Mandala Sketchbook Covers

The project I like to begin every Art class with is the making of a personal sketchbook. The sketchbooks will be used throughout the rest of the class to plan out art projects, take notes about artists, write reflections, and practice artistic techniques and skills. This time the assignment was to create a mandala design on the front cover that included symbols that represented something about the artist. I also asked that they find a way to creatively integrate their name into the radial design.

My current classes are a mix of 7th and 8th graders who come with varying artistic experience and abilities. The results of this 1st assignment were impressive and inspired high expectations for what is to come! I have a good feeling that this group is ready to take on some challenging art adventures!

Not only can Kapaa Middle School Art students create beautiful masterpieces, but they can articulate their thoughts on the process and explain their intentions through written artist statements! Click here to read a sample Artist Statement by 8th grader, Kahi Davis.

Lydgate Mosaic Ceremony

The Kahu Kai Mosaic Mural project was an effort by Carol Yotsuda and the Garden Island Arts Council to involve Kauai’s school-children in the beautification of Lydgate Park’s restored Kamalani Pavilion. KMS Art students took part in the creation of a ceramic mosaic that was unveiled today as the community took part in celebrating the completion of the first phase of murals to be installed.

The afternoon included picnics, theatrical performances, face painting, and live music by Mike Young and Renee Janton. Dr. John Lydgate was there to share his appreciation, along with artists, teachers, students, families, and sponsors. Special guest author Maya Soetoro was also there to introduce and autograph copies of her new children’s book “Ladder to the Moon.” Overall it was a great way to reflect on the work we’ve done and share it with the community!

Thanks again to Carol Yotsuda for involving us in this project, and also to John Wehrheim and Kapaa Middle School’s PTSA for sponsoring our mural!