Artwork by Archbishop Spalding High School Student
Teaching Art classes virtually? Not a problem at Archbishop Spalding High School. The Art Department is continually finding ways to provide the same instruction (as in person) to their students during these unparalleled times. Over 300 supply kits were made and distributed to the students, the size of the artwork was scaled down for easy transportation, as well as developing a virtual art gallery to display their creations.
Ceramics students enhanced their premade kits with everyday household objects that could be used in the process, emphasizing resourcefulness when options are limited. They’ve been making a mixture of sculptural and functional works. During class, they have their cameras pointed at their workspace which enables the teacher to help them with the projects live. Remote students have been delivering their projects to the school in a no-contact situation so they can be fired in the kiln.
Over 300 supply kits were made and distributed to the students at Archbishop Spalding High School.
The Print Making & Photography class is unable to use the darkroom, and they’ve switched from 35mm black and white photography to digital photography, but are being taught the same techniques. The Digital Art class is working with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator on their personal devices. Since they are unable to utilize the school’s DSLR cameras, they are completing photography assignments using their cellphones. In this day and age, the best camera is the one you have with you all the time!
Whether it’s Honors Applied Design, Honors Communication Graphic Design, or AP Studio Art, the students are using the individual supply kits, are viewing live demonstrations, or reviewing a recorded lesson, they are getting the work done and the teachers have not missed a beat.
In the foundational art level courses, they are taught to keep the big picture in mind. Students enjoy art classes and learn to focus on skills such as resilience, problem-solving and time management that are helpful in any class. The teachers try to help students to look at the world as an artist, to really see things, to take a breath, and observe the world around them. It’s something we can all use, especially right now!
For more information visit www.archbishopspalding.org
