The Art of Mexico

Last night at WJMS the Fine Arts Department celebrated The Art of Mexico. This project has been in the works since September and many, many hours of planning and hard went into it and I feel it was hugely successful. 

There were many steps along the way starting with buying and matting several prints of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo paintings. I then had my Drawing 1 and Painting classes create Mexican Folk Art projects while my Art Foundations classes created "skeleton party" drawings for Day of the Dead. Kate, our ceramics teacher, had her students make Day of the Dead calavera masks. Our instrumental music teacher, Lauren, had her Advanced Orchestra learn mariachi music, which she had to transpose herself. Last, but not least, our choir teacher and resident Mormon Tabernacle Choir member, Phil, taught Mexican Folk songs to his students. Unfortunately the timing was bad for any participation from drama classes, but our amazing Drama teacher, Lisa, helped with every step of the planning process. 

The last step was getting everyone else in the school involved. I created a lesson about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera for the Social Studies teachers to present before taking their classes to the library to view the art show. We also planned a community night, which is what we did last night.

Here's a run-down of the evening:

A view of about half of the visual art part of the show. Student art work mingling with the art of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

The choir performed Mexican folk tunes in the library two different times. Phil played the accordion and three of his students accompanied him on guitars and ukuleles. 

LOTS of Mexican candy.

The event drew quite a large crowd.

Students and community members viewing the art.

The Orchestra performed mariachi music in the auditorium.

Several kids got into the spirit and wore festive hats and clothes.

I think this turned out to be a very successful cross-curricular project that also included the community (bonus!). I am very proud of all the hard work we did to achieve this. Thanks Fine Arts peeps!