Art on the Move

NJPAC Winter Exhibit - 2011

2011-12-10T07:37:00.000-05:00

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. Throughout the Winter, 11 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This exhibit is sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. It is quite an honor to have work exhibited in this exhibit, art educators from around the state of New Jersey submit work.

The Artist's Reception is Saturday, December 17, 2011 from 11:00 - 12:00, then starting at noon there will be an afternoon of free Kwanzaa activities at NJPAC's Kwanzaa Celebration!

This event runs from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm, and includes hands-on workshops (for adults and children) in African dance and music, storytelling, Capoeira, drumming and more. These workshops give families the opportunity to learn more about the Kwanzaa holiday and the African Diaspora.

There will also be a Children's Book Fair, an Arts and Crafts Village featuring face painting, hands-on activities such as spirit masks, sekere crafting, Kwanzaa wish scrolls, and more.

Activities take place at NJPAC and next door at the Center for Arts Education, 24 Rector Street, Newark, New Jersey. Click here for more information.

Congratulations to

Kevin6471 (K)

Angelina996 (K)

Beckett22 (1)

Lauren (1)

Nicholas6731 (1)

TY1303 (2)

Aastha6 (2)

Jillian1505 (4)

Rose604 (4)

Emily8991 (5)

Katherine653 (5)

If you are going to NJPAC during this holiday season please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery.

CRAYOLA DreamMakers Sweepstakes WINNER - Thanks Crayola!

2011-11-03T12:35:00.000-04:00

So, this morning when I walked into my room I saw a HUGE box, it had been opened by the school secretary and I could see 3 smaller boxes, with that familiar CRAYOLA logo peaking through - how exciting! At some point in September I received an e-mail from Crayola with the subject line: "Dream-Makers Sweepstakes winner notification", I really did not think too much about it...until this morning! I entered the contest this summer (between June and August).

As a winner, my school, receives 3 Dream Maker Student Activity Centers - grades 1 & 2, grades 3 & 4 and grades 5 - 6. Each center includes: an Activity Center Teachers Guide, Student Activity Cards, SUPPLIES (YES, I said supplies) and a cool container to hold the supplies! The supplies included are: 3 pairs of scissors, a set of PIP Squeak Markers, Twistable Colored Pencils, Twistable Crayons and 4 glue sticks.

I certainly have not had time to go through all of it yet - but it looks exciting!!!

Each Student Activity Center includes 360 cards with standards-based projects. And all of the learning activities are built on three foundations: Bloom's Taxonomy, Gardner's Multiple Intelligences and national content standards!

A BIG Thank You to CRAYOLA for these amazing resources! More to come as I explore & discover what's in the box!

Mount Prospect at NJPAC - Fall 2011

2011-10-09T15:23:00.000-04:00

Hailey - to see her gallery CLICK HERE

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. Throughout the Fall, 2 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. It is quite an honor to have work exhibited in this exhibit, art educators from around the state of New Jersey submit work! The Artist's Reception was Sunday, September 25, 2011.

Congratulations to Hailey (2nd grade) & Martin (5th grade)!!!

If you are going to NJPAC soon please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery.

Martin - to see his gallery CLICK HERE

Check out our Monochromatic Portraits!

2011-10-05T21:22:00.000-04:00

Welcome Back! For the first two weeks of school the students created Monochromatic Portraits. Monochromatic means containing or using only one color or one group of colors. I first saw this idea on the blog - smART Class. It was the perfect way to begin the new school year. The portraits were drawn on 5X8", unlined index cards. Students started by drawing in pencil, then they used crayons, markers and colored pencil to add color. To complete the project - ALL the self portraits (over 500) were displayed in color order - it made for quite the exhibit! It was hard to walk past without stopping and looking at all the amazing work! Enjoy the video below!

Who's been Pinning your images? Find out...

2011-09-09T23:16:00.000-04:00

Many Art Ed bloggers have been using Pinterest like crazy. If you don't know what Pinterest is...CLICK HERE! Like many of you I have been wondering if there is a way to find out what images from our blogs have been "Pinned" well there is...to find out if someone has pinned one of your images on Pinterest, use this URL, replacing

art-on-the-move.blogspot.com with your own domain name: http://pinterest.com/source/art-on-the-move.blogspot.com

Give it a try!

Pinterest ~ A Linky Party

2011-08-21T15:27:00.000-04:00

Well, the reality of school is slowing setting in - we don't start until September 6, 2011 and the kiddos do not return until September 8, 2011 so I still have some time. In the mean time I discovered PINTEREST this summer (along with lots of other fellow bloggers & art teachers) and I have been loving it! Pinterest allows you to "pin" images you find online and organize them on different boards. As artists and art educators we are a visual clan - it's just a perfect way to remember things! For the most part I have been using it to get ready for school - pinning all sorts of projects that I want to add to my MUST TRY List! While searching around on Pinterest I found a blogger, Michelle's Math in the Middle who is having a Pinterest Linky Party! So, if you have not checked out Pinterest go check it out! If you decide to join in on the FUN, then Follow Me on Pinterest and then go check out Michelle's Math in the Middle Page and add your blog to the list! Hopefully you will find some interesting "pins" on Pinterest and some new and interesting blogs to follow and maybe even get some new followers! Welcome Back...more to come!

Index Card - A -Day...a Summer Project

2011-06-12T22:03:00.000-04:00

School is not quite over, 9 days left to be exact - finishing up projects, taking down the art show and getting all the artwork back to my students!

One of my favorite things to do each day is read all the blogs that I follow - Tammy over at Yellow Daisy has posted a great challenge! It's an Index Card - A - Day Summer - draw, doodle or sketch one index card, each day in June, July & August (and you get one day off a day if you need it)! Just get started before June 16th, today I got my pack of index cards. I have a few days to get caught up. So, while things are quite here at Art on the Move over the Summer I think this is a great way to keep things interesting! Maybe you want to join in on the FUN?!!

Come see the Spring Art Exhibit at the ICE CREAM SOCIAL

2011-06-09T07:19:00.000-04:00

Spring Art Exhibit 2011

5th grade student - Finalist in the p.s from AEROPOSTAL T-shirt Contest

2011-05-26T10:53:00.000-04:00

This fall the clothing company, p.s. from Aeropostal held their 2nd annual T-shirt contest for students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. They asked, "What makes You SMILE?" ~ as usual Mount Prospect had lots of amazing entries from students in all three grades. It has been a L O N G wait for the results, but last week we found out that 5th grade student Kavya was a finalist - CONGRATULATIONS KAVYA!!! Click Here to go to the p.s. by Aeropostal contest website.

Big Screen Project - NYC

2011-05-15T19:18:00.004-04:00

19 students (K - 5th grade) from Mount Prospect School had their artwork selected to be included in THE BIG SCREEN PROJECT. The Big Screen Project is an innovative venue for video, film, live and interactive content in New York City. It consists of a large 30 x 16.5 ft. HD Format LED screen located at the 10,000 sq. ft. public plaza behind a new 54-story multi-use building on Sixth Avenue between 29th and 30th Street in New York City. Yesterday, I went in to NYC to see the display - it was amazing. Student artwork from all over the country was included in this display that ran for 30 minutes total. The slideshow will run again on Wednesday - May 25th & Saturday - May 28th, 2011.

Mount Prospect Students Exhibit at NJPAC!

2011-03-28T21:01:00.000-04:00

Lindsey461

Liz637

Jamie2020

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month and throughout the Spring, 3 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. The Artist's Reception was Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Congratulations to Lindsey461 (5th grade), Liz637 (2nd grade) and Jamie2020 (Kindergarten)! If you are going to NJPAC this Spring please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery .

NJ Wildlife Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest - Somerset County Winners!

2011-03-27T11:20:00.000-04:00

Each year 5th grade students from Mount Prospect School enter the NJ Wildlife - Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest. This year we have both the Somerset County WINNER and the Honorable Mention.

Congratulations goes out to Jennifer2896, her artwork was selected as the

Somerset County Winner!!!

Congratulations to Hitha1, her artwork was selected as the Somerset County Honorable Mention!!!

To read more about the winners CLICK HERE!

To see all the entries from Mount Prospect School check out our Artsonia Gallery.

Celebrating Youth Art Month!

2011-02-28T18:37:00.001-05:00

Above you can enjoy a video of the artwork to be exhibited at the Somerset County Youth Art Month Exhibit!

This exhibit has been hosted by CCA for the past 11 years and a BIG thank you goes out to the Center for Contemporary Art and all the volunteers who helped hang this exhibit.

All the work can be viewed at our Artsonia On-line Gallery @ www.artsonia.com/somerset1

All Kids Can Create - Michael is a NJ Finalist!

2011-02-19T22:00:00.000-05:00


Michael's Carousel Horse - 4th grade

Congratulations goes out to Michael in 4th grade, his artwork, shown above, was selected as one of the 2 New Jersey finalists in the VSA - All Kids Can...CREATE Exhibition! Michael's artwork was sent to Washington, DC for the final judging. We are sending lots of positive energy down to Washington, DC for the judging in the next few weeks! This alone is a HUGE accomplishment, Michael is one of just 100 students to have work selected. Check back to find out if we have more exciting news to share!

Great Work Michael, I am so proud of you! ~ Mrs. Bivona

Celebrating Art!

