Poe All Art Day, May 6, 2011

Do Your Part With Recycled Art!

Poe Elementary's annual "All Art Day" isn't until May 6th, but the project theme provided a terrific opportunity to honor Earth Day initiatives. The Art Day Committee selected "Recycled Art" as the theme for Art Day 2011. Poe is excited about this concept because it has tremendous application not only for the school but for Poe community personal lives. As an HISD Magnet School for Fine Arts, this concept enables the students to focus on recycling not only as part of their art class, but also incorporate themes of recycling within the language arts and earth science classes. This year's project will result in an enduring work of art that will be displayed within the school along with student essays/poems, reflecting Poe's excellence in Fine Arts.

The annual T-shirt design contest had a twist in keeping with the theme of recycling. This year instead of selling shirts with a winning design, students are using one of their own tee shirts for printing the winning design created by contest winner, 3rd grader Osip Vayner. Osip will not only see his design on t-shirts students will silk screen in art class, but also on reusable grocery bags the school is offering for sale. Not only do the bags promote Poe, but they also encourage recycling in everyday life.

The recycling theme is also being expressed through a total school art sculpture coordinated by Art Instructor Fletcher Stafford which will incorporate recycled plastic bottles and other materials. The motif selected will mimic the Poe Spark Park Mosaic Tree. All grades have been involved in preparing the materials and actual creation of the art piece during their art classes. The students will also personalize a plastic water bottle in art class to use and refill during the art day celebration instead of buying bottled water for the day. Sidewalk art will depict various methods of recycling or activities.

The message of recycling will be further reinforced with discussions in earth science class and language arts about the significance of recycling and the impact on our world. The students will write essays or poems about recycling and its significance. Selected writings can be showcased along with the final project.

Poe's 2011 Art Day co-chairs, Rita Bergers, Roberta Hethcox, and Paige Fajkus are brimming with enthusiasm for the initiative which they hope will have broader implications for Poe and HISD recycling education. Their inspiration? "The theme of recycling for this year's All Art Day came about as a way for all students to participate, gain a better environmental awareness and experience different art forms and mediums. We wanted the students to create an enduring piece of art for the school by incorporating recycled bottles and other objects. Instead of selling shirts, we opted to sell reusable grocery bags printed with the winning design to reinforce the recycling theme. Additionally we asked the students bring in used shirts to silk screen the winning design on during art class."

The Silk Screening project at Poe is being overseen by Poe Parent and local Artist, Michael Abramowitz . Michael attended HSPVA and the Tufts Museum School. He is involved in the Montrose Art Society which is an international collective of diverse artists from around the world. He is versatile in all art mediums and enjoyed educating the students in silk screening. He hopes this experience has given the students a deeper understanding of how tee shirts are printed.

Don't forget to wear your recycled t-shirt on Art Day, May 6th!

Remind your kids to wear their recycled silk-screen t-shirts!

Volunteers needed for Art Day, May 6th

Volunteers are still needed to assist with chalk drawings on the sidewalks out front and after-lunch party in the back of the school. Contact art_day@poepto.org for more information!

The schedule for All Art Day is:

Pre-K/Kindergarten
Chalk: 8:15-9:15.... Lunch/Recess: 10:00-10:40.... Fine Arts Period:  12:20-1:05

1st grade
Chalk: 9:20-10:20.... Lunch/Recess: 10:30 - 11:10.... Fine Arts Period:  1:10-1:55

2nd grade
Chalk: 9:20-10:20.... Lunch/Recess:11:00 - 11:40.... Fine Arts Period: 2:00-2:45

3rd grade
Chalk: 10:25-11:25.... Lunch/Recess: 11:30 - 12:10.... Fine Arts Period:  8:45-9:30

4th grade
Chalk: 10:25-11:25.... Lunch/Recess: 12:00-12:40.... Fine Arts Period:  9:35-10:20

5th grade
Chalk: 11:30-12:30.... Lunch/Recess: 12:35- 1:25.... Fine Arts Period:  10:25-11:10

We owe a big thank you to the following underwriters for All Art Day!

Sean Flournoy
Throttle tees
619 West 9th St
Houston Texas 77007
sean@throttletees.com
Sean provided Poe with incredible service and discounts for the grocery bags and printing.

Leora Kahn Realtor
John Daugherty
713-826-9109
leorak@johndaugherty.com
Leora generously purchased the popsicles for the entire school community.  Leora would welcome an opportunity to assist you with any real estate needs.

Michael Abramowitz
Local Artist and Poe Parent
Abramowitzmichael@yahoo.com
Michael donated his time and silk screening talent to print the Tee shirts for our students. See more of his original work at the soon to open Nature's Market at the Monarch on Alameda