Collaborating with the US Arts Department

One of the most enriching characteristics of AFS is the potential for connections that can be made across divisions.   Our first grade recently had the opportunity to work with Donna Russo’s US photography students creating portrait photographs for our classroom.  The first graders thought about and practiced whole body poses that they could do to portray how they saw themselves.  We even had a run through with Donna!  Each first grader got to model several poses as the US students photographed them. The best of these pictures were printed and delivered to first grade.  They were amazing!!

Next, we met with US art teacher, Amy Newman, (AKA Will’s mom!) who taught the students strategies for using shapes and pastels to add color and style to their portraits.  Each student was prepared to choose two or three colors that best depicted their personality. They eagerly set to work cutting shapes, rubbing on colors and gently spreading the colors onto their portraits.  They were so excited to see the different results that they could create.  Their portraits are incredible and you are welcome to stop by and see them beautifully displayed in our first grade classroom!!

We are so appreciative of the time, work and welcome that was afforded us by both the teachers and the students in the US Arts Department.  This was a unique, creative and fun collaboration that enriched us all.

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