2011-02-19T21:43:00.000-05:00

Meredith - 3rd grade

This Fall we participated in a new contest called Celebrating Art. Artwork was submitted digitally and artwork selected as finalists will be published in a hardcover book. We submitted 122 pieces of artwork and had 53 pieces selected as finalist - YAHOO!!!

Friday (2/18/2011) they announced the TOP TEN, this work was selected out of all the submissions as the top pieces - we had two pieces selected for the TOP TEN. One in the K - 3 Category: Meredith (3rd grade) and one in the 4 - 6 Category: Andrea (5th grade). These students will have their work specially featured in the book and receive an additional prize!!!

Congratulations to all 53 Mount Prospect students that will have their artwork included in the Celebrating Art book and 3 cheers for Meredith & Andrea for making the TOP TEN! Keep up the GREAT work! There will be another contest this Spring so decide which piece you will enter! Permission forms will be going out in March!

Andrea - 5th grade

Winter Art Exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

2011-02-19T21:24:00.002-05:00

Vivian - 5th grade

Prakrit - 2nd grade

Claire - 1st grade

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month and throughout the winter, 3 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. The Artist's Reception was Sunday, February 14, 2011.

Congratulations to Vivian (5th grade) & Prakrit (2nd grade) and Claire (1st grade)! If you are going to NJPAC this winter please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery.

Self-Portrait Maps inspired by Aaron Meshon

2010-12-21T18:52:00.002-05:00

Jennifer

Erin

5th grade just completed these amazing Self Portrait Maps - I first saw this lesson HERE on the BLOG Quest Artists and you can see MORE HERE! Thanks Ruth Lee at Quest Artists, I was introduced to the artist Aaron Meshon! As soon as I saw the lesson & Aaron Meshon's illustrations I just knew it would be a hit for my 5th grade students - and it was! So, to begin we looked at Aaron Meshon's artwork. Before the students actually started to draw - I had them fill out a form, that I developed, of "Favorite Things", that gave them a starting place. I also asked the students to develop a name for their "state" that incorporates their name, they really loved this part and came up with some very creative names. Next, students worked out their designs in their sketchbooks. When the designs were complete students went on to their final copy (11X17 white drawing paper). Drawings were completed in pencil first and then students traced over with a fine point Sharpie. Color was added with colored pencil and Crayola Color Sticks. Here are some samples but if you would like to see ALL of them check out my ARTSONIA GALLERY HERE! You might also want to pay special attention to the Artist Statements that the students wrote to go with them. It is so interesting to read what the students think about their creations. Enjoy!

Vaed

James

Andrea

"Nature through a Child's Eyes" at the Environmental Center

2010-12-14T13:20:00.002-05:00

For the 19th year the Somerset Environmental Center will sponsor the exhibit, "Nature through a Child's Eyes". This exhibit is open to all K-6th grade schools in Somerset County and it is the 10th year Mount Prospect School will participate. Over 40 pieces of artwork from Mount Prospect, all inspired by nature, will be on exhibit. Any student who has artwork included in this exhibit will receive a letter of congratulations at school. The children are asked to write, "What nature means to them..." the children's responses are included in the exhibit program. On Sunday - January 9, 2011 there will be an Artist's Reception. It is always so exciting to see the students with their family and friends, they are all so proud!!!

Congratulations to all the young artists!

This exhibit will be on display at the Somerset Environmental Center, Basking Ridge, NJ from January 2, 2011 until February 13, 2011 - if you get a chance stop by and see it! Please check back here in January to see photos of the exhibit!

Below you will see images of the artwork included in this exhibit. Please note: There may be some work missing as it was not all photographed before the work was dropped off at the Environmental Center.

Weaving on Clay Looms - 4th grade

2010-12-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

This is a lesson I have been wanting to try for a few years - last year I got all the supplies to get the kiln up and running - so, here we go! In 3rd grade students create a weaving, you can see samples CLICK HERE! This year the 4th grade students created a clay loom ~ here are some samples of them starting the weaving. Students were so excited to create this project that combines a skill they were familiar with and something new. Interestingly enough, weaving must be the thing to do right now because Phyl over at There's a Dragon in my Art Room just posted 3 - Wonderful, Wacky Weaving Projects! Here is a link to one of my favorite videos to show students when we start weaving - CLICK HERE!

The Barnes Foundation - have you been?

2010-12-05T17:44:00.000-05:00

Via Visit Philly

You may or may not have heard of the Barnes Foundation, located in Marion, PA (just minutes outside of Philadelphia). The Barnes Foundation has quite an amazing collection of Impressionists, Post-Impressionists and Modern paintings. In the photo above you can see a mural that Henri Matisse created just for this location, in fact Matisse actually visited the Barnes Foundation. There are also quite a few Picasso paintings and Van Gogh paintings (a personal favorite). The description from the website states...

"The Barnes Foundation houses one of the finest collections of nineteenth and twentieth-century French painting in the world. An extraordinary number of masterpieces by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse provide a depth of work by these artists unavailable elsewhere. Established as an educational institution the Barnes carries out its mission teaching classes in its galleries and Arboretum. The Barnes welcomes visitors and students throughout the year."

I wanted to go, because soon (2011/2012) the entire collection will be moved from it's current location in a beautiful estate home to a new home in Center City Philadelphia, the new Parkway Building. I wanted to see it in it's original setting. It is unusual because the paintings are hung salon style. The website states, "He chose and arranged the works in 'wall ensembles' in the Gallery to illustrate for the Foundation's students the visual elements and aesthetic traditions he felt were evident in all art forms across periods and cultures." In addition, there is quite a bit of antique furniture and Pennsylvania-German folk art in the galleries.

So, when you listen to the audio tour not only do they describe the paintings but they also describe why the paintings (and even some of the furniture) were hung/displayed together. In one gallery there is a large Matisse painting in the middle of the wall with a Rousseau still life on each side, then further out (on each side) are two small Miro paintings then sitting on the floor below the Miros are 2 antique candle stands - the feet of each candle stand are a bit different but they matche the lines in each of the Miro paintings. That is the kind of thought that went into placing the artwork.

To say the least the collection is AMAZING and it was a very inspiring day! I would be remiss if I did not mention that there is quite a bit of controversy about moving this collection from it's original home. If you are interested in learning more about this aspect of The Barnes Foundation you could rent the movie, "The Art of the Steal".

If you have now decided that you to must go visit the Barnes Foundation before it moves, please make sure to MAKE RESERVATIONS!!! In addition, you can purchase a parking pass - this is a very good idea! The Foundation is located in a neighborhood without much additional parking...so, you decide if it's worth it (I think it is). I am not sure when this location will be closing - it is difficult to find this exact information. So, if you decide you want to go - make you plans soon! The new location is slated to open in late 2011. It's worth the trip! Enjoy

Mount Prospect Students Exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

2010-11-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month and throughout the winter, 4 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. The Artist's Reception will be Saturday, December 18, 2010 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm.

There are lots of things to do at NJPAC on Saturday, so make plans...

Kwanzaa Children's Festival - A day of free Kwanzaa activities, including hands-on workshops designed for adults and children that include African dance, storytelling, Capoeira, and drumming.
Kwanzaa Marketplace - NJPAC's annual Kwanzaa Marketplace, free and open to the public, transforms the Prudential Hall Lobby into a holiday shopping stop featuring top vendors from throughout the area.
Performance of "Step Afrika" - at 2:00pm & 5:00pm
Performances of "The Rhythm Revue Dance Party" at 2:00pm & 8:00pm
to take a walk to the Newark Museum

Congratulations to Malaika & Anvitha (5th grade), Sean (3rd grade), and Mark (2nd grade)! If you are going to NJPAC this fall/winter please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery.

Let's Celebrate - My 100th Post & Top Blog Award!

2010-11-01T20:23:00.001-04:00

Congratulations on being one of our Top Art Teachers, Northeast Region.

Thanks to Teacher Salary Website for this recognition!

"Your blog was amazing in our eyes, providing your students and their parents with all of the necessary information required to succeed. We know that you will continue to keep up the amazing work you do in educating children. Let your class know that you were recognized as a Top Teacher in your region!"

To find other Top Teacher Blogs from around the country CLICK HERE!

VOTE for Brinda3!!!

2010-10-27T19:35:00.003-04:00

Great News! Brinda3, from Mount Prospect School, has been selected as a finalist for this week's "ARTSONIA's Artist of the Week" award for the PreK-3rd age group.

The finalist who receives the most online votes between now and Saturday October 30 will be selected as our "Artist of the Week."

To view the finalists and cast your vote, simply click on the link below. You can VOTE once a day from each computer for each age group!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

http://www.artsonia.com/aotw/vote/0/10409323

The "Artist of the Week" will be featured on the Artsonia homepage and will receive a commemorative plaque from Artsonia. In addition, Blick Art Materials has generously donated $100 gift certificates to the winning teachers and $50 to the winning artists.

If you have a few moments please go and see the self portrait Brinda created and VOTE!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Farmstead Arts - GRAND OPENING & an Exhibit of Student Artwork

2010-10-03T10:25:00.001-04:00

Emily1845

Thomas2041

Robert1101

CONGRATULATIONS to

Emily (5th grade), Robby (3rd grade)

& Thomas (2nd grade)

All three Mount Prospect students had artwork selected to be exhibited at the Grand Opening of Farmstead Arts at the Kennedy Martin Stelle Farmstead. The Grand Opening will be held next weekend, October 9th & 10th, 2010. The hours are 10:00 am - 4:00 on Saturday and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday. Farmstead Arts is a grassroots community of artists and visionaries who are dedicated to creating a home for fine, performing and practical arts in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. You can find out more about this event here: http://kmsfarmstead.wordpress.com/.

