Day 131 - Keys to Literacy in Action in the Art Classroom - Ms. Chang - BHS Art

This post first appeared on Mrs. Chang's Blog

This year we had wonderful training on Keys to Literacy. I learned helpful techniques to better engage students in reading and writing in my classroom.

Here is a link to the school system's blog with loads of resources and samples:
http://keysinburlington.blogspot.com/

I was a test pilot for the Scholastic Art Magazine this year and worked to incorporate readings and discussions from these magazines. The students found the articles interesting and engaging. I would highly recommend the magazine as it offered insight into contemporary and historic artists and gave the students relevant articles and high-quality images of a wide variety of works of art.

Below is the template that I used for two column notes and a student sample based on an article about the sculpture " Fearless Girl".

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Day 168 - BHS Students in Photosynthesis Show at the Griffin Museum of Photography - BHS Principal's Blog

This post originally appeared on BHS Principal Sullivan's Blog

BHS and WHS student meet with Cheryl St. Onge earlier in the year.

BHS Teacher Ms. Djordjevic's second and third-year photography students were invited to be a part of the annual "Photosynthesis" show at the Griffin Museum of Photography, along with students from Winchester High School. In developing a portfolio of work that communicated a sense of self and space, the students met earlier in the year with visiting artists Andrew Mroczek and Cheryle St. Onge to help define their own unique and personal points of view. They also met with curator Alison Nordstrom (formerly of the George Eastman House) to select the final pieces to be presented at the Griffin Museum of Photography for the 12th annual Photosynthesis show. 

The opening for the photography exhibit is this Thursday, June 8th from 7:00-8:30pm. Feel free to join us to view student work from Burlington High School and Winchester High School and have a chance to speak with the student artists about their work. The following students are participating in the show and would love to see you there:

Julia Cannalonga

Mia Celik

Jalina Pedersen

Taylor Tabor

Katherine Scott

Angela DeSousa

Yasmine Charrak

Kristina Costa

Jessica James

Serina Khalifa

Amanda McCombs

Avyanna Monroe

Christina Pesiridis

The Griffin Museum is at 67 Shore Road, Winchester.

More information can be found about the show via this link: http://griffinmuseum.org/show/photosynthesis-xii/

Day 170 - Students Proudly Walk the Runway Thanks to Rep. Ken Gordon - BHS Art Department

This post originally appeared on Ms. Chang's Blog

On Tuesday, May 31 the State House filled with young artists and fashion designers! I was delighted to see students who work so hard all year honored with a show  that highlighted their hard work and properly showed what public school education is producing and was spectacular!

Thanks to Rep. Ken Gordon the students had the FIRST fashion show at the state house! Thanks to the vision of his aide Mary Guay we created a wonderful runway in the Great Hall, set up an art display of 2d and 3D art. Visionary Teacher Keith March Mistler started the fashion design class four years ago and has worked to build and grown this wonderful class.

The hall filled up with proud students, parents, community members, school committee members, house representatives and others who saw an ad or the WCVB Eye Opener and came to support the students and the show.

Special thanks to all who attended and our amazing sponsors:
Whole Bunch of Flowers
Lexi Photography
BirchNine
David's Tea
True North
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Thanks to NECN, the Boston Globe and BCAT for covering the event! Thanks to the BECCand Deborah Clark for including her wonderful students in the show modeling the adaptive clothing that the fashion students created.

Thank you to our wonderful alum who generous let us model and feature their designs:
Rachel Faller of Tonle
Erika Landry
Maya Russell
Gaju Carole Niyonzima
Kailee Abeshaus

and thank you to Rep. Ken Gordon, Vanessa Ovian, PR Manager, Mary Guay, and the invaluable Rosalyn Minassian, parent volunteer and President of the Friends of the Arts- we could not have done this event without you!

Day 157 - “FASHION ON THE HILL” SETS ARTISTIC PRECEDENT - Ms. Chang - BHS Art Dept.

This post first appeared on Ms. Chang's Blog

Fashion on the Hill, a live runway fashion show, will be presented by fashion design students from Burlington High School on Tuesday, May 31, at 11:00 am, in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House. Hosted by Massachusetts State Representative Kenneth Gordon (Bedford, Burlington, Wilmington), the event is the first of its kind at the State House, designed to highlight the impact the arts have in public schools.

