Project Runway

I love Project Runway. The only thing that made me a little sad this season is that the shows are 1 1/2 hours long each week, which is a long show for me... so I usually DVR it so I can skip through the commercials.

I didn't get around to watching last week's episode until last night, so I didn't know who was going to the finale until just yesterday. (So don't spoil the winner since I probably won't see it until later!!!)

My favorite contestant all season is Mondo Guerra.  If you haven't watched the show, here's a clip of some Mondo moments:



My favorite moment by far though was last week when the show visited Mondo working at his house. He talked about being in school and being younger and how he never seemed to fit in. Here's what he had to say:

"You might doubt that you're cool because you draw or you paint and you're not outside playing baseball... you know? You ARE cool!  ...It just might take a little while..."

What I love about this quote is that Mondo (now as an adult) realizes that not everyone fits into a specific category of what's "cool" or what's "normal" or what's "weird."  Everyone has their own likes and dislikes and preferences, and what really matters is that you like yourself.  That's what might "take a little while."  It's hard to remember and to really believe this when you're younger and you're trying to fit in... sometimes "fitting in" isn't the way to go.  But of course, as an art teacher, I don't fit in either... the difference is that I'm okay with that and I like it that way!

8th Grade Video

Check out this cool slideshow I made on Animoto! You can also view it on our Artsonia gallery site.


Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Steff Bomb.

Hi.  I'd like to tell you about this really cool local artist today.  Her name is Steff Bomb, and she makes little plush guys (mostly).  They're really fun, because they're things like carrots, corn, tree stumps, and mini hamburgers (called "grumblebuns").

I've seen her selling her art at a few local art shows, and if you get the chance to see her, say hello because she's really nice.  I found this video that shows how she makes a plush carrot.  It's pretty cool, so check it out if you have a minute:


This is how I make a carrot! from Craig Shimala on Vimeo.

Her stuff is for sale on her Etsy site, if you were interested, too.

6th Grade Art Contest

The Illinois Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division is holding a contest for student artwork to be put into a calendar.  The theme is "See Orange. Slow Down. Save Lives."  Twelve winning designs will be selected to be a part of their calendar.  Students from grades K-6 are eligible to enter.

Although we will not have time to do this in art class, parents can still enter student work individually.  For more details, and/or to enter the contest, visit the contest website here: http://www.dot.il.gov/trafficsafety/wzs/wzscontest.html

Good Luck!

The Sketchbook Project

Mr. Leban and I are both participating in The Sketchbook Project.  When you choose to participate, you must fill an entire sketchbook with art and send it back for the traveling exhibition.  The theme of my sketchbook is "Secret Codes," and the theme of Mr. Leban's sketchbook is "Revenge."  I am very nervous to fill a whole sketchbook and send it away for stranger to see!  I am also worried how mine will compare to others.  But, I am doing it to tackle my fear!  I think I will come out a better artist for having done this.  Come talk to me about it in class - I've got a lot of drawing to get working on!

(my book, untouched by art supplies - blank, and full of potential!)

Crazy for Cupcakes

Today is the last day of our 6-week "A" Term session of art for 6th & 7th grades.  I'm really going to miss those classes!

Seventh grade finished their cupcake sculptures.  You can view them all on our Artsonia gallery, but I thought I'd feature a few of my favorites here:

To celebrate the last day of class and in honor of our cupcake sculpture project, Elizabeth made personalized red velvet cupcakes for everyone in our 2nd period class!  Look how cool:

 

I really enjoyed the cupcake project, and I think students did, too.  The best part is that I'll get to do the project over again with a new group of students with all new ideas!  I'm looking forward to the creative themes they'll come up with!