(20) Week of January 30th:

MONDAY: Exams periods 1/3
TUESDAY: Exams periods 2/4
​WEDNESDAY: NO school/teacher work day

EXAM TIPS - These are things that, although seemingly obvious, cause students to lose points on quizzes, projects, and sketchbook assignments all the time... and the same will happen on the exam unless you prepare:

1. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. Read instructions carefully - and THINK about what they mean; what, exactly, are you being asked to do? 
​2. ANSWER THE QUESTIONS (and If the question has multiple parts, answer ALL the parts!). This is your opportunity to show what you have learned by using specific art vocabulary and concepts to address the question(s) in full. Don't be vague; pretend you are writing to someone who knows nothing.  
3. KNOW YOUR VOCABULARY. For example, Elements are not Principles and vice versa. Study your terms for comprehension of their role in art as well as for proper spelling. Test yourself...how do you spell the word that means "counterpose" in Italian?
4. TRUST YOURSELF. Yes, this is an exam, yes it is a big deal....BUT it's just another assessment in the grand scheme of things. You have been working toward this all year; trust yourself to do the work with efficacy and accuracy. That being said, take the time to review, reflect on, and proof your work for clarity, specificity, craftsmanship, and completion. Did you solve the problem(s), visual or otherwise?

ALSO: One of the most important things that you are encouraged to learn by taking this class is the way that art skills, knowledge, and habits are transferable; learning to copy an Old Master is not just about "copying an Old Master"....learning about the Abstract Expressionists is not sugesting that you have to work in that way....not to mention the fact that what is learned in art class has many applications in other areas of your life....think about this as you prepare not only for the exam but for the rest of the year.

• Review the Artist Habits of Mind (front of your sketchbook) - Which of these habits are you fully aware of and embracing? Which habits need further development and assimilation?

FRIDAY: 

• Overview of Semester 2 - review of course objectives, syllabus, personal growth, and goals
  • Course selection/your options in the Fine Arts Department: 
    • Art 4/5, Topics in Digital Media (graphic design), Art History (VCU), Photography (VCU), Film Studies (VCU), and for seniors - Digital Video Seminar
    • Look through Coach Hall's website to get a sense of what the Art 4/5 curriculum looks like (student work, website requirements, etc.)
• Assign peer review of AbEx Artist Spotlight post 
• Paint...should be done for critique by the end of next week...
• Up next: Formal documentation of work/update web gallery, refinement of overall website design, take work home (portfolio?)

​HOMEWORK:

• DUE Feb. 10 - Peer review of AbEx Artist Spotlight post 
• DUE Feb. 17 - Revised AbEx Artist Spotlight post 
• DUE February 27th SB Q3 CHECK 
• DUE March 31st SB Q3
  • Artist Spotlight #9 has been posted - get started when you can to get inspiration for our upcoming unit of sculpture
• Check the website at the start of each week, in order to be fully prepared; update your agenda accordingly and complete any required preparatory work.

​HAPPENINGS:​​​​

• February 11  (Sat., 10 am - 2 pm) = NAHS/Art Club's "Post-Exam Perfect-Pod & Pizza-Party-Palooza" (basically, cleaning the art studio, closet, and POD)
  • sign up using this Google form
• February 14 = NAHS
• February 21 = Lunchtime Lecture
• February 28 = Art Club
• March 10 = opening reception/Youth Art Month exhibit
• April 25 = Lunchtime Lecture  

​
OPPORTUNITIES: 

• DUE FRIDAY = pARTnership application - Intro. to Metals @ Vis Arts 
• Earn extra credit while trying to win a $50,000.00 school prize through the VANS Custom Culture contest