Art students finally had the opportunity to choose their own subject for this Scratchboard assignment. They were instructed to create an etched drawing that demonstrates an understanding of texture and value.

Every student began by researching a design idea on the Internet, and then created a preliminary drawing on paper. The pencil drawing was then transferred and etched into black scratchboard with sharp tools.

KMS Art students wrapped up the end of 3rd quarter with a Pop Art Printing project that featured a self-portrait of each individual. The lesson was inspired by the graphic and colorful prints created by Pop Artists in the 1950s. Students were briefly introduced to the artwork of Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns and Richard Hamilton. Our main influence, however, was derived from Andy Warhol’s iconic images that define the Pop Art movement.

“Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.” -Andy Warhol

KMS Art students worked on this art activity alongside the Pop Art linoleum block printing assignment. After exploring the artistic themes and subjects of the original Pop Artists of the 1950s and 1960s, students brainstormed a list of popular icons and products that would be good modern Pop Art subjects for their own generation. I chose a handful of images from their list to print and xerox, making enough gray-scale copies for every student to color.

Students used colored pencils to imitate the Pop Art style, emphasizing bold solid colors, sharp-edged lines, repetition and enlargement. Several middle school students (not in my classes) got wind of this activity and came in to ask for their own copy to color… evidence that our Pop Art themes were spot-on!

If you are looking for a rainy day activity, or just want to see some fabulous artwork by Kapaa Middle School Students, visit the Kauai Museum during the month of March to check out the “50th Anniversary School Art Exhibit!”

A variety of KMS student artwork was entered for consideration. Everything including, ceramic masks, copper repousse, drawings, and paintings are currently on display for viewing. The following students received ribbons (in the order pictured above): Chloe Matsuda, Kahiwahiwa Davis, Katie Spaethe-Peterson, Maile Miyake, and Mainei Kinimaka. Congrats!

What rocks and rolls, and brings music education to people all over Kauai? It’s the BANDWAGON! KMS Media students are in for a wild ride as this mobile music machine takes us on an adventure with the destination to create Kapaa Middle School’s first school song! Students will have the opportunity to learn the technical side of music production in addition to writing, performing, and recording a song that celebrates our school.

Jeremy Hartshorn, the “Wagoneer” for the Bandwagon, is a professional songwriter, music instructor, and producer. Please show your support by checking out his website and spreading the word! If you live on Kauai and are interested in music instruction, “Mr. J” is your man!

Rumor has it that Kapaa Middle School’s Elective Night was the best school event of the year thus far! We packed the house with students, parents and faculty who came in support of our elective classes. The evening’s events included a television broadcast demonstration and introduction from our G.T. Media students, choral and ukulele performances, a gallery of student artwork on display, delicious cookies made by our Home Economics students, videos and graphic design by the G.T. Media class, a “Doodle Wall” art activity, and a silent Art Auction.

A special thanks to our PTSA for supporting our programs and helping to organize the Art auction! The money we earned will go towards purchasing more art supplies for our growing Art classes!

Kapaa Middle School students finished off the semester by turning in their ceramic masks. Now I just need to load the kiln, fire, and return 160 masks before we glaze them and fire again!

One observant student found a piece of plastic on the beach that distinctly resembles the African masks we studied in class. She brought it to share, and now it’s hanging on our classroom wall for inspiration. I haven’t even introduced them to readymade art… I think we have a Marcel Duchamp in the making!

I don’t believe in art. I believe in artists. -Marcel Duchamp

Check out Kapaa Middle School G.T. Media students’ final magazine cover project! Students learned graphic design skills including digital photography, page layout, and Adobe Photoshop editing. The final designs are as unique as the individuals who produced these creative and personal compositions!

This is the time of year when Chris and I launch into a frenzy of homemade crafty projects in preparation for the holidays. In an attempt to avoid the commercialism that can often feel overwhelmingly expensive and sometimes wasteful, I decided to use recycled materials as inspiration instead.

Handmade jewelry made from beach treasure might be a nice gift for some of the ladies I know, but now what can we do for the guys?

Note: Registration for next year is happening this month… please see the calendar for specific dates.