project was cutting out the black shapes. My least favourite part was trying to think of happy or unhappy shapes, colours and lines. During this exciting project, I learned that I can think of crazy things and transfer it on paper. Another thing I learned was that I have to be patient in art because everyone has a hard time. I also learned that everyone expresses their feelings differently." - student

C.A.S.P. (Community Artists in the Classroom Program)

The purpose of the C.A.S.P. project was to connect professional, community artists with schools, students and teachers. C.A.S.P. provides a support and extension of the visual arts curriculum that engages students in quality arts activities while modelling appropriate processes for the classroom teacher. Sixteen C.A.S.P. projects were launched across the Peel District School Board in the 2003 / 2004 school year, connecting a wide variety of artists with sixteen different schools in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.

This innovative project was funded by a grant from The Centre for Education and Training through a partnership with Curriculum and Instruction Support Services, the Brampton Arts Council, Visual Arts Mississauga and community artist, Judy Willemsma.

See also www.peelsb.com