Burlington is one of just a handful of public high schools in the state who offer a fashion design course in its art department. The program provides a progressive study of clothing construction for its student designers. Throughout the year the young men and women gain a broad understanding of construction techniques and utilize methods including traditional pattern design, hand and machine stitching, cutting and gluing.

Fashion on the Hill will showcase the creations of 18 students and 3 alumni from the Burlington High School art department who have chosen the fashion design elective. Art students will model the apparel and will also provide the running commentary.

The runway show will also feature unique pieces of adaptive clothing for students who have physical disabilities and/or global developmental delays. These designs were created for students in the LABBB program at Burlington High School, an educational program that helps students with special needs reach their full potential. LABBB students will have the opportunity to model these creative designs.

To further enhance the impact of the arts in public schools, an exhibit of 2-D artwork will take place simultaneously in the Great Hall, highlighting works of other talented Burlington High School art students. A meet and greet reception with the designers, artists and their instructors will take place following the runway show.

Fashion on the Hill is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to StateHouseFashion@gmail.com.

Day 139 - Snapchat Geofilters - Mr. Mistler - BHS Web Design

This post originally appeared on Mr. Mistler's Blog

What is a geofilter?! According to Snapchat, "Geofilters are a fun way to share where you are, or what you're up to, by adding a fun overlay to your Snap. If you have location services and Filters enabled, Geofilters appear at thousands of places around the world. After you take a Snap, swipe to see what's around!"

My Web Design class created Snapchat Geofilters and submitted them to Snapchat. This year we've beat our record and 4 Geofilters have been chosen by Snapchat to be live. If you're ever at any of the locations below, make sure to swipe right!

Live geofilter in Hilton Head, SC by freshman Casey Damon

Live geofilter in Great Pond, NH by sophomore Jared Smith

Live geofilter on Burlington's 3rd Ave by freshman Alyson Pinkham

Live geofilter on the BHS football field by freshman Jessie Goober

Day 138 - Digital Art Students Create Art For Social Justice - Ms. Chang - BHS Art

This post first appeared on Ms. Chang's Blog

Alegria Paez, Grade 12

Art Students Speak Up Through Their Art

My fantastic student teacher Lauren Bingham created a wonderful lesson for the Digital Art Class that can be found here: missbart.com. She showed students the work of artists Cindy Sherman, the Guerrilla Girls, Duane Hanson and Barbara Kruger. Then the students discussed stereotypes, cultural appropriation, and social justice. The students selected their own messages that they wanted to convey.


Here is what Alegria wrote about the lesson:

"This lesson reinforced the idea that the American culture isn't perfect. As progressive and liberal as the American culture paints itself to be, there is still much to be done in the name of progress and equality. My own project, intended to highlight the gender and racial pay gap, is an example of something that needs to change. Women are still paid less than men in the same job positions, and that inequality gets worse when you factor in women of different cultural background and races. Although the American culture is progressive in so many ways, those achievements in equality tend to hide other areas in which change is long overdue. Fortunately, the artists we studied in class have proven that although it is slow-going, people are starting to push social justice issues into different kinds of media: the most powerful, it seems, is art. Art for social justice is a way to highlight such injustices and communicate the need for change. It is inspiring to think that win a few simple yet impactful images, people can be galvanized into action."

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Michael Dignan, Grade 11

Nina Nguyen, Grade 12

"Throughout this lesson I learned that there are a lot of stereotypes that are overlooked such as teenage stereotypes and ones that are hobby-specific. I feel that my own project reflects social justice in terms of gender, instead of what I had originally intended which was ethnicity. I attempted to portray the view that some people have that does not consider women as equal as men, sometimes treating women as less than human. From the different artists we studied I learned that there are various different ways to deliver messages of social justice. The Guerrilla Girls showed the power of anonymity while Duane Hanson utilized the effectiveness of isolated individuals."

Raybien Felizardo, Grade 12

"My project reflects social justice by showing that each race is coming together and not being racist or being segregated."

Julia Cannalonga, Grade 11

Jessica Sarver, Grade 11

"My project shows that men are considered superior to women and that it's easier for them to succeed in life, while to have the same opportunities, women have to go through many more obstacles."

