Art Classroom Tour

My good friend Liz was at the annual NAEA (National Art Education Association) conference in Seattle for a few days and I JUMPED on the opportunty to sub for her.  I student taught at her school and in this classroom, so its like a 2nd home (What I would give for her job).  I always love looking into classrooms and how teachers organize everything and make their rooms personal since they spend SOOO much time in there.  Liz has the coolest classroom; knick knacks from her travels, awesome student work, handmade posters, etc.  She has really created an environment that allows kids the freedom to express themselves however they feel, I love that!  I am at my best in "organized chaos", Im sure all you art freaks can relate : )

So here are some photos of her classroom as well as 4th and 5th grade Art Club painting paper that will be cut into squares and made into Origami Cranes for Japan, they were really excited at the opportunty to be a part of something so meaningful and empowered that they can make a difference.   An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, and we all know that Japan needs as much luck and wishes as they can get.

Up-Inspired Floating House

National Geographic Channel and a team of scientists, engineers, and two world-class balloon pilots  launched a 16' X 16' house with 300 8' colored weather balloons from a private airfield east of Los Angeles, and set a new world record for the largest balloon cluster flight ever attempted. The entire experimental aircraft was more than 10 stories high, reached an altitude of over 10,000 feet, and flew for approximately one hour.

The filming of the event, from a private airstrip, will be part of a new National Geographic Channel series called How Hard Can it Be?, which will premiere in fall 2011.

                                                                 National Geographic Website

Artist Spotlight - Alain Delorme

Looking at French photographer Alain Delorme’s Totems is almost surreal.  Its amazing that one person can carry such a huge load by themselves and only a bike.  From his website, "The new Totems series by Alain Delorme plunges us into the core of contemporary China and its complexity.  Under the blue sky of a highly colored Shanghai, men carry throughout the city unbelievable piles. These precarious columns made of cardboard or chairs appear as new totems of a society in complete transformation, both a factory for the world and a new El Dorado of the market economy."

Favela Project- Brazil

This amazing art project aims to transform the hillside slums of Rio de Janeiro. It shows how powerful art can be and its ability to transform a community.  About 7000 square meters of hillside slum, converted into an new monument for the community. Please check out their website, support their cause!

BEFORE

"The Firmeza Foundation supports the creation of striking artworks in unexpected places. It collaborates with local people to use art as a tool to inspire, create beauty, combat prejudice and attract attention."