Farmstead Arts is located at: 450 King George Road, Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

This all came about a few weeks ago, when Hilary Klimek from Farmstead Arts contacted all of the elementary art educators in Bernards Township to ask if we had artwork to be exhibited at this event. Since it is so early in the school year not much new artwork has been completed. We decided to take advantage of technology and send high quality prints from Artsonia. Each elementary school ~ Mount Prospect, Liberty Corner, Cedar Hill & Oak Street will have 3 artworks on exhibit. Thanks to Farmstead Arts for offering us this opportunity to exhibit our student's artwork out in the community. We are looking forward to working together in the future! Wishing Farmstead All the BEST!!! I hope the community will take a moment to get to the opening reception next weekend and find out what you are all about!

Back to School Night ~ Welcome to ART

2010-09-22T19:04:00.001-04:00

Last night was Back to School Night and it was wonderful to meet so many parents! Thanks for stopping by. For those of you who could not make it - here is my handout from Back to School Night! I am looking forward to a(nother) CREATIVE year with you child(ren)!!!

Back to School Flyer #2

The Versatile Blogger Award!!!

2010-09-18T22:42:00.003-04:00

This award has been going around and I have to admit I am posting this later than what I would have liked. The TO DO LIST before school starts was just tooooo long! Thanks to Phyl @ There's a Dragon in my Art Room and Congrats to all the other dedicated ART ED Bloggers! Let's get busy! Hope your year is off to an amazing start!

Rule #1: Thank the person who gave you your award.

I want to thank Phyl @ There's a Dragon in my Art Room

she really got this WHOLE thing started. A shout-out also goes to tishalou who added me to her list of 15! So a BIG thank you to both of you!

Rule #2: Share 7 things about yourself

1. My husband Patrick is Super Amazing! He supports me & all of my art teacher craziness!

2. Jigsaw & Winnie are my 2 Portuguese Water Dogs - the best dogs ever!

3. I have been on the Executive Board of the Art Educators of New Jersey for over 10 years and I am currently serving as the Past-President.

4. This will be my 19th year teaching ART and I love it!

5. I taught "Art on a Cart" for 6 years and have been in my beautiful ART ROOM for the past 3 - YAHOO!

6. Artsonia will PROMOTE your art program - so give it a try! Check out my gallery HERE!

7. The NAEA (National Art Education Association) Convention (Seattle - March 2011) is an amazing experience, I have attended for many year and presented too. If you have not had the chance to attend - MAKE PLANS TO GO! You will not regret it!

Rule #3: Pass the award on to 15 bloggers whom you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic.

NJPAC - This is AMERICA

2010-09-18T08:49:00.001-04:00

NJPAC - This is AMERICA !!! A perfect way to end National Art in Education Week! One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month and throughout the Fall, 1 piece of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. The theme for this Fall's exhibit was, "This is America" so all of the artwork goes along with that theme. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. It is quite an honor to have work exhibited in this exhibit, art educators from around the state of New Jersey submit work! The Artist's Reception will be Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm. Congratulations to Roxana (2nd grade), this is her Pledge Portrait - students learned how to draw a person with their hand across their body! You can see more of Roxana's artwork HERE in Roxana's Artsonia Gallery. If you are going to NJPAC soon please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery.

NAEA Advocacy Resources

2010-08-11T09:27:00.000-04:00

The VISUAL ARTS:

So much MORE than what you SEE!

National Art Education Week is September 12 - 18, 2010. Check out the new ADVOCACY Resources on the NAEA (National Art Education Association) website for resources to help you CELEBRATE Art Education!

Americans for the Arts News

2010-08-10T12:38:00.001-04:00

Americans for the Arts News

On Monday, July 26, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring the week following the second Sunday in September (September 12-18, this year) as Arts in Education Week. This is the first congressional resolution to recognize all the disciplines: music, theater, visual arts, and dance.

Sponsored by Congresswoman, Rep. Jackie Speiers (D-California), the resolution states many important advocacy messages that the arts education field has been touting for years including:

“Whereas arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, music, theater, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students…

Whereas arts education enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate, and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success across the curriculum as well as personal growth outside the classroom;

Whereas the nonprofit arts sector is an economic engine and plays a significant role in the economic health of communities large and small with direct expenditures of wages and benefits as well as goods and services;

Whereas attracting and retaining the best teachers is vital and can be achieved by ensuring that schools embrace the arts, becoming havens for creativity and innovation…”

Charter Day & NJPAC in Review

2010-05-16T21:49:00.003-04:00

Art Exhibit at Charter Day - Saturday, May 15, 2010 - Let's Go!

2010-05-08T08:34:00.001-04:00

Saturday May 15, 2010 is the 16th Annual Charter Day - a celebration of the day that Basking Ridge received its charter! This year we are celebrating 250 years!!! The day runs from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm - a variety of community groups and businesses have booths and there are activities throughout the day. Most of the activities take place right in the center of Basking Ridge.

One tradition is an Art Exhibit, from the Art classes in the Bernards Township School District, at the church. Mount Prospect School will have over 70 pieces of artwork on display. Enjoy!!! Any child who has artwork on display has already received a certificate from Mrs. Bivona or Mr. Stewart!

For more detailed information about Charter Day, check out the Historical Society of Somerset Hills website! Hope to see you there!

pARTicipate in the ARTS

2010-05-03T13:49:00.003-04:00

This past Friday night I attended the first ever - pARTicipate in the ARTS at the Somerset Art Association in Bedminster, NJ. There were artists sharing their talents and some great music to enjoy! The highlight of the night for me was my 15 minute portrait, painted by David Ohlerking. Yes! It's true, he has masonite boards ready to go and he paints your portrait, in oil paint, while you stand there in front of him (in 15 minutes). I had never seen such a thing ~ AMAZING! I was fortunate to arrive early so I hardly had to wait ~ but you can imagine by the end of the night there was a line. Now, this in NOT something new for Mr. Ohlerking, apparently you can find him in a variety of places round NJ...Chester being one place and I just read that he will be in New Hope, PA next weekend! Check out his website HERE and if you are in the area, stop by to see him work or maybe have our portrait painted! Enjoy!

Spring Art Exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

2010-04-26T10:37:00.004-04:00

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month and throughout the Spring, 4 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. It is quite an honor to have work exhibited in this exhibit, art educators from around the state of New Jersey submit work! The Artist's Reception will be Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm. Congratulations to Jasmine (K) Robyn (1st grade), Liam & Aaron (4th grade)! If you are going to NJPAC soon please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery.

Crayola: DreamMakers Visual Voices ~ Speak Up for Creativity

2010-04-20T18:46:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Bivona with Eric's artwork, the Everyday Jungle at the NAEA Convention, Baltimore, MD 4/2010

A quote from the Crayola Website

"As educators, you teach children the importance of thinking and speaking up for what they believe in. At Crayola, we believe that creative experiences are worth speaking up for and support your efforts. We hope you and your students enjoy seeing their work exhibited here, for all to see and share."

Mount Prospect is speaking up!!! In the Fall of 2009 students from Mount Prospect School submitted artwork to the CRAYOLA: DreamMakers Exhibit. Work selected for this exhibit was on display at the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Convention, in Baltimore, MD on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Fortunately I attended this convention and was able to see Eric's artwork (5th grade), "The Everyday Jungle" framed and ready to go to the State Department of Education to be on permanent display. Along with the artwork each student had to write a Dream Statement. Here is what Eric wrote, "Creativity is what a person wants from the heart and the pencil! My creativity just pours out of me onto the paper. I think of an image in my head and try to make it as close as I can when I create the image on the paper." Congratulations to Eric once again!!!

Art on the Move gets a MAKEOVER

2010-03-27T23:00:00.002-04:00

Yes, you really are at "Art on the Move" - we got

a makeover today!

Hope you enjoy Art on the Move's NEW LOOK! Since the beginning I have been using a standard BLOGGER template for this blog. Although it certainly did the job, I don't think it ever really captured the spirit of this blog! I have been searching around for a new template but could not find one I loved! Earlier today, I was reading another art teacher blog, One Crayola Short and I was attracted to her template! I searched around her blog and found the link to her template - Deluxe Templates. So a BIG thank you to Deluxe Templates for the FRESH, NEW LOOK! The template is called Little United Nations and it is designed by Ezwpthemes.com. Thanks for stopping by ~ ENJOY!

The importance of ART EDUCATION!

2010-03-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

March is Youth Art Month - Celebrate!

2010-02-28T16:40:00.017-05:00

March is Youth Art Month 2010

Planet eARTh

Above you see a slideshow of the work to be exhibited at the Somerset Art Association.

The exhibit has been at SAA for the past years and a BIG thank you goes out to Robyn Tromeur, Director of SAA and all the volunteers from SAA who helped hang this exhibit.

All the work can be viewed at our Artsonia On-line Gallery @ www.artsonia.com/somerset1

Crayola DreamMakers Online Exhibition - We Have a WINNER!

