September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. In the art classes at Schirra and Miller Elementary Schools students studied the contributions of Hispanic and Latino art, artists, and artisans. The students learned about the concepts, motifs, textile arts, geographic influences, and folk tales of various Latin American countries. Students created projects based on Mexican Folk Art, Panama Mola Cuna Designs, and Textile Weaving Techniques of South America. Pictured below are various grades’ working and completed art pieces.
The students in kindergarten learned about Mexican Folk art through the art of the Aztec. They used line, pattern, and color to paint an Aztec Sun.
The students in 1st and 2nd grade learned about the art of South America. They looked at various artisans, motifs and concepts of the region. They used line, pattern, and color to paint a Peruvian inspired background and illustrated a Llama which is commonly found in the region.
The students in 3rd grade learned about Mexican Folk art through the art of the Mexican artisans and handcrafted techniques. They looked at the folk tales of the Alebrije which are brightly colored Mexican folk-art sculptures of fantastical (fantasy/mythical) creatures. Students used line, pattern, color, and collage to create their own Alebrije Illustration Collages.
The students in 4th grade learned about Mexican Folk art through the art of the Mexican artisans and handcrafted techniques. They looked at the geographic region of South America and the nature that influenced these artisans. Students handcrafted their own “bark” paper and then painted images of nature using line, color, and pattern.
The students in 5th grade learned about the art of South America. They looked at various artisans, motifs and concepts of the region. They used line, pattern, and color to collage their own Mola designs.
