Appreciating the Earth through Art
- The Art & Culture of the Narragansetts and the First Peoples-
Kunoopeam Netompauog!
Welcome Friends!
Hello, from the Melrose Art Studio!
I am Ms. Connolly, the Elementary Artist-Teacher here in Jamestown. We will be continuing to cultivate our TAB(Teaching for Artistic Behavior) studio environment which encourages students to think like Artists. It is a choice-based, student-centered approach which invites artistic explorations in painting, printmaking, ceramics, drawing, sculpture, collage, puppetry, jewelry design, and fiber arts. We are also very excited about some new additions to our Open Studio menu this year which include photography and woodworking!
This year, our school-wide theme in Art will focus on studying the Art & Culture of the Narragansetts and the First Peoples". Our Melrose Artists and I will be using this common theme, to delve deeply into the language, traditions, and artwork of our local Narragansett nation, while considering how we each think about art and our own unique creative processes, that help lead us to design original artwork. We will also be learning new techniques to apply to a variety of media. The Arts becomes an ideal vehicle for investigations into the language, culture, music, art history, architecture, fashion, geography, famous landmarks, foods, and traditions of Indigenous peoples. We will explore the ways in which nature inspires the creation of functional art pieces for everyday life, while being introduced to many traditional Indigenous crafts and art practices still used today. These include beading, pottery, stamping, basketry, wood carving, jewelry making with natural materials, and storytelling. Melrose Artists will be incorporating these ideas in their own artworks, as well as recognizing them in the works of others. As we study the works of local Indigenous Artists, both historical and contemporary, we will begin to recognize common elements that unite us all as Artists.
This year-long immersive study of the rich art history and contemporary cultures of the Narragansetts and the First Peoples, in partnership with the Tomaquag Museum, is sure to be very beautiful, and meaningful for developing an appreciation and respect for the Indigenous communities that continue to have a deep connection to lands we inhabit in our daily lives.
It is my hope that our entire Jamestown community will join us this the Spring, on Friday, May 1st, 6-8pm, to celebrate the creative accomplishments of our Melrose Artists, during our interactive, annual school-wide Art Show & Ice Cream Social here at Melrose!
As always, we thank you for your wonderful support of the Arts and hope to see you all at the Art Show!!
~We are all Artists for Life~
Yours truly,
Ms. Connolly