2010-02-16T20:55:00.011-05:00

The video above includes all the artwork submitted from
Mount Prospect School

This year 19 students (K - 5th grade), from Mount Prospect School, participate in the Crayola DreamMakers Online Exhibition ~ Visual Voices Speak Up for Creativity. In addition to the artwork, each student had to write a dream statement. You can see ALL the entries, from the United States and Canada, here in the Crayola Gallery.

The artwork submitted to this online exhibition was juried and 39 pieces were selected to be exhibited at the U.S Department of Education in Washington, D.C and it's offices around the country.

CONGRATULATIONS

Eric, 5th grade

his artwork, The Everyday Jungle was selected to be included in this exhibit!

Mount Prospect Students Exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

2010-01-18T15:09:00.006-05:00

Mid-Winter Exhibit at NJPAC

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month and throughout the mid-winter and early Spring, 4 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. The Artist's Reception will be Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm. Congratulations to Thomas (1st grade), Juliette-Craig (3rd grade), Jennifer & Avani (4th grade)! If you are going to NJPAC soon please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery.

Photos from "Nature Through a Child's Eyes" Art Exhibit at the Somerset Environmental Center

2010-01-03T17:36:00.009-05:00

"Nature Through a Child's Eyes" Exhibit at the Somerset Environmental Center

2009-12-17T20:59:00.002-05:00

Scarecrow Landscape, Anneliese3 (2nd grade)

For the 18th year the Somerset Environmental Center will sponsored the exhibit, "Nature through a Child's Eyes". This exhibit is open to all K-6th grade schools in Somerset County and it is the 9th year Mount Prospect School will participate. Over 40 pieces of artwork from Mount Prospect, all inspired by nature, will be on exhibit. The children are asked to write, "What nature means to them..." the children's responses are included in the exhibit program. On Sunday - January 3, 2010 there will be an Artist's Reception. It is always so exciting to see the students with their family and friends, they are all so proud!!!

Congratulations to all the young artists!

This exhibit will be on display at the Somerset Environmental Center, Basking Ridge, NJ from January 3, 2010 until February 7, 2010 - if you get a chance stop by and see it! Please check back here in January to see photos of the exhibit!

More good news from the National Zoo Contest...

2009-12-04T10:30:00.002-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER!!!

We have ANOTHER honorable mention in the National Zoo Contest! This year the National Zoo in Washington, DC ran a poster contest and 23 students from Mount Prospect School entered a design. I just got the news today that Jennifer2896 (4th grade) received an honorable mention in the National Zoo Poster Contest! Congratulations Jennifer and keep up the excellent work! Her poster will be displayed with the other honorable mentions in the Zoo's Mane Restaurant during their winter celebration ZooLights which beings this Friday, December 4^th(details can be found by visiting http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/ZooLights/default.cfm).

The National Zoo is proud to display such great work

by a talented artist!!!

Congratulations to Jennifer & Lauren!

To see all of Mount Prospect's entries in the National Zoo Contest - CLICK HERE and visit our Artsonia Gallery

National Zoo Contest Winner ~ Congratulations!

2009-12-02T08:04:00.002-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS LAUREN!!!

Lauren1311 design for the National Zoo Contest

This year the National Zoo in Washington, DC ran a poster contest and 23 students from Mount Prospect School entered a design. I just got the news last night that Lauren1311 (4th grade) received an honorable mention in the National Zoo Poster Contest! Congratulations Lauren and keep up the excellent work! Her poster will be displayed with the other honorable mentions in the Zoo's Mane Restaurant during their winter celebration ZooLights which beings this Friday, December 4^th(details can be found by visiting http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/ZooLights/default.cfm).

The National Zoo is proud to display such great work

by a talented artist!!!

To see all of Mount Prospect's entries in the National Zoo Contest - CLICK HERE and visit our Artsonia Gallery

The Color Purple at NJPAC

2009-11-22T08:28:00.006-05:00

The Color Purple

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month and throughout the winter, 3 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. The Artist's Reception will be Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm.

This exhibit celebrates the musical, The Color Purple, which will be performed at NJPAC from Wednesday - December 16, 2009 - Sunday - December 20, 2009.

There are lots of things to do at NJPAC on Saturday, so make plans...

Kwanzaa Children's Festival
Performance of "The Spirit of Kwanzaa" at 2:00pm & 5:00pm
Performances of "The Color Purple" at 2:00pm & 8:00pm
or take a walk to the Newark Museum

Congratulations to Jee Soo (5th grade), Michelle (3rd grade), & Anicia (1st grade)! If you are going to NJPAC this fall/winter please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery.

Sofia64 is a finalist the Artsonia's "Artist of the Week"! Vote and help Sofia be a WINNER!

2009-11-12T11:08:00.008-05:00

VOTE for Sofia64

Great News! Sofia64, from Mount Prospect School, has been selected as a finalist for this week's "Artist of the Week" award for the 4th-6th age group. The finalist who receives the most online votes between now and Saturday November 14 will be selected as our "Artist of the Week."

To view the finalists and cast your vote, simply click on the link below. Voting is limited to one vote per computer per day for each age group!

http://www.artsonia.com/aotw/vote/0/6744008

The "Artist of the Week" will be featured on the Artsonia homepage and will receive a commemorative plaque from Artsonia. In addition, Blick Art Materials has generously donated $100 gift certificates to the winning teachers and $50 to the winning artists.

We have a National Winner - Nestle Push-Up & Create Contest

2009-11-04T22:16:00.007-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS

to Katie

(5th grade),

her design was selected as one of

3 National Grand Prize Winners

in the

Nestle Push-Up and Create Contest
and
CONGRATULATIONS
Elena (6th grade)

her design was selected as one of

50 First Prize Winners

in the

Nestle Push-Up and Create Contest

Entries for this contest were due to me, at the end of last school year, June 2009. Students were asked to create a design for Push-Up Ice Cream Tube. I received over 80 entries - I always tell my students, "You've gotta be in it to win it!" Thank you to ALL of my students who entered this contest - keep up the GREAT WORK! We have been waiting patiently for the website to reveal the winners...then last week we my principal received a call - it was so EXCITING, we had a winner!

As a National winner Katie wins a monetary prize and her design will be printed on the Push-Up Ice Cream Tubes - coming to a supermarket near you in 2010! How FUN is that??? In addition, the school receives a donation in recognition of the student that goes to support ART EDUCATION at Mount Prospect School.

You Can VOTE too!!!

To be part of the FUN, go to the Scholastic Website to VOTE for your favorite and help determine the 5 KIDs' PICK WINNERS! Make sure to include Elena in your picks!!! You can pick 5 designs each day and you can vote everyday until January 31, 2010!

BRAVO to Dreyer's, Nestle & Scholastic for

developing a contest
that supports ART in schools!

Painting of Mount Prospect is on a Billboard!!!

2009-09-02T16:14:00.003-04:00

Stephanie Amato’s Painting of
Mount Prospect School
Named Winner in Statewide Competition to

Help Beautify NJ’s Highways

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – August 19, 2009 – Congratulations to Stephanie Amato of Basking Ridge, whose NJ-inspired landscape entitled “Mount Prospect Elementary School” was announced as one of 13 winning pieces in the Palisades Highway Art Gallery competition. Her painting will be displayed on Rt. 202 at Old York Rd. in Somerset County beginning the week of August 17, making passersby smile every time they drive by.

"There are so many talented artists in New Jersey, and this is a wonderful venue to exhibit work," said Amato. "I have received so much support from the Bernards School District, as well as the people of Basking Ridge."

For more than 15 years, Amato has been honing her craft through study and practice. She pursued an education in visual and graphic arts at the Parsons School of Design and at the Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts before earning an associate’s degree from Raritan Valley Community College. Amato’s work has generally been inspired by New Jersey views and landscapes and has been shown at more than 40 juried exhibitions. She is a charter member of the Pastel Society of New Jersey and coordinator for the New Jersey Society of En Plein Air Painters. Most recently, Amato received an honorable mention from New Jersey Center for the Visual Arts for her “John on the Mountain” piece, in addition to having won second place honors at the Tuckerton Paintout and Bayonet Arts Festival. She is represented by Design Domain Gallery, Bernardsville and lives in Basking Ridge with her family.

The Palisades Highway Art Gallery is the state’s first-ever highway art gallery, using prominent billboards to display the work of local artists throughout New Jersey. The initiative was officially launched on July 13 with the unveiling of two billboards by renowned New Jersey artists Tim Daly of Hoboken and Gary Godbee of Westfield. The contest inspired state artists to submit over 940 original paintings, drawings, photography and mixed media interpretations of the state’s beautiful landscapes to the Palisades Drive With a Smile Web site. Visitors to the site viewed the submissions and voted for their favorite pieces over four weeks this summer. In the end, Amato’s “Mount Prospect Elementary School” was one of the public’s top favorites and was selected to be one of the featured works of art of the Palisades Highway Art Gallery. All submissions to the Highway Art Gallery are on display on the Palisades Drive With a Smile Web site.

The Palisades Highway Art Gallery is the first initiative of the Palisades Drive With a Smile campaign, with the goal to remind drivers about the best the Garden State has to offer and create nicer New Jersey driving moments and more smiles all around. For more information about the Drive with a Smile campaign or the Palisades Highway Art Gallery, visit Palisades.com/DriveWithaSmile.

