Blue Balliett - One of the "Chicagoans of the Year"

On the front page of Sunday's Arts and Entertainment section in the Chicago Tribune, Blue Balliett is standing in front of Alexander Calder's "Flamingo" sculpture.  Blue was chosen for her young adult novels that inspire children to ask questions and seek out 'field trips' to locations in the Chicagoland area.  I have linked the picture of Balliett for you to see and read. 

Hope you are having a wonderful Winter Break!!

Blue Balliett's photo

Happy Holidays!

I can't believe December will be shortly over, and we will be almost done with the 2nd Quarter. I am looking forward to 2011 with the GATE students.  There is so much more to learn!

Enjoy your time off!  Do something that you love to do - read a book, do a puzzle, watch a movie, go out to lunch, visit a museum, play in the snow, eat a delicious pizza, play a board game, go shopping, visit some friends, play a new video game, sing a song, play a musical instrument, learn a new card game, paint a picture, shoot some baskets, do something you have never done before, but most of all - have FUN!

Best wishes for a wonderful Winter Break to all the GATE students and parents!!!

Happy New Year!  See you in 2011!

271 Picasso works of art found in a garage

Did you hear that 271pieces of Picasso's art has been found in a garage?  Read the article and view the video about this amazing new discovery!  Check out the ABC news link of this story! 

ABC news link

Scroll down to the related news items and see the videos of the woman who purchased a Picasso for $2 at a garage sale.  How come I don't come across these bargains when I stop at garage sales?!?!?

What Do Musicians, Athletes and Readers Have in Common?

What do you think these professions have in common?  The answer is PRACTICE.  We don't think too much of going to baseball, basketball or soccer practice 3 times a week.  How about going out-of-town for a sporting tournament?  Shouldn't we spend more time practicing our reading and writing skills?
Click on the link to read an article about this idea!

http://www.teacher2teacherhelp.com/reading-workshop/a-day-with-lucy-calkins-what-do-musicians-athletes-and-readers-have-in-common/

Chagall windows return to the Art Institute

The Chagall windows are back at the Art Institute.  Over 5 years ago, the Chagall windows were removed due to the construction of the Modern Wing.  Read the article and view the beautiful Chagall windows.  I am looking forward to seeing these gorgeous windows again on our field trips!!

Click on the link below and read the article.  Tell me what you think of the windows!

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/10/chagall-windows-return-to-art-institute.html

Edward Hopper's Nighthawk

Edward Hopper

Michelangelo News

Did you see the latest art news?  Click on the  link below to read the article about the possible Michelangelo finding.  Wouldn't it be amazing to have a famous work of art on your living room wall?

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978594999

Develop Your Creativity

I was reading the Sunday paper this morning, and I came across an article in the USA Weekend magazine section.  There was an article written by Laura Hoxworth about developing creativity that I found interesting. Here's the article:

Develop Your Creativity
Are you the creative type? Shelley Carson, Ph.D., thinks you are.  "We are  all creative," says the author of Your Creative Brain. Creative thinking and problem-solving play a big part in all areas of life - so artists, scientists, athletes, parents and business leaders can all benefit from enhancing their innate creative potential.  The first step: developing an environment that encourages creativity.  Here's how:

Increase your exposure. Surround yourself with creative people and creative work to inspire and challenge your inner creativity.  Attend concerts, visit art galleries, volunteer at a museum or join a book club or writers group. 

Be open. "Don't let premature judgments poison your creative environment," Carson cautions.  Recognize your judgmental thoughts and the negative comments of others - and challenge both.

Find time to be alone. Creativity flourishes when you make time to relax and contemplate the events in your life. Try a reflective exercise such as journaling.  "Connect the pieces of your daily life into a meaningful mosaic," Carson suggests.

Appreciate nature. "The effect of natural beauty on the mind inspires creativity," Carson says.  Mountains, forests and beaches aren't the only options - escape to nature in city parks or even your own backyard. 

American Gothic Parodies

What was your favorite parody of American Gothic?  Why did you like this one?  Answer for a GET ticket!!

American Gothic & Stone City, Iowa by Grant Wood

The Old Guitarist - Picasso

Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte

What makes Seurat's Sunday Afternoon ... painting so amazing to you?  Have fun creating your own Pointillism masterpiece?

Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte

Sunflowers By Vincent Van Gogh

Starry Night By Vincent Van Gogh

Monet Vs. Van Gogh

Whose art do you like better ~ Monet or Van Gogh?  Answer back for a GET ticket!

Monet's art

Which one of Monet's famous works of art is your favorite? WHY?
Answer back for a GET ticket.  :)

Beginning of the year supplies

Each 5th Grade GATE student will need the following supplies:

1. a folder (designated for GATE)
2. pen or pencil
3. assignment notebook
4. 1 box of sandwich sized ziploc bags

Impression: Sunrise ~ Monet

Japanese Bridge ~ Monet