Adapting A stamp

Stamps are most often flat and small, and hard for student with special needs to use. Here I have adapted a sponge shape stamp so my student can better use it. The sponge is glued to a piece of cardboard, but next time I would use wood so it would last longer. Then I glued and old prescription pill bottle to the other side of the cardboard. This becomes a handle they can use, making stamping more accesible.

This is how "A" paints

"A" likes art on his terms. I tried to get him to use a brush but he would alway turn it around and tap the handle on the paper. So thinking quickly one day I cut up some sponge into small rectangle that fit into the wells of the liquid watercolor tray. Right away he picked them out of the tray. He dropped them onto his paper making marks. He also squeezed them releasing the paint while moving his hand over top of the paper. I have to stay out of his line of sight while he works or he will just want to play with the sponges. I'm glad I found a way for "A" to paint because he aways has the biggest smile on his face when he enters the art room.

Getting "D" to paint

Every inch he moves the paint brush on his own is a small victory. We have been working together all school year and "D" has come a long way. He doesn't like to lower his arms so I extended the handle of his tools with a dowel rod.

New Artwork up

Finally got around to hanging new work. I love a burst of color in the dead of winter.

"G" Working with Chalk

Ani Hoover inspired art work

My Students traveled to UB North in May to see the Ani Hoover exhibit. The six panels were 30 feet tall and everyone was amazed at how they seemed to go on forever. The paintings were bright and very colorful. Many students picked out a favorite piece based on color. We learned that Hoover uses stencils with spray paint and ink. Also, we learned that her color choices are based on simple life events.

When we returned to the school we started our own circle painting. Each class chose a season to base the colors in their painting. The students then filled the 9 foot long paper witih bright circular stamps of color. They also used stencils and liquid tempera paint in spray bottles to make more circles. The paint dripped down the paper just like in Ani Hoover's work.

if you don't know Hoover's work check her out here: http://www.anihoover.com/

Student learning to use her head painter

This is one of my students who just loves art but has very limited mobility. The OT and I constructed this head gear so she could paint with her head movement. Its a bit heavy but it works and she loves it.