For information about Palisades or any of its more than 300 independent agents across the state, visit Palisades.com.

About Palisades

Palisades is the nice New Jersey car insurance company that gives you more. Drivers and agents get more reasons to smile with more value, friendly New Jersey expertise, and service done right. Palisades sells exclusively through over 300 independent agents and is a leader in the fast settlement of claims. Palisades Safety and Insurance Management Corporation is a Plymouth Rock managed company. The Plymouth Rock Companies write and manage more than $1 billion in personal and commercial auto and homeowner’s insurance across the Northeast. Palisades Safety and Insurance Management Corporation is the Attorney-in-Fact of Palisades Safety and Insurance Association (PSIA). Insurance is written by PSIA and its two wholly-owned insurers, Palisades Insurance Company and Palisades Property and Casualty Insurance Company (collectively “Palisades”).

Help Mount Prospect be a WINNER!!!

2009-07-13T18:32:00.017-04:00

Artwork above created by: Stephanie Amato

http://drivewithasmile.palisades.com/highway-art-gallery/view-gallery-vote/

Last week I wrote a post on a contest being run by the Palisades Insurance Company called Drive with a Smile - the Palisades Highway Art Gallery.

I visited the site to see all the entries and
there was a painting of Mount Prospect School.
VOTING STARTS - Tuesday, July 14, 2009
CLICK HERE to VOTE!!!

How do you vote?
Scroll down the page until you find the painting, Mt. Prospect Elementary then
Simply move your mouse over the stars below each image, and once the number of stars you want appears, just click and you're done.

Let's help Mount Prospect WIN and we can see our school on the largest and most-viewed canvases in the state – New Jersey’s highway and roadway billboards. You can vote on each image once a day,
so come back each day and vote until August 7, 2009!
Up to 12 winners will be selected!

The purpose of the exhibit is to offer NJ artists a public venue for their work, and give local drivers an uplifting driving experience. This unique concept will give widespread exposure to New Jersey artists in a first-of-its-kind setting.

Voting runs from July 14th through August 7th. Up to a dozen winners will be announced on August 10th on Palisades.com/DriveWithaSmile, based on the number of votes.

NJ Highway Art Gallery

2009-07-09T10:05:00.004-04:00

OK young ARTISTS at Mount Prospect School!
I have a challenge for you...Palisades, the nice NJ car insurance company, is looking for artwork inspired by NJ landscapes for the state’s first Highway Art Gallery. Create a new piece of artwork that tells a story about New Jersey or take a look in your portfolio and find a piece you have already created, take a photo and upload it at the address below!

Good Luck!!!

This summer, the Palisades Highway Art Gallery will exhibit images of original works by NJ artists on some of the largest and most-viewed canvases in the state – New Jersey’s highway and roadway billboards. The first two billboards will feature artwork by renowned New Jersey landscape artists Tim Daly and Gary Godbee.

We’ve picked up to a dozen additional billboards on some of the most traveled roads throughout the state to feature work by artists like you! Your work could receive more than 80,000 views A DAY – and Palisades will foot the cost of the billboard and printing!

The purpose of the exhibit is to offer NJ artists a public venue for their work, and give local drivers an uplifting driving experience. This unique concept will give widespread exposure to New Jersey artists in a first-of-its-kind setting.

Guidelines

Want in? Starting July 13th, register and submit images of your original paintings, drawings, photography, or mixed media inspired by New Jersey scenic views, landscapes, seascapes, urbanscapes, destinations and landmarks at Palisades.com/DriveWithaSmile.

· There is no registration fee, and all submissions are free.

· Each applicant can submit a maximum of 10 pieces.

· Entries will be accepted as of July 13th, 2009 at Palisades.com/DriveWithaSmile.

· Entries should be in .jpeg or .gif format at least 600 pixels wide and 175 pixels high.

· The size of the file uploaded to the site should not exceed 8 MB.

Sorry, sculpture or three dimensional works can’t be accepted.
All submissions must be capable of being digitally reproduced and enlarged in order to be posted on the billboards.

The competition kicks off July 13th and you have until July 31st to submit your work, so enter early! Your art will be showcased in our online gallery, where site visitors can vote for their favorite submissions. Voting runs from July 14th through August 7th. Up to a dozen winners will be announced on August 10th on Palisades.com/DriveWithaSmile, based on the number of votes.

Want more information?
Send an email to highwayartgallery@mww.com.

We hope to see your artwork in New Jersey’s first-ever highway gallery!

The parties agree that the artwork and images made by the artist will be the sole property of the artist. However, the artist agrees that Palisades Safety and Insurance Management Corporation (Palisades) shall have unrestricted use of the artist’s name and the image and artwork provided and produced by the artist in any and all commercial, promotional and advertising material without any monetary compensation. The decision to use and the manner of such use of the artist’s name artwork produced by the artist shall be the sole decision of Palisades. Employees and family members of Palisades, its affiliated and subsidiary companies and its vendors are not eligible to submit their artwork or images. All those under 18 must receive permission to enter from a parent or guardian.

Design a Backpack and WIN!!!

2009-06-30T12:07:00.015-04:00

Are YOU looking for something
to DO this SUMMER?
Well, Sharpie & Office Depot have joined together for the
My Backpack Project!
The artwork is DUE - Saturday, September 19, 2009.
Then you will be able to VOTE on the finalist!

There are two ways to complete the artwork for this contest, you can go to Office Depot, purchase an actual BACKPACK and draw right ON IT!
OR
You can go to the website and DOWNLOAD a form to complete your design on!
Either way it sound like FUN!
Remember - you've GOT TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT!!!

So, what's in it for YOU???
Designers will have the chance to win prizes, including the opportunity to have their backpack design reproduced and sold in Office Depot stores nationwide during the 2010 back-to-school season.

Grand Prize

One (1) Grand Prize will be awarded to the Finalist who receives the most votes. The Grand Prize will consists of a check in the amount of $5,000 for the winner and the winner’s back pack design will be produced and sold in Office Depot stores in 2010.

First Prize
One (1) First Prize will be awarded to the Finalist who receives the second highest quantity of votes. The First Prize will consist of a check in the amount of $3,000.

Second Prize
One (1) Second Prize will be awarded to the Finalist who receives the third highest quantity of votes. The Second Prize will consist of a check in the amount of $2,000.

For more information read this article in Woman's Day Magazine - CLICK HERE

over 300,000 visitors to our Artsonia gallery!

2009-06-24T08:05:00.006-04:00

We did it! I was hoping to reach this goal by the end of this school year
and we just squeaked by...our
Mount Prospect School ARTSONIA Gallery
officially hit 300,436 visitors this morning!

We finished the year publishing 4,351 piece of artwork! Congratulations to all the young artists at Mount Prospect School. If you have not had a chance to see what we have created this year - CLICK HERE

Parents please remember if you have NOT already REGISTERED for ARTSONIA you can contact me to get the security code to do so, just e-mail me at: sbivona@bernardsboe.com.
Registering as your child's parent or legal guardian will alert you to when new artwork is published and allow you to approve comments left for your child!

Comments, friends and family members LOVE to leave positive comments about the artwork that is published on ARTSONIA, these comments MUST be approved by a parent of legal guardian before they will show up for the students to read.
To approve you child's comments just log-on to Artsonia. Again, if you need assistance you can e-mail me at: sbivona@bernardsboe.com

Finally remember, if you make any artwork this summer you can add it to your personal gallery on ARTSONIA, just log into your account for more information. It's really easy -- you just need a digital camera, a computer
and access to the internet! Good Luck!

Wishing all of you a creative summer with your children and
I will see all of you back at
Mount Prospect School in September!

~ Mrs. Bivona

All Kids Can Create Exhibit, Washington DC

2009-06-08T20:08:00.008-04:00

Congratulations Matthew!

The photos above are from the CVS Caremark "All Kids Can Create" Exhibit at Union Station in Washington, DC. This exhibit is sponsored by VSA Arts. My student, Matthew D's artwork was selected as the New Jersey finalist for this exhibit. Winners were selected from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. This exhibit opened in Washington, DC on June 1st and will be on display until June 21st. Matthew & his family and my husband & I traveled to Washington this weekend to see the display and go to the VSA arts Start with the Arts Family Festival at the National Portrait Gallery. WOW -- what an exciting weekend for everyone! We met at Union Station and took lots of great photos, then we took the Metro to the National Portrait Gallery. When we arrived we were directed to the atrium, this beautiful space was filled with tables, FILLED with art supplies and plenty of willing teachers and assistants to help! So Matthew and I sat right down and started working! What a BLAST ~ and for a day, I did not have to be the teacher -- I got to enjoy and create! This exhibit will go on a 2 year national tour of children's museums in the United States. To see all the work from the "All Kids Can Create" Exhibit - CLICK HERE!

All the work was submitted through ARTSONIA, to see all the entries for this exhibit, CLICK HERE to go to the ARTSONIA - All Kids Can Create Gallery!

The experience of participating in this exhibit has been EXCELLENT! As you can see from the photos above, the work was framed beautifully, each piece included the artwork and the artist statement. VSA arts published a beautiful catalog of the exhibit, which provides a wonderful and lasting memory for all the children and their families! Each student whose work was submitted through ARTSONIA received a certificate of participation.

So, if you are an art teacher - make sure to answer the Call For Entires for the All Kids Can Create Contest next year!

