Winter Gala: CIMA Concerts & Art Show

• Beginning Guitar
• Choir
• Beginning Band
• Guitar Ensemble

• Jazz Ensemble
• Pt. Loma Flute Choir
• Intermediate Band
• Orchestra
• Advanced Band

Art strengthens skills in all areas of development; physical, social, emotional, intellectual and creative.  Art helps to build a sense of accomplishment and positive self-image.

Nothing is more rewarding for me as an art teacher than to observe the creative process in action. I have the opportunity to experience beauty everyday.  I not only see the artistic product, I witness the creative journey of each child.  I have the honor of experiencing with them the spirit of dreaming. I have the honor of seeing students empowered through their art making.  As stated by writer, Thomas Merton (1915-1968), “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”.

This winter art exhibit represents 4 art projects created thus far by Correia students.  The first project of the semester is titled, “Art, an OUTLET for Creativity”.  Is there beauty in something as simple as a wall socket that we plug into everyday? Can we find artistic merit in such an ordinary object? Students were given an outlet cover and asked to trace it as few or as many times as they wished.  Their task was to transform this simple item into a new concept.  As you see, the ideas were endless! Students realized that even something as common as an outlet cover can become a work of art!

In project two, “Where did the “GECK-GO?”, students learned about the concept of creating illusion through “tromp l’oeil” (to fool the eye). By creating visual textures throughout the design, the gecko became camouflaged, hidden in a maze of patterns!  See if you can find them!

In project three, “Bonker Breakfasts”, students were introduced to the art career of a package designer. Students were given the task of inventing a new breakfast cereal and asked to design the package for it. They were told that their employment (hypothetical) would depend on the success of their package design and the publics’ response to it.  As you can see in the show, their ideas are amazing......and by the way, ALL students stayed employed (and given “raises” for their brilliant package design)!

Finally, the students explored the artistic theme, the “The Still Life in Complements”.  Students learned the history of the Poinsettia flower. These pieces were done using the technique of crayon resist and watercolor. A complementary color scheme (colors opposite each other on the color wheel) of red and green was used. These still life paintings are beautiful gems!

As the artist, Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) stated, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” For one hour everyday, the art students are not just mixing colors and making lines, they are experiencing the magical feeling of exploring their hearts, souls and minds.  I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to guide students through this creative process. As we end the year 2010, I would like to congratulate all of my wonderful and talented art students! May this new year in 2011 bring them and all of you continued happiness, good health, humor and much art!

Sincerely,

Ms. Lilly Rosa