Visual Art

Matisse Paper Cut-Outs (K-5)

by Mandy McGee | Art History, Elementary School, Sam Wrobel, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Visual Art

They say he “painted with scissors!” French artist Henri Matisse created playful compositions known for his use of color and unique style, that he often achieved without paint. In this session, students will learn about Matisse, and discuss how the man who once painted humans and still lifes created an equally important body of work in the medium of cut paper collage late in life. This is not just a history lesson; students will also create their own cut paper collage inspired by this artist’s work.

Make Your Own Zine! (6-12)

by Mandy McGee | Art History, High School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Middle School, Sam Wrobel, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Visual Art

They say magazines are dead, but zines are alive, thriving, and letting artists share their messages! Zines are cool, creative handmade publications that express ideas, emotions, and images in a short, accessible form. Students will learn about the history of zines and make their own mini-zine. Students can pick their own zine topics, or a class can work with their current curriculum. Chat with the artist about options after booking!

Glittery Stars/Snowflakes (3-5)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Holidays, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Sam Wrobel, Seasons, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Visual Art

It’s a starry, snowy night! Students will learn to fold and cut beautiful paper stars or snowflakes (depending on the season), glue them onto a background, and add sparkly glitter. The teaching artist will manage glitter to reduce the mess in your classroom!

Scissors Skills (K-3)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Sam Wrobel, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Visual Art

As you may have experienced, younger students are increasingly struggling with scissor projects. This class aims to give them a good basis for this important coordination and creative skill! The teaching artist will give basic instructions in scissor usage and safety, introduce different kinds of cuts, and allow students to complete a simple cut-out project. This session is tailored to the skills of that age group. No one will come out of this looking like Edward Scissorhands, but instead, with better scissor coordination!

Jean-Michel Basquiat Dinosaurs (3-8)

by Mandy McGee | Art History, Elementary School, High School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, LouSea, Middle School, Science, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Visual Art

Maybe Jean-Michel Basquiat never met a dinosaur, but he had a dinosaur-sized vision and new take on the world! This session invites students to explore emotion, symbolism, and color while learning about a groundbreaking artist who transformed the art world! Students will create expressive dinosaur artworks using oil pastels and watercolor.

Nature’s Solar Prints (3-8)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, LouSea, Middle School, Science, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Visual Art

Science + art = sun magic! Students in this session will engage in a hands-on exploration of sun-reactive dye and natural elements. Students will create striking solar compositions using foliage, fabric, and light-sensitive dye. Then the sun does its work, and silhouettes of leaves and flowers are permanently imprinted on cloth offering a memorable mix of art and science that connects students to the natural world.

Flower Still Life (1-8)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, LouSea, Middle School, Seasons, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Visual Art

This multi-step activity introduces students to the basics of observational drawing and mixed media painting. Students will first sketch fresh flowers in pencil, then add crayon for a wax-resist effect, and finally bring their compositions to life using watercolor. This is art in layers, and creativity unfolds like a flower opening.

Watercolor Winter Cards (2-8)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Holidays, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, LouSea, Middle School, Seasons, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Visual Art

In this festive session, students will design and paint their own holiday greeting cards using watercolor techniques. Students will explore winter themes, color palettes, and personal expression while creating meaningful art to share with loved ones. This session is making the world a more beautiful and expressive place one card at a time!

Quilting Louisiana Culture (1-4)

by Mandy McGee | Creative Movement/Dance, Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, Michael Crotty, Single Session, Social Studies, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Visual Art

In this cross curricular arts-integrated lesson, students will explore the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana through the lens of quilt-making. Students will learn about the historical and cultural significance of quilts in Louisiana communities, and identify influences from African American, Creole, Cajun, and Native traditions. Students will discover how quilts tell stories of family, place, and identity, while making Social Studies connections. Then the class will pivot to visual arts – students will design their own quilt squares using patterns, symbols, and colors inspired by Louisiana landscapes, traditions, and festivals. Finally, dance will be incorporated! Students will bring their quilt stories to life by creating movement sequences that represent stitching, patterns, and the themes within their quilt squares. We will use elements of folk dance and creative movement to reflect unity, diversity, and storytelling. This lesson fosters collaboration, creativity, and cultural understanding all the while addressing Louisiana Student Standards in various disciplines.

Self-Expression through Music & Art (PK-8)

by Mandy McGee | Adaptable for Special Education, Andrea Kapell Loewy, Elementary School, High School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Middle School, Mini-Presentation, Music, Single Session, Social Emotional Learning, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Visual Art

A visual representation of sound and imagination! Flute music from various time periods, cultures, colors, and contrasting styles will form the foundation of this session. Students will listen to the music and then engage in drawing exercises to express the imagined stories and moods the music inspired. The students will show the drawings at the end and will describe and analyze the stories and feelings evoked. This cross-curricular confection combines music, visual arts, the spoken word, language arts, and social-emotional learning. This activity is also adaptable for Special Education.

ADDITIONAL ARTS IN EDUCATION RESOURCES