DNAC Update: 12.11.10

Redford Library Mural Project

Thanks to all for the tremendous group effort! Odette Duke-Holley diligently guided students through small group work as they synthesized their individual ideas into a coherent and cohesive composition. The small group ideas were further edited in a second round with the entire group. Our student, Jonathan, created a sketch from the input each small group provided. A large sketch emerged as every student had a chance to voice their opinions about placement.

With sketch in hand, Joye Opoku Ofei took us to the lab for an extraordinary internet research journey into the work of Marc Chagall. We engaged in a comparative analysis of his style, themes, use of color and composition. When we returned to the classroom, we were able to reflect on the new learning's from the day. Much of the evaluation centered around the connections between Chagall's work and the collaborative mural we are creating. Bright, vivid colors, along with the montage-like composition and the fantasy themes were critical connections that were successfully made.

Each student left empowered and with a comprehensive sense of our developing mural project.

DNAW UPDATE: December 4, 2010

DNAW East:

Attendance is consistent, but we are still missing a few of our great young artists each week. Each week missed is a training experience lost, let’s stay on top of our training, and stay in league with our other classmates as we prepare for our great exhibition in May 2011. The pictures should tell all that we are humming along; the clay pieces are now taking on a personality each unto itself, we cannot wait to see the end product. Keep watching this blog!

DNAW West:

Class attendance is good, some new student additions, but we really need everyone that is enrolled to come each week and on time, space is now very limited. Interest in the program grows weekly as other young artist peek into the Redford Library classroom and realize that they too want to take advantage of this great art training opportunity. The present activities include: advanced drawing techniques, beginning sculpting, and clay vessels. The next art skill phase is scheduled for January, so stay tuned to this blog for the latest in what we are doing here at the Redford library!

DNAC Update: December 4, 2010

Venue: CAP OFFICE STUDIO
Class Project: The Grid System

PART # 1
Students were given a briefing on how the grid system works in enlarging or reducing
the size of any given picture no matter how simple or complex the picture may appear
to be.

Students were given all supplies required for the class exercise.
In enlarging the picture, they were constantly reminded to initially see and isolate each square in the grid as a separate square with it's own 'line flow'- but related to the whole
if placed correctly.

Instructors thought that this approach was necessary to:

1. - eliminate or reduce the fear that invariably comes with seeing and attempting to draw
a subject on a large scale, with the myriad of lines- all 'at-once', in a specific time frame.
These are common challenges that have the tendency to paralyze or stifle creative
initiative, especially in young artists.
2. - to improve eye- judgment.

PART 2

With a practical understanding of the grid system out of the way, students were ready to
compose the first unified mural on the working grid. With each student's individual input,
all their drawings were drawn/transferred onto the grid.

In the next class, students will examine the captivating and ethereal/dreamy quality
of Chagall's paintings as an 'inspirational gateway' to achieving our own version of an
enchanting dreamland through our mural.

Students participated in this class with very infectious enthusiasm. Seeing their
work take shape on the working grid seems to be a huge motivation.

Great job, everybody!

Noel Night

Just a reminder to parents and students, this Saturday, after classes, stick around for the 38 TH Annual Noel Night. Art & Music collide in one spectacular evening of fun. Admission is free and the festivities last from 5-9:30 PM.

Find all the information you need here: http://www.detroitmidtown.com/05/noelnight.php


See everyone this Saturday!

DNAC Update: November 20, 2010

DNAC students continued with individual character development drawings emphasizing on greater definition and varied color schemes. DNAC, as well as the other art training programs, continue to stress the need for perfect attendance. Those that missed class last week had to spend time researching to 'catch up' so that they could contribute to the mural process as it develops. Come to class each week, and on time, the success of this commissioned public art legacy project depends on your presence and participation each and every week! We cannot do this project without your input! Be there!

The foundation of the mural is now coming into form. The literacy theme aspect is coming together: the background colors and where they'll be placed are now being discussed and decided upon. All of the aforementioned activities are the prelude to the unification process of this mural development. Artist/Educators Odette Duke-Holley and Joye Ofei introduced the all important grid process to the DNAC students this week. This part of the mural process is crucial: an ancient secret of public art, the grid will provide the young artist a skill that they will use in practice for the rest of their public art careers. After mastering this technique, the young DNAC artist will never be the same. They will have unlocked a prime secret that master artists have used for centuries. Welcome aboard DNAC students, you are on your way to becoming the next generation of master artists!

The DNAC students began work on a scaled grid model designed for their class room. The scale for the actual mural project will be 7.5 inches equals one foot in scale. This will make for the actual installed mural eight feet high and sixteen feet long. Wow, that's big! What contribution will you make? Up next, DNAC will look to unify all the previous steps and practices, and to gather the reviews and recommendations of Dr. Conja Wright of the Redford Library.

The DNAC class will meet next on December 4, 2010. Be there and be prepared to learn the magic! Have a great Thanksgiving break, continue to work daily in your sketchbooks, we are making history here! Stay tuned, and please share your comments about this experience!