Day 114 - Why Take An Art Class? - Ms. Chang - BHS Art Department

This post first appeared on Ms. Chang's Blog

The arts, sciences, humanities, physical education, languages and maths all have equal and central contributions to make to a student's education. Ken Robinson

As students are making course selections this week they should consider signing up for an art course. Here is a great list of things you learn in Art....
1.   Art stimulates the brain and helps develop problem-solving skills.
2.  Art builds a keener sense of perception, contributing to making better decisions.
3.   Art engages the senses.
4.   Art helps you relax.
5.   Art stimulates creativity.
6.   Art helps develop individuality and independence.
7.   Art helps to build self-esteem.
8.   Art gives you a sense of well-being.
9.   Art generates enjoyment.
10. Art promotes self-expression.
11.  Art promotes abstract thinking.
12.  Art gives you a feeling of accomplishment.
13.  Art promotes non-verbal communication skills.
14.  Art is exhilarating.
15.  Art teaches us more about ourselves than we imagined.
16.  Art inspires us to be even more creative than we already are!
http://epchsart.weebly.com/why-take-art.html

Did you know that:

• Students who study art are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-arts-education
• here at Burlington High School we offer 22 different year long course for students to select from
• we annually have 10 or more alumni  who return to share about their successful careers as artists and designer?

Here are some great quotes from Alumni about the art program:

"The value of the BHS Art Program was monumental in my success as a graphic designer. First of all, I would have never even taken an art class if it weren't for an observant art teacher in a study hall encouraging me to take the class while watching me doodle. Freshman year of college all of my classmates were trying to gain a base knowledge in the programs while I was able to really thrive and focus on my creativity because I already had a phenomenal base from 3 years of graphic design in high school. I will always be grateful for the BHS Art Program, it literally gave me a career path and was an integral part of shaping me as an individual."
-Elyse Goldstein Emery, (class of '03)

The BHS Art Program and its teachers guided me to my choice to be a graphic designer. Through the classes I took, I was exposed to many different methods and styles of art making. I started my journey of graphic design my sophomore year, tracing letterforms from specimen books and cutting them out by hand. I am lucky to have had such experience in high school, and knew exactly what I wanted to do when I started at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Thank you BHS for helping me find out who I am today.
Laura Allegretto, Graphic Designer

I relate a lot of my success to Burlington and its art department. Because of BHS and my art teachers I was able to grasp an understanding of design much earlier than most people and transform that into a focus at Syracuse University. If it weren't for BHS I would not be where I am today. A lot of people say that art and design are not important classes to take and don't become an artist because you will never find a job. But this is completely false. This is one reason I feel it is important to come back to BHS for Alumni Artist Day, so I can share what I have learned and encourage students to think about majoring in and finding jobs in art and design.
Jason Yeadon, NHL Graphic Designer

Learning to draw through observation was the most important skill that I aquired while at Burlington High School. I cant stress enough how important it is to have a strong foundation in life drawing when you get to college and aim to further develop and diversify your work. Drawing from life is the foundation on which I base all of my work, stylized or not. If you don't know the basics, you'll never be able to make what you see in your head come to life on paper. BHS taught me that the world is my greatest drawing aid, and that drawing what I see in front of me is never a poor use of my time.
Shauna Leva, Illustrator

Day 84 - Students Learn Tremendous Amount from Alumni Artist Day 2016 - Christina Chang - BHS Art Dept.

This post first appeared on Ms. Chang's Blog

This year's star studded group of alumni artists impressed and educated us! Alumni shared about their careers and life lessons learned.

