Welcome to a New School Year!

Well, it's that time again! A new school year is upon us. That means a new year of art classes and a year full of creative adventures awaits our Nelson artists. This year we will place an emphasis on practicing "Habits of Good Artists." The sign pictured here is hanging in the art room to encourage our artists to use these habits, not just in the art room, but in all of their academic endeavors. I expect great things from our Nelson students this year and can't wait to get stARTed!

Fifth Grade's Glazed Coil Pots

Here are some finished pots made by our 5th grade artists. Using the coil method of construction and a little imagination...it's amazing how unique each one is. The brightly colored glazed make them beautiful and safe for food or drink. We hope that these pots will be a nice memento to remind our fifth grade artists of their time at Nelson Elementary.

Painted Wild Things

Here are the Wild Things after they have been painted with watercolors. Notice all of the details added to the creatures such as scales, claws, horns, and teeth. They look friendly and frightening all at the same time!

First Grade's Wild Things

After watching a video read-aloud of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" our first grade artists created their own "wild things" with pattern and texture. We will be watercolor painting over the crayon images to finish them up. Stay tuned to see how they turn out!

Kindergarten Bird Nests

These little beauties were made by our kindergarten artists. The nest are made by rolling a ball of clay, making a hole with our thumbs and pinching the clay into the shape we wanted. We used forks to add texture to the nests, giving an illusion of grass or twigs. The eggs were made by rolling balls of clay and forming them into egg-shaped ovals. Blue and brown glazes finish them off with a lovely shine.

5th Grade Functional Coil Pots

Fifth graders are working hard on their clay unit, creating these functional vessels using the coil method of handbuilding. Stay tuned for pictures of the finished pieces, painted or glazed.

Recycled Art Contest At Nelson!

Nelson’s Recycled Art Contest:

To help celebrate Earth Day this year, Nelson will be hosting a Recycled Art Contest for all interested students. The artworks must be created from recyclable goods and materials that would otherwise be considered “trash.” There will be three grade-level categories: K-1st, 2nd -3rd, and 4th-5th. A first, second, and third place prize will be awarded in each of the three grade-level groups.

In order for an artwork to qualify, the following criteria must be met:
1. All artwork should be student-made.
2. All artwork should contain at least one aluminum can.
3. All artwork must be no larger than 36” in any direction.
4. All artwork must be turned in on time and be labeled with student’s name, grade level, and teacher’s name.

We encourage our young artists to be as creative as possible. Our judges will be looking for evidence of originality, good craftsmanship, and creative use of materials.

*** All entries should be turned in to Mrs. Velilla by Monday, April 19th. Winners will be announced on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22nd, during the Nelson Morning Show.

If you have any questions feel free to call Mrs. Velilla at the school or email her at chelsey.velilla@nn.k12.va.us