Once again Congratulations to Matthew, it was a joy to spend time with him and his family this weekend!

Mount Prospect Spring Art Exhibit 2009

2009-05-26T11:44:00.001-04:00

Mount Prospect Students exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

2009-05-16T23:33:00.004-04:00

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month and throughout the summer, 7 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. The Artist's Reception will be Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm. Congratulations to Natasha, Andy, Joseph, Roshun, Vivian, Meghan & Valerie! If you are going to NJPAC this summer please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit! All the artwork from this exhibit can been viewed in the AENJ Artsonia Gallery.

Mount Prospect Students exhibit artwork at Charter Day, 2009!!!

2009-05-12T16:18:00.003-04:00

Saturday May 16, 2009 is the 15th Annual Charter Day - a celebration of the day that Basking Ridge received its charter! The day runs from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm - a variety of community groups and businesses have booths and there are activities throughout the day. Most of the activities take place right in the center of Basking Ridge.

One tradition is an Art Exhibit, from the Art classes in the Bernards Township School District, at the church. Mount Prospect School will have over 70 pieces of artwork on display. Enjoy!!! Any child who has artwork on display has already received a certificate from Mrs. Bivona or Mrs. Moench!

For more detailed information about Charter Day, check out the Historical Society of Somerset Hills website! Hope to see you there!

Mrs. Bivona gets published!

2009-05-09T09:59:00.007-04:00

"Unbound by Place or Time
Museums and Online Learning"
by William Crow and Herminia Din

Two summers back, I signed up to take my first online class. "Face to Face ~ Comparing Portraits". It was through the Metropolitan Museum of Art and it was the first online class they had ever offered. In the beginning I was not sure what I had gotten myself into, but it didn't take long for me to realize that it was going to be one of the BEST professional development experiences of my career! At the end of our 2 weeks together online, we had an opportunity to come together at the Metropolitan with one of our instructors, William Crow. William is an Associate Museum Educator for the Met, he oversees programs for K-12 teachers and off site school programs. Herminia Din our other instructor is from Alaska, and could not make it. Herminia is an Associate Professor of Art Education at the University of Alaska - Anchorage. Not everyone could come to our on-site visit to the Met since participants were from ALL over the world, but many did and it was wonderful to meet, in person, these people we knew so well online.

Last summer, the Metropolitan offered another online professional development class and I was hooked - I signed up again! This time we explored the idea of Landscape, and again it was an excellent class.

Then last fall William contacted me and asked me if I would be willing to write about my experiences in the online classes that I had taken through the Metropolitan, I enthusiastically said, "YES!" So, last week at the American Association of Museums Conference in Philadelphia, the book - "Unbound by Place or Time, Museums and Online Learning" was released, and my case study can be found on page 67! How exciting! Congratulations to William and Herminia on publishing this book and thanks to both of them for allowing me to be apart of it!

If you are a teacher and you are interested in finding out about the Metropolitan's Online class for this summer ~ CLICK HERE! Go to the second section where it says 2009 Summer Teacher Institutes.

2009-05-04T21:43:00.009-04:00

Mrs. Bivona receives the
National Elementary Art Educator of the Year
at the NAEA Convention ~ Minneapolis, MN
April 2009

Reston, VA -- Susan Philp Bivona, Bernards Township School District, Basking Ridge, was selected by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) to receive the National Elementary Art Educator of the year Award. This award recognizes the exemplary contributions, service and achievements of one outstanding NAEA member annually at the National level within their divisions. The award was presented during the NAEA National Convention that took place in Minneapolis, MN, April 17 - 21, 2009.

NAEA President, Bonnie Rushlow states, "This award is being given to recognize excellence in professional accomplishment and service by a dedicated art educator. The recipient exemplifies the highly qualified individuals active in the field of art education today: leaders, teachers , students, scholars and advocates who give their best to the profession."

The membership includes elementary, secondary, middle level and high school art teachers in 50 states, higher education professors, representatives from America's major art museums, State Departments of Education, arts councils and major colleges and universities throughout the United States and many foreign countries.

For more information visit the NAEA website at http://www.arteducators.org

All Kids Can...CREATE! National Contest & Exhibition!

2009-04-15T09:21:00.011-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS MATTHEW!!!

Biking Down the Street - Matthew (4th grade)

A BIG, HUGE Congratulations go out to Matthew in 4th grade, his artwork, shown above, was selected to represent NJ in the All Kids Can...CREATE Exhibition! Below you can read parts from the letter that we received from VSA Art, Washington, DC!

Great Work Matthew, I am so proud of you! ~ Mrs. Bivona

To see ALL of the artwork in the All Kids Can Create Contest - CLICK HERE!

**********

Dear Matthew,
Congratulations! Your artwork, Biking Down the Street, has been selected to represent the state of New Jersey in this year's All Kids Can...CREATE! exhibition. The annual call to create allowed children around the country to create and submit artwork to the All Kids Can...CREATE! online gallery, coming soon to Artsonia.com.

51 artists were selected as representatives of their states from over 4,500 submissions to have their artwork displayed in the All Kids Can...CREATE! exhibition. This year, children were encouraged to create artwork based on the theme, Celebrating Who I Am. The exhibition will debut at Washington, D.C.'s Union Station from June 1 - 21, 2009, in conjunction with our Start with the Arts Family Festival on June 5-6, and will then commence a two-year tour to children's museums across the country.

Congratulations again!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Wexler

2009-03-02T08:13:00.008-05:00

CELEBRATE ART!
is the theme for Youth Art Month, celebrated each year during the month of March.

To read a fantastic article on Youth Art Month from the Courier New ~ Sat. Feb. 28, 2009
click here!

Endorsed by the National Art Education Association, Youth Art Month (YAM) is a national annual observance, to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. To recognize Youth Art Month, the Somerset Art Association (SAA) partners with the Art Educators of New Jersey to host a two-part exhibit of Somerset County student work on both floors of the Johnson Gallery.

The Somerset County Youth Art Month Exhibit is held at the Somerset Art Associaton in Bedminster, NJ. Part I of this exhibit will run from March 7 - 15, 2009 and it highlights the talents of children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Part II, March 20 - March 29, 2009, highlights work created in 6th through 12th grade. Mount Prospect will have 12 pieces on display for this exhibit, both Mrs. Bivona & Mrs. Moench's students will have work included in this exhibit.

Above you see a photo the beautiful full-color, glossy postcard from the Somerset Art Association. The artwork you see on the cover was created by a 3rd grade student, Grace at Mount Prospect School. This piece beautifully illustrate this year's theme - CELEBRATE ART! This postcard will be sent out to all the members of the Somerset Art Association in addition to all of the teachers & students with work in this exhibit. The original pieces will be on display at the Somerset Art Association as part of this exhibit!

The exhibit has been at SAA for the past 7 years and a BIG thank you goes out to Robyn Tromeur, Director of SAA and all the volunteers from SAA who helped hang this exhibit.

All the work can be viewed at our Artsonia On-line Gallery @ www.artsonia.com/somerset1

Success with Seussical!

2009-03-01T20:12:00.005-05:00

Seven students from Mount Prospect School entered a poster contest for the musical Seussical at Ridge High School. I am excited & proud to say that the poster above won 3rd place! Congratulations go to 5th grader, Sabrina ~ she won 2 tickets to see the musical! Ms. Siccone, producer of Seussical said, "Sabrina's artwork is beautiful, included the themes we suggested and in a most delightful way! She is a gifted young artist." It is important to note that these 5th graders were competing with high school students.

BRAVO to all the students who entered this contest!

Seussical the Musical at Ridge!

2009-02-18T17:48:00.007-05:00

The Ridge Drama Department will be presenting "Seussical the Musical" at the end of March. Above are 7 pieces of artwork created by 5th grade students at Mount Prospect School for the Spring Musical poster contest (the 8th is filler). All submissions will be displayed in the Ridge Media Center for the performance.

Mount Prospect Tile Wall Mosaic

2009-02-03T22:18:00.006-05:00

Mount Prospect School Celebrates 10 Years with "Faces of the Future Tile Wall Mosaic"

Order Forms DUE: Friday, February 13, 2009

All of the students, grades K - 5, have created a self-portrait, in their art class and they look great! The student drawing will be sent to Artsonia to be transferred on to 4 X 4 inch ceramic tiles ~ printed in FULL COLOR! The tiles will then be put together into a mural and mounted on the wall of Mount Prospect School. Your child is invited to become a permanent part of Mount Prospect History.

Order forms for the tiles are going home this week, please be on the look-out for the order form!!! Attached to the order form is a black & white photocopy of your child's self-portrait. The actual tiles will be printed in FULL COLOR! You first tile is $20.00, if you would like additional tiles they are $12.00 each.

Above are examples of what the tiles will look like in FULL COLOR!

Newark Museum - Centennial Numbers Project

2009-02-01T22:51:00.007-05:00

The Centennial Celebration begins! In 1909, The Newark Museum was founded and 100 years later they are inviting the community to be part of the biggest celebration ever! Always New, the Museum's new tag line, evokes a promise of new exhibitions, new programs and new special offers!

As part of the Newark Museum's Centennial Celebration, each New Jersey school is invited to submit one "Number Poster" to be displayed at the Museum. Congratulations to Victoria C. in Mrs. Kizoulis' Kindergarten Class she created the poster for day 89, see the picture above!