Special thanks to our wonderful Alumni who took time out of their busy schedules to return to BHS and spend the day with us! And Rachel who virtually visited from Cambodia. You can see here presentation here: Rachel Faller Speaks Art Artist Alumni Day 2016

Rachel Faller- Fashion Designer and founder of TONLE
Lauren Vigneau- Graphic Designer and owner of BirchNine 
Chris Coe-Photographer chriscoephoto.com
Elizabeth Johnson Senior at Framingham State University, Product Development Intern with the TJX Companies
Robert Davison, Illustration, Syracuse University
Jacqueline Akerley, Graphic Design, Syracuse University
Kaitlyn Morneweck - Graphic Designer kaitlynmorneweck.com designer at 36creative.com
Jake Ursino - Montserrat College of Art - http://jakeursino.weebly.com
Jenn Vachon, Designer at Isgenuity
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Here are comments from current students about what they learned from the alumni:

"I learned from Kaitlyn that there is light at the end of the tunnel. You may not know what you want to do, but you still have a future. I also learned that if at first you fail, try again until you succeed. An example of this was when she applied for an internship at her dream job and did not get it. A few months later, she applied for a job at the same place and she was hired just hours later."
Jessica, Grade 9

"From Kaitlyn, I learned that figuring out what you want to do is difficult and not everyone is going to have a definite plan. Also, that failing is okay, because you will learn from your experiences and improve. I also learned from her that we should always be open to different options because you never know what might come your way. To get your dream job, you must truly work hard at what you want."
Ananya, Grade 9

"I learned that you should follow what you want no matter how hard and you will be happy in the end"
Tess, Grade 9

"I learned that I should take whatever opportunities come that come my way, no matter how small, because they can help me in the future."
Nina, Grade 12

"After listening to Architect Jenn Vachon and speak to us on Friday, I learned a lot about architecture and what goes into getting a job such as an architect. I learned that you have to pass many exams, tests and courses before you even start thinking about pursuing a career such as architecture or something similar to it. I also learned that as an architect, you get to work on many cool projects and use your creativity to build and design things for others."
Joey, Grade 9

"I learned from Artist Alumni day that going into college you are going to have to find yourself, and that even though times will be tough, you are going to become successful and happy if you are able to work hard, and keep going."
Sean, Grade 9

Photographer Chris Coe demonstrating his editing techniques

Special thanks to:
State Representative Ken Gordon for supporting our Art program and attending the event
Rosalyn Minassian for all of your support and help
Jenn Scheffer for all the tech support!
True North for the delicious breakfast
La Cascia's Bakery for the yummy treats

Day 79 - You Will Be Impressed By Our Graduates...... BHS Alumni Artist Day 2016 is this Friday! - Ms. Chang - BHS Art Dept.

This post first appeared on Ms. Chang's Blog 

We have an all -star line up for Friday's 8th Annual Artist Alumni Day. From fashion designers, to architects and graphic designers you will be impressed by the wonderful talented artists who graduated from Burlington High School. The schedule is below so feel free to come by and see all or some of the artists.

Check out this great video featuring the artists from Jenn Scheffer:

Day 41 - Adaptive Clothing Design - Mr. Mistler - BHS Art Department

Students buying supplies at Joann Fabrics in Burlington

Last year Ms. Kennedy came up to me and suggested that we design clothing for students in the pre-school who have physical disabilities and/or global developmental delays. She noticed that the pre-school teachers had trouble putting coats on and off the students for recess. I thought, "what a great idea!" The fashion class raised money selling tickets for a chain department store and my students mentioned that they wanted to use that money and create something for others.

With limited experience creating children’s clothing, never mind adaptive clothing, I looked online for sources. The article, Design and disability: fashion for wheelchair users by fashion designer Rebecca Paterson really helped myself and my students to understand what it’s like to design adaptive clothing for people with disabilities. Rebecca was inspired by her sister, who has Cerebral Palsy, and created a line of adaptive clothing for her. She included flat garment drawings of her adaptive designs, allowing students to understand the needs of someone in a wheelchair.

We met with the pre-school teacher, Ms. Shannon Conroy, and inundated her with questions. What type of clothing do these kids need? What fabrics do you think would be best? How about the best type of clasps? We realized that the best course of action would be to design fall and spring coats that Ms. Conroy could use in her own classroom for recess. I took my class of 8 students down to visit Ms. Conroy’s classroom.

Working in groups of 2-3, students researched adaptive clothing designs and collaborated to create 2 different designs per group. We brainstormed as a class to refine the designs and then we made our pattern pieces, using current sewing patterns and altering them to suit our own needs. One final design was chosen per group and students worked together to complete the garments.

I can not be more proud of my fashion students! Their big hearts coupled with positive attitudes and ambitions helped this project succeed. I am very lucky to be able to work with these students on a daily basis.

