First Semester 2015-16

It's been a great first Semester at Koinonia! We've been so busy making art since the Summer that I forget to post our progress.  We just had our Fall Praise Fest, which was hugely successful and the students got an opportunity, once again, to show off their best work of the semester.  I'm including lots of pics from the semester to show some of the behind-the-scenes work that went into everything you got to see at Praise Fest!
Thank you again for the opportunity to help train your young artists!

Make sure to click "see more...." at the bottom, there are lots more photos!

Eric Preston holding his completed
Penguin paper mache sculpture at Praise Fest

Early in the semester younger students were learning about painting, drawing and paper mache.  Here, they are learning about Georges Seurat, pointillism and paper mache construction.

Abigail Snipes using pointillism technique

Bryna Smith splash painting
her paper mache bowl

Henry Valdez working in
paper mache

DoodleBugs at work using Q-tips to
create paintings using only dots

Faith Hollingsworth

Doodlebugs working on paper mache animals

Welcome to art at Koinonia!

Hello Art Families and Students,
I would like to welcome every new and returning student for art this semester!  I'm excited about a new year of art and skill development with drawing, painting and sculpture.  For all the new families, I've enjoyed the opportunities to meet with you at our open house events and share with you.  If I've not had the pleasure of meeting you just yet, I wanted to share a little information about myself. I'm a professional artist with a BFA in Painting and a BA in Art Education.  I've worked professionally as an illustrator and graphic designer for over 20 years and currently produce and exhibit watercolor paintings and drawings in pencil & charcoal from my home studio.  I'm also a homeschool veteran of 12 years.  My sons also attend Koinonia for much of their High School course work.  Please visit me online at www.snappypie.com, or at my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jillwilliamsfineart to have a look at some of my work as well as professional updates on shows.

The art students at koinonia have been exceptional to work with and have a real desire to grow artistically; I'm looking forward to another great year!  Please feel free to follow the blog and I will send out update notifications through Koinonia Connections.

Let me know if you have any questions about your courses, and I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow and Thursday!

FYI: A quick sneak peek of a recent project I've prepared as part of our printmaking unit this semester....block prints!  Students will learn the old tradition basics of block printing that dates back to ancient China.  Early books and manuscripts were printed exclusively with block prints before the advent of the printing press....since modern times, it's used as a viable art form and medium, with stunning results!  Looking forward to sharing this, and similar print processes with my students this semester!

Blessings,
Mrs. Jill

New semester, newly updated Art room!

Updates to the Art Room....

It's a great start to a new semester with Koinonia Art!  The art room received a makeover during Christmas break and everyone has enjoyed the changes!  Fresh paint, decluttering, organizing and cleaning have made a big difference....probably the biggest change has been the addition of the ArtHouse.  The ArtHouse is a 2-story clubhouse within the art room that's designed as a quiet refuge for art related reading, games and drawing. Elementary students have enjoyed spending time there during the last few minutes of class after having completed their assignments for the day.  Even older students are slowly taking an interest...I even get in there myself to do homework with my son or just to do a little reading....
I've included a few snapshots of the ArtHouse at the end of this post.....even more shots of the revamped room are coming soon!

Extra News

2 new art classes have opened up for 2nd Semester

....a new Doodlebugs class on Tuesdays from 10am-11am, and a Painting and Drawing class on Thursdays from 11am-12pm!  Please help spread the word if your looking for an art class during these times.

A "Booth Museum Fieldtrip" is being planned for all

Painting and Drawing Students in the Spring in Cartersville, GA.

This trip is designed to give students an opportunity to sketch live, on site, in an art museum environment while learning about painting techniques, brushwork and composition development.  The sketches will be converted to paintings back in the art room, using the techniques we learn about.  I'll have more details soon about the exact date and cost and other art related details.  If you're an art parent, and have an interest in attending and/or helping with transportation, please contact me at jillwilliams1@gmail.com.

As always, it's a pleasure to work with your children!  Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be involved in your child's creative development.

The ArtHouse

Lower Level

The ArtHouse is very sturdy and furnished with carpeting, throw pillows, lighting, art related reading and activities

A view of the upper loft