The posters will be part of the 100-days countdown (beginning January 16), culminating at our grand birthday celebration on April 26, 2009. You can see all the posters at: http://www.newarkmuseum.org/Posters.html

Mount Prospect Student's Exhibit work at NJPAC

2009-01-26T19:06:00.002-05:00

This month 5 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. The Artist's Reception will be Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm. There will be lots of opportunities to take photos along with refreshments and certificates for all the young artists. If you are going to NJPAC, please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit!

"Nature through a Child's Eye" - Art Exhibit at the Somerset Environmental Center

2009-01-12T18:49:00.002-05:00

"Nature Through A Child's Eyes"

For the 13th year the Somerset Environmental Center has sponsored this exhibit. All K- 6th grade schools, in Somerset County can participate. This is the 8th year Mount Prospect will have work on display! Over 50 students from Mount Prospect have their work exhibited. All the work is inspired by nature. The children are asked to write, "What nature means to them..." All of the answers are included in the exhibit program. On Sunday - January 5, 2009 there was an Artist's Reception. It is always so exciting to see the students with their family and friends, they are all so proud!!! Congratualtions to all the young artists!

This exhibit will be on display at the Somerset Environmental Center, Basking Ridge, NJ until February 8, 2009 - if you get a chance stop by and see it!

Mrs. Bivona meets author & artist - Faith Ringgold!

2009-01-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

Wow, this year has just flown by, so fast that I have not made very many posts to my BLOG this year. So, I wanted to start with one that I actually wrote in October 2008 and never posted.

On October 7th & 8th Mrs. Bivona attended the Art Educators of NJ Fall Conference. This year's Keynote speaker was artist & author Faith Ringgold. Faith Ringgold, began her artistic career more than 35 years ago as a painter. Today, she is best known for her painted story quilts -- art that combines painting, quilted fabric and storytelling. You might be familiar with her book, Tar Beach it was a Caldecott Honor Book. It was quite an honor to meet her, I even had a chance to have lunch with her. She was telling us the exciting plans for her new children's museum in NYC. The Faith Ringgold Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling will be located on Sugar Hill in the center of Harlem, the neighborhood where Ms. Ringgold was born.

Welcome Back - Why Arts Matter...

2008-09-11T21:34:00.007-04:00

Welcome Back to School

As I was reading the Star Ledger last weekend, I came across this article. It seems the perfect kick-off to a new school year (to read the full article, just CLICK on the title below).

Back to School Night is Tuesday, September 16, 2008. I will be available in the Art Room from 6:00pm - 8:30pm. Please stop by to see our beautiful work space and learn about what your child will be creating in Art Class this year!

Hope to see you there!
Most sincerely, Susan Bivona

Why arts matter...

by Star-Ledger Staff
Saturday September 06, 2008, 10:00 PM

CLARA NATOLIStar-Ledger critics don't ever want to see an empty theater. Below, they state their case for why arts matter.

Now more than ever, make room in your life for the arts. At a time when it may be tempting to scrimp on outings or cut back on concerts, we need to remember art's enduring value.

The arts can comfort and nurture, inspire and instruct. They make us better and more caring -- and flat-out smarter, too. They help us learn more about our world. And as anyone who has ever taken a child to their first Broadway show can attest, they provide a fun and bonding way to pass that knowledge to our children.

The arts connect us with each other, and connect us with our souls.
-- Kathleen O'Brien

VISUAL ARTS
The visual arts provide decoration, shape the spaces in which we live, teach history to our children, and even enhance the value of local real estate.

But their unique value is their elevation of an individual viewpoint above all else.

In an era full of art manufactured by corporations or committees, the paintings, prints or sculptures produced by a single person remain the last refuge of completely personal expression.

The vast majority of work in museums and galleries was made by one artist working from his or her lone vantage point -- with only the vaguest hope of finding compensation for their effort.
-- Dan Bischoff

Olympic Artist Trading Cards

2008-04-07T18:43:00.023-04:00

Olympic Artist Trading Cards
Right - Emily361
Left - Patrick185

At the beginning of this school year I saw a Call for Participation that invited teachers and students to take part in the Olympic ATC Exchange - an international exchange of artist trading cards created to celebrate the "Olympic spirit." Artist Trading Cards, also referred to as ATCs, are miniature works of art, usually done on card stock, that are traded between artists. They can be about anything and made with any media, materials, or techniques. They can be produced as one-of-a-kind originals, in limited editions, or in a series based on a particular theme or subject. It’s all up to the individual artist.

Since I had never participated in anything like this before we tried it with just one 5th grade, Ms. Linstra's Class. So, between December and January we work on our Olympic Inspired ATCs in Art Class. The theme of the exchange was “The Olympic Spirit,” which describes 5 traits — Friendship, Honor, Peace, Glory, and Fair Play. Each ATC made for the exchange expressed or represented one of these five traits. In addition, the five traits were matched up with one of the colors of the Olympic Rings.

All of the ATCs created for this trade are published on the Mount Prospect Artsonia Gallery. Each student selected 1 or 2 cards that they wanted to swap and they were sent to Professor Craig Roland at the University of Florida. He collected and redistributed the cards to the participating schools. Just last week I received a box of Olympic ATCs to be distributed to our student's in Ms. Linstra's class -- needless to say they were thrilled!

To commemorate the exchange and to showcase the variety of ideas and media that have been used for the project, 52 cards from schools participating in the Olympic ATC Exchange were chosen to form a "Gallery Deck." Congratulations to Emily361 & Patrick185 who both had a card selected for the Gallery Deck!

To read more about this project and see the "Gallery Deck - CLICK HERE! Olympic Artist Trading Card Press Release

Thank you and congratulations to all the students who participated in this exciting exchange! We will do this again!

Let them be Heard...watch and listen!

2008-03-08T09:44:00.002-05:00

District Youth Art Month Exhibit at the Bernards Township Library

2008-02-29T10:55:00.008-05:00

Here is a LEAP DAY post, we can only have one every 4 years -- To Celebrate Youth Art Month, Mount Prospect School has artwork on exhibit at the Bernards Township Library along with other schools in the district. Our work is on display in the Children's Library on the lower floor of the library. There is some inside the library and more in the hallway. It is wonderful to see examples of artwork from across the district in this exhibit. I hope you get a chance to visit the library and enjoy this show, the work will be on display until April 4, 2008. All students with work at this exhibit have been notified. Enjoy!

March is Youth Art Month!

2008-02-20T18:07:00.004-05:00

Endorsed by the National Art Education Association, Youth Art Month (YAM) is a national annual observance - each March, to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. To recognize Youth Art Month, the Somerset Art Association (SAA) partners with the Art Educators of New Jersey to host a two-part exhibit of Somerset County student work on both floors of the Johnson Gallery.

The Somerset County Youth Art Month Exhibit is held at the Somerset Art Associaton in Bedminister, NJ. Part I of this exhibit will run from March 9 - 18, 2008 and it highlights the talents of children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Part II, March 22 - April 6, 2008, highlights work created in 6th through 12th grade. Mount Prospect will have 20 pieces on display for this exhibit.

Above you see a photo the beautiful full-color, glossy postcard from the Somerset Art Association. The artwork you see on the cover was created by four, 5th grade students at Mount Prospect School. These pieces beautifully illustrate this year's theme - Destination: ART! This postcard will be sent out to all the members of the Somerset Art Association in addition to all of the teachers & students with work in this exhibit. The original pieces will be on display at the Somerset Art Association as part of this exhibit!

The exhibit has been at SAA for the past 6 years and a BIG thank you goes out to Robyn Tromeur, Director of SAA and all the volunteers from SAA who helped hang this exhibit.

All the work can be viewed at our Artsonia On-line Gallery @ www.artsonia.com/somerset1

Artwork Featured in new Crayola Dream Makers Books

2008-02-08T19:16:00.008-05:00

Over the past 2 years, a variety of children at Mount Prospect School & I have had the opportunity to work closely with Crayola. The children have tested lessons intended to be published in a series of books called Crayola Dream~Makers. What that means is that we have worked on projects before they were published, I was able to give Crayola feedback on how the lesson went with the students and the artwork that the children created was then used as samples in the books. The books have finally been published ~ I have a complete set in my classroom. If you are interested in seeing them please contact me and we can work out a time. The children can look at them during their art class.

For more informations on the Crayola Dream~Maker books please click the link above!

Mount Prospect Students Exhibit work at NJPAC

2008-02-06T11:41:00.001-05:00

This month 4 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. The Artist's Reception will be Sunday, February 9, 2008 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm. There will be lots of opportunities to take photos along with refreshments and certificates for all the young artists. If you are going to NJPAC, please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit!

Photos from the Environmental Center Exhibit

2008-01-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

Enjoy the photos of the artwork exhibited at the Somerset Environmental Center! There were so many students and families there today -- it was very exciting! This exhibit will be on display until February 10, 2008.

Nature through a Child's Eyes - Somerset Environmental Center

2008-01-03T08:30:00.000-05:00

Wire Sculpture Fish - Emily96

"Nature Through a Child's Eyes"

For the 12th year in a row the Somerset Environmental Center has sponsored this exhibit. All K- 6th grade schools, in Somerset County can participate. This is the 7th year Mount Prospect will have work on display!

