Presenting the Art Show

“Art should make you feel, like music.”
~ Vasilly Kandinski ~

When children’s masterpieces were complete, framed and titled, I showed every work of art- slowly, with Vivaldi playing in the background.  I said nothing except the title of each piece.  Listen in the background to children’s excitement:

The next day we hung the Art Show, and it looks stunning.  The center is a finger paint mural of Starry Night.  Many little hands worked on it, and we added different layers each day, finishing with the round yellow stars.

“Every child is an artist.
It took me a lifetime to draw like a child”
~ Pablo Picasso ~

Children who chose to replicate a famous painting or specific items had a ‘real’ photo alongside.

Each particular style of art was titled, from Impressionism to Pointillism, to Cubism, to Abstract Art.  Here is Cubism:

Here is Abstract Painting:

Children wrote all the words to label their work.  Bravo!  Do you see the pallets they used to paint with real artist paint squeezed from tubes?  Do you see the hanging guest book for the community to sign and comment?  It will be full by mid May.

I hope you enjoyed a peek at their Masterpieces.  We take the children to see the Art Show on Thursday.

“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt.”
~ Leonardo da Vinci ~

Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
This entry was posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

93 Responses to Presenting the Art Show

  1. beetleypete says:

    I loved watching that, Jennie. From Eiffel Towers to Cubism, they covered so many artistic genres.
    Well done to all those budding artists!
    Best wishes, Pete.

    • Jennie says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Pete. The children worked hard. I can’t wait to see their faces when we visit on Thursday. Best to you.

  2. beth says:

    stunning indeed, Jennie! thank you so much for sharing this. I know how much work, creativity, and love went into this show.

  3. Ritu says:

    It’s so wonderful, how you celebrate each piece of work 🥰

  4. Love this! Especially impressed by Cubism and ‘A Masterpiece’ 😀

  5. Norah says:

    Absolutely gorgeous, Jennie!

  6. Darlene says:

    This is so wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with us. The enthusiasm of the students is contagious. xo

  7. Thats exciting! Very impressive and high leveled art. Jennie, you can send all instantely to the next university. Best wishes, and have a good week! xx Michael

  8. I enjoyed this a lot … and I recall you posting about art with Vivaldi in the background (which I heard again here).

    • Jennie says:

      I figured if the children responded to Vivaldi while painting, they would enjoy the same music while seeing their masterpiece. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Frank!

  9. I was as excited as the children as you revealed each piece of art. 👏👏👏💕

  10. Dan Antion says:

    This was wonderful to watch, Jennie. I may be years before the children realize all they have learned through this experience. You gave them a truly amazing gift.

  11. K.L. Hale says:

    Jennie, watching you and hearing the music, and the little symphony of kids’ voices, brought tears to my eyes. I absolutely loved their work! The galaxy, Eiffel Tower, flowers (in the sky, too!), rainbow, robot,…you’re opening their worlds and heart, Jennie! Tell the kids how much we enjoyed it! ♥️💛❤️

    • Jennie says:

      Thank you for looking at all the wonderful art, Karla, and telling me your favorites. I’m so glad you enjoyed hearing the children’s excited voices. I can’t wait to take them to see the show on Thursday!

      • K.L. Hale says:

        You’re welcome, Jennie. You were with me in spirit today! I thought of you as I read to 3rd grade classes in Branson. Learning our Missouri history is part of the 3rd grade standards and my book covers many! Finley, my rescue, is so cute with the students. I wish I lived closer so I could come to your class. You’re inspiring! I can’t wait to hear about the show. 💛

      • Jennie says:

        Awww… that is lovely. I’m glad I was ‘there’.

      • K.L. Hale says:

        💛❤️♥️

  12. some very talented students there Jennie! I love the tulip interpretation!

  13. Don Ostertag says:

    Such fine little artists! And I love their excitement as you show the works.

  14. Lori-ize it! says:

    I love the excitement and joy you see and hear. Children love art and when we celebrate the process as well as the product they just want to create more.

    • Jennie says:

      Well said, Lori. They love the process, which is the most important. When that product becomes something beautiful, then they love art. Win-win. I’m so glad you you enjoyed this. Thank you!

  15. So much love and admiration. for each other and themselves. Fun and work for you and the children. Everything so kindly thought of even a painting they contributed to together in the middle. Lovely post. Thank you for letting us share your joy in teaching.

