Every student in grades Kindergarten through 8th and the school staff created the same size dot. At each grade level students colored their dot in a variety of ways. The dots were primary colors, secondary colors, analogous colors and many others. Dots were put on display in the lobby for all to appreciate and enjoy. They filled the showcase and covered the wall and part of the ceiling. When students left each afternoon, on their way to and from lunch kids looked for their dot. There was much excitement about our K-8 and beyond DOT exhibit! Our world is filled with dots; where do you see them each day?
A FINE LINE IS HERE.....
During November (2005) you could follow a black and white line almost around
the entire inside, upstairs and down, of Union Elementary and D.R. Gaul Middle
School. There were over 300 designs on 3” X 18” white drawing
paper that contain the names of students and staff. This collaboration wrapped
around the building in the spirit of internationally known artists Christo
and Jeanne-Claude. Last February elementary art teacher, Anne Kofler and middle
school art teacher, Argy Nestor visited New York City with their families
to see the saffron colored Gates in Central Park. Inspired by The Gates, Ms.
Kofler and Ms. Nestor wanted to create artwork with their students along these
lines. Kofler, named the collaboration “a fine line” and about
a month before the school's exhibit was installed tiny signs appeared around
the school stating “a fine line is coming”. The seed planted,
students and staff began questioning what the fine line could be. Days later,
hints were on the daily announcements and some students and teachers began
investigating what “the fine line” might mean. Students in kindergarten
through grade 8 found out when they were introduced to the unit and created
their piece of the artwork. As pieces were completed the collaboration was
installed and it became clear what a fine line was all about. It was not unusual
to see students walking down the hall searching for their piece of “the
fine line”. Students realized the impact a monumental piece of artwork
can have and that without each person's part the “whole” doesn't
exist. The underlying message is the importance of working cooperatively,
students and adults, teachers, secretaries, custodians, everyone's art is
important. As the exhibit went up the tiny signs stating: “a fine line
is coming” came down and were replaced by: “a fine line is here”.
Ms. Kofler and Ms. Nestor contacted Christo and Jeanne-Claude inviting them
to visit school while in Maine for their Merrill Auditorium appearance. Jeanne-Claude
personally called school to graciously decline the invitation. With students
help Ms. Kofler and Ms. Nestor created a book with a saffron cover documenting
the fine line artwork. They were fortunate to have their picture taken with
the artists while presenting them with the book. They are planning thier next
student/staff collaboration and look forward to the energy this type of artwork
provokes.
Ms. Kolfer and Ms. Nestor traveled to Portland in early November to hear and
see and hear the artists speak at the Merrill Auditorium. They presented them
with a hand-made book that contained “the fine line” and had their
picture taken with the artists to share with students at school. Christo and
Jeanne-Claude have an exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art throughout December.
Art Links