Thank you to Shannon Conroy and Deborah Clark from the BECC! And thank you to the administration here at Burlington who continually support the students and staff here. 

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We met at Joann Fabrics to buy supplies on a Friday after school

Students plan out their designs using muslin

Students consulting with Shannon Conroy regarding their preliminary mockups

The students presented their designs to the school committee, speaking eloquently about their experiences working on the garments

From left: myself, Melanie Sunnerberg (17), Amanda Wagreich (16), Samantha Marchese (16), Kailee Heffler (17), and BECC teacher Shannon Conroy

Day 12 - Testing Out Something New: an IDEA Station - Ms. Chang - BHS Art Dept.

This post first appeared on Ms. Chang's Blog

I often hear " I don't know what to draw!" in the art room.

This comment is often heard and I then steer and help guide students. This year I am trying something new,  an IDEA Station.

On a small table in the room I set up an area with a manipulative toy, a few books and the following phrases:

Do you ever feel stuck and not sure what to create?
Check out there suggestions and ideas for inspiration
PLAY
EXPLORE

I am hoping that this area will offer students a place to GO when they are struggling
(something very common for artists! ) and help them discover some options for "what to create" and SPARK new ideas.

I included two great books at the IDEA Station:

The Artist's Muse
Wide Open

Day 4 - Supporting Transgender Students - Mr. Mistler - BHS Art Dept.

This post originally appeared on Mr. Mistler's Blog

Thanks to BPSCon 2015, Burlington's three day pre-academic year professional development, I was able to present to colleagues how to support transgender students. Thanks to the success of the presentation and the support of many faculty members, I am posting the presentation for anyone that could not make it. Please ask me if you have any questions. Welcome back! 

Day 168 - Students Create Art Answering the Question "How Do You Feel About Standardized Tests?" - Ms. Chang - BHS Art Dept.

This post originally appeared on Ms. Chang's website

Drawing and Painting students in grades 10-12 were asked to create art about how they FEEL about standardized tests. I gave the students some old scantron sheets and offered drawing and painting materials. This is the art that was created:

Day 164 - Art Office Transformation - Alegria Paez - BHS Junior

This post first appeared on Alegria's Blog 

Our assignment was to redesign and make over the art office. Before the renovation, the space was dim, cluttered, and full of furniture that made the room feel smaller.

The first step of the process was to consider the different uses and needs the office would have to serve, and then create a floor plan accordingly. We conducted interviews with the art teachers to find out what needs they had for the office space. From these interviews, we decided that the room would have to be separated into purpose-specific zones: a work zone for students, a large desk for Mr. Ratkevich, a conference zone, a kitchen area, and plenty of storage space. Using these requirements, I designed this floor plan:

After we completed our floor plans, Mrs. Chang came to help us pick a color palette and and give advice about the design. We finally agreed on these colors:

The bright and soothing colors promote productivity and calm, and also help reflect some of the light in the room, since it has no natural light source. We planned out what color we would paint each wall, and had paint generously donated by Benjamin Moore. Then, we started to paint!

I helped paint the large wall leading out towards the math hallway, and all three doors. Of course, prior to painting the walls had to be bare, prepped, and washed. I helped remove the bulletin boards from the wall, wiped down the heater, and scraped off imperfections from the math hall wall.

This is what the office looked like after we finished painting. We are still waiting for some donated furniture, but aside from this the art office is pretty much complete.

This project taught me a lot about designing a space for others. Specifically, I learned about how "zoning" can be used to create order and make the most of every part of a room, because it gives every activity its own space. I also learned a lot about how certain colors influence people. For example, blues are calming, but extremely bright colors on a small space can make people restless. In addition, I learned that when painting a room, you must also consider the exterior of the room, to make sure that the paint doesn't clash with the colors directly outside the room. When we picked our color palette, we had to choose colors that would not clash with the red lockers in the hallway. Lastly, I learned how to make a space that is attractive yet still comfortable, by arranging furniture such as tables and different zones in ways that promote good flow, such as putting the conference table in the center of the room for easy access to the kitchen area for when it is used to eating, yet separate from Mr. Ratkevich's desk to allow him to work in peace. I think that the art office has improved substantially, and I am proud of the results.