  16. A beautiful show. Starry Starry Night is fabulous, as are all the individual pieces.

  17. cindy knoke says:

    Wonderful, and so optimally displayed!

  18. quiall says:

    That was wonderful! It was so fun to hear the enthusiasm in their voices. Some of those would do well in a gallery…

    • Jennie says:

      Yes, they were so excited. I didn’t know if they would be silent, in wonder of seeing their art framed and titled, or bursting with excitement. Yes, there are a few that are gallery worthy. Thank you, Pam.

  19. Hi Jennie, these artworks are amazing. I see one of the children writes certain letters back to front. I did that and so did Gregory. Greg was able to write his entire name back to front with every letter the wrong way around. And yet he’s so very bright.

    • Jennie says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Robbie. Thank you. Interestingly, the brightest of children often write letters backwards. Letters with curves, such as S and C, are harder to write than letters with lines ( T, E, L, etc.) so the bright children are the ones who want to tackle writing those letters with curves. Does that make sense? Greg is a perfect example.

      • Hi Jennie, yes, that does make sense. Greg always wanted to do everything right away. When he was in Reception, the school sent home a book for him to do as enrichment in the afternoons. He sat at it for hours for three afternoons and did the whole book meant to keep him occupied for the term. I’ll never forget him sitting on the kitchen floor while I cooked, working on that book with a look of determination on his little face.

      • Jennie says:

        That is a wonderful story!

  20. Elizabeth says:

    Oliver has the makings of a future art school student. Very clever indeed. Thanks for the whole show. Just that his struck me especially.

    • Jennie says:

      When Oliver first made his art, he had the point facing up, like a rocket. Then he studied it carefully and decided he liked it sideways like a bird. Children don’t have the end in sight; they have to create what is in their heart/mind and then the end presents itself. Isn’t that wonderful?

  21. Wow!! Kudos to the Aqua Roomers!!! This year’s show is a triumph. I loved how the children called out the name of the artist when the painting was shown in the video.

  22. They’re all wonderful!! They’re going to be so excited to see their work on display. I hope they continue to paint and create!

  23. bosssybabe says:

    Oh Wow! I love it!! They are inspiring artists at their young age!!! Love that quote from Picasso! 🙂

  24. Hauntingcomforts says:

    It’s quite fascinating that you play classical music for the gallery walk!

  25. srbottch says:

    Excellent. Such a wonderful way to stimulate kids’ interest in art. As L Welk would say, “Wunnerful! Wunnerful!”

  26. petespringerauthor says:

    I like everything about this, from the different styles of art that the kids are learning to how they label their work. One of the most important concepts you’re teaching is that art has value by holding an art show. They will notice the extra attention their teachers are putting into displaying their work. Great idea on the guest book too!

    • Jennie says:

      Thank you, Pete. You make excellent points here. When we teachers value children’s work, it sends a strong, positive message to children. I remember my third grade teacher liking a drawing I did. It made a big impact on me. Yes, an art show tells children how important all art is (including theirs). I will be taking you to the Art Show!

  27. Ally Bean says:

    I like them all. And your presentation of the masterpieces is perfect. What a fun idea to have a guest book.

  28. frenchc1955 says:

    Hi Jennie, thank you again for being such a wonderful teacher!

  29. frenchc1955 says:

    Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
    Please enjoy this wonderful post from the excellent teacher, Jennie!

  30. Ruqia Ismat says:

    Very impressive art and it also shows how children perceived the original paintings.

  31. Léa says:

    What a treat. A new generation of artists and their guide. Their work is impressive. Their teacher is beyond my simple words…

  32. Carla says:

    This was amazing. Not only did I love their excitement, but yours as well. I love how many styles and artists they learned about.

  33. dgkaye says:

    Wow! There is some serious talent in the makings there! ❤

  34. Kally says:

    I love how you always are so creative and innovative in inspiring your children.

  35. Léa says:

    I don’t know if you are following Anna Bolin’s blog. However, her work inspires one to write books for children. The attached would make a lovely book about the environment. It made me think of Beatrix Potter and her work in conservation and it made me think of you and your work with inspiring future generations of artists. https://fargaregardsanna.wordpress.com/2022/04/25/namn-fortsatter-komma-in-names-keep-coming-in/

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