Born in Columbus, Georgia in 1891, Alma Woodsey Thomas grew up to be a powerful artist and educator. Her work- full of vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and thoughtful patterns- continues to inspire and teach many. Our first grade and kindergarten students are taking time to closely look and read Thomas's paintings. We are discovering that despite the many bad things in the world, we can focus on what is good and do our best to make the world a happier place.

Each student is selecting their favorite colors to paint a unique pattern. Then, we are cutting colorful paper to match and gluing it in a playful pattern. Our fine motor skills, patience, and craftsmanship has grown so much!

Kindergarten and first grade students are studying the work of Dutch painter, Piet Mondrian, who  created abstract paintings classified as "De Stijl" or "the style" containing simplified compositions inspired by city maps. We are modeling Mondrian's style, learning about horizontal and vertical lines, geometric shapes, and primary colors. First students make studies, using rulers and crayons to map their own unique composition with precision. 

Then, we print black vertical and horizontal lines, creating squares and rectangles which are later filled in with red, yellow, and blue oil pastels. Students are building craftsmanship skills, working with care and taking their time to make these mixed media works of art. ​