Over 35 students from Mount Prospect have their work exhibited. All the work is inspired by nature. The children are asked to write, "What nature means to them..."
All of the answers are included in the exhibit program.

This Sunday - January 6, 2008 will be the Artist's Reception, from 3:00 - 4:00pm. It is always so exciting to see the students with their family and friends, they are all so proud! There are refreshments and a variety of art activities for the children to experience. All students who have artwork in this exhibit have been notified by mail.

Student artwork exhibited at NJPAC

2007-12-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

Dilara's "Scarecrow Landscape"

Soven's "Cityscape - Paris"

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month 2 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. All the artwork is framed under glass and lit in true gallery style. The Artist's Reception will be Sunday, December 9, 2007 from 11:00 - 12:00 pm. Congratulations to Dilara & Soven! If you are going to NJPAC this Holiday Season please make sure to stop by and enjoy the exhibit!

Mount Prospect Students have Artwork Published in a NEW Art Education Textbook

2007-11-26T08:27:00.001-05:00

Artwork from students at Mount Prospect School is included in a NEW Art Education - text book, Explorations in Art, published by Davis Publication. The student artwork is featured in the Student Book and used as examples of what children might create for the lesson.

How did this all happen, you might ask...Well, Dr. Marilyn Stewart was a professor of mine when I attended Kutztown University and the co-author of this K-5 series. She and I have kept in touch over the years, when she was working on the book she contacted me. I told her to take a look at our Artsonia Gallery to see what she could find. Next thing you know I was getting e-mails from Davis asking for permission, from parents/guardians, to use the images!

How exciting -- CONGRATULATIONS to all the students involved!

New England Art Ed Conference or Cape Cod in a Hurricane!

2007-11-04T17:52:00.000-05:00

I started this post yesterday and published it before I finished writing it...sorry! Anyway, I spent the weekend at the New England Art Education Conference. Can you believe just this weekend, Hurricane Noel decide to hit the Cape? Well, it was really the perfect time to be inside at a conference -- lots to do inside and no reason to be outside! My presentation on Artsonia was first thing on Saturday morning, it went very well and we had a PACKED house. Then I had time to attend 4 other presentation. My 2 favorite were Black Light Puppet Theater and Chinese Brush Painting, I hope to share both with students at Mount Prospect sometime this year! The Black Light Puppet Theater was AMAZING, I know the students will love it. We actually created a puppet show and performed it, the presenter video taped our performance and is going to post it on YouTube. It was interesting to meet art teachers from ALL over New England and see what is going on in their art classrooms.

Mount Prospect Student has artwork selected for AENJ Calendar

2007-10-16T21:38:00.000-04:00

Sabrina82

Each year the Art Educator of New Jersey (AENJ) publishes a calendar of student artwork. The artwork you see above was created by Sabrina82, last year in 3rd grade. Each student had to create a self-portrait showing themselves as a king or queen. Sabrina shows herself as the "Queen of the Art Studio"! This piece was selected to be on the 2008 AENJ Calendar. This calendar will be distributed to all AENJ members at the annual conference in October and mailed to NJ Legislatives, State Board of Education members, Senators, and the Governor. Congratulations to Sabrina!!!

If you would like to check out the other pieces selected to be on this calendar, check out the AENJ Gallery on Artsonia.

Excellence in the Arts

2007-10-15T20:31:00.001-04:00

The first week of October was certainly a week to
CELEBRATE Excellence in the ARTS!!!

Mrs. Bivona & Mrs. Slutzky at AENJ

Mrs. Bivona at the Excellence in the Arts Award

On Monday, October 1, 2007. Judy Slutzky, Principal of Mount Prospect School received the The George DiBouno Recognition Award from the Art Educators of New Jersey (AENJ) at the AENJ Fall Conference. This award was established to honor former AENJ President, George DiBouno, whose dedication to arts education in New Jersey was marked by a realization of the power of leadership in education to move the arts to the forefront. This award is for those who are "within" the field of education, but not Art Educators.

As President of AENJ I was fortunate enough to present this award to Mrs. Slutzky. Here is just a little bit of what I said in my speech.

"Mrs. Slutzky leads by example…she always makes sure that the Arts get equal billing at all school events!!! That lets us know and the community know that the ARTS are important! She has supported and continues to support my leadership role in AENJ 100%. I could not do all that I do without her! She makes sure that I attend this Conference and the National Art Education Conference each year. All of this allows me to become a better leader. My hope is that I give back to Judy by being a leader at Mount Prospect School!!!"

Then on Tuesday October 2, 2007 - Mrs. Slutzky and I were together again, to celebrate my award at the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission's Excellence in the Arts Awards. The reception was held at Twin Brooks Country Club in Watchung, NJ. There were 2 performing groups and 4 art educators recognized!!! The Excellence in the Arts Awards celebrate the arts in Somerset County and highlight and honor some of the most outstanding artists and arts organizations for their exemplary leadership in and dedication to the fine and performing arts in the county. Honorees show exceptional commitment and dedicated service to the arts, exemplifies talent and professionalism as an artist, educator or arts advocate and most importantly, is an inspiring role model to the community.

It is truly an honor to receive this award in Somerset County. It means so much to me to be recognized by my community - my students, their parents and my co-workers! I hope to instill a passion for art in all the young artists at Mount Prospect School!!!

To see more photos check out the Courier News Photo Gallery

Welcome Back!

2007-09-16T13:03:00.000-04:00

Back to School Night

Please make sure to visit the Art Room (#257) when you come to Back to School Night on Tuesday, September 18, 2007. I will be available from 7:10 - 7:40pm for parents of students in 3rd through 5th grade, if your child is in K - 2nd grade please come by from 8:10 - 8:50pm. Come see what we have been doing with the Smartboard!

Art on the Move Blog

As usual there is LOTS going on in Art this year, I hope you will take the opportunity to sign-up to get updates to this BLOG in your e-mail in-box! If you look in the left sidebar of this page you will see a place where is says "Subscribe to Art on the Move by e-mail" (see picture below), click here and you can sign-up. That way you will ALWAYS be up-to-date!

ARTSONIA

We will be publishing student artwork in our online gallery at: www.artsonia.com/prospect1.

If you have a student in Kindergarten or you are new to our school, you should have already received a Permission Form, those forms should be returned to the teacher who will get the form to me! Just so you know, last names are NEVER listed on the site. If you have any questions concerning Artsonia, please e-mail me. You can contact me at - sbivona@bernardsboe.com. We have been publishing artwork in our gallery for 6 years now -- students and parents just love it!!! It will give you an opportunity to see what your child is creating in Art and share it with family members.

See you Tuesday, remember the Art Room in #257!!!
Mrs. Bivona

The TABLES have ARRIVED!

2007-08-27T22:40:00.000-04:00

I told you not to worry!

I arrived at school this morning to a wonderful surprise -- the new tables for the ART ROOM have arrived and they are BEAUTIFUL!!! The stools arrived too...and so did all of the supplies! Now all we need are the students -- I can't wait for everyone to see this amazing STUDIO that we will be working in!!! Enjoy this last week of SUMMER and I will see you soon!
~ Mrs. Bivona

Movin' in...to the ART ROOM!

2007-08-03T14:35:00.000-04:00

Well, it has been a long wait -- but well worth it! I walked into the ART ROOM for the first time yesterday. It is AWESOME, I am so excited to have this beautiful space where the young artists of Mount Prospect School can now come and create -- it is going to be a VERY exciting year!

Don't worry that you only see one table in this photo, the tables have not arrived yet! We will be all set for September.

I truly cannot wait for this year to start, having a space for our students and myself to work is going to be a wonderful experience for everyone.

Can't wait to see you in September! Mrs. Bivona

Mrs. Bivona takes an on-line class at the Metropolitan Museum of Art!

2007-07-27T20:09:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone!
I hope you are having a wonderful and relaxing summer! I have been busy painting and wallpapering my house, but I have also been taking an awesome on-line class at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This was the first time the Met has ever offered a class online. It was called Face to Face: Comparing Portraits - an online interactive workshop from elementary school teachers. Mrs. Defrancisco, art teacher at Liberty Corner took it as well. Over the 2 weeks we looked at a variety of portraits -- then we blogged about them, created wikis with lots of infomation and inquiry-based questions and we even created our own self-portrait (which we then photographed and uploaded to our blog)! We learned so much!

It was an excellent opportunity to communicate with teachers from ALL over the country, there were 28 of us in the class from 16 different states. We had 2 excellent instructors, William Crow from the Met and Herminia Din from the U of Alaska. On Tuesday, July 30, 2007 we were all invited for a tour of the Met in NYC. Mrs. DeFrancisco are going to attend, I will take lots of photos to share with you!

I am looking forward to sharing all that I have learned with our students at Mount Prospect!

Enjoy the rest of the summer -- see you all soon!

Mrs. Bivona

A GREAT photo from NJPAC ~ June 2007

2007-07-06T16:07:00.000-04:00

Here is a wonderful photo of the huge CROWD at NJPAC for the final Student Art Exhibit of the year! Check back at the end of August when "Art on the Move" will be back on-line and posting monthly! Enjoy the Summer ~ Mrs. Bivona

Student work exhibited at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

2007-05-20T07:14:00.001-04:00

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month, and throughout the summer, 8 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. Congratulations to Kayla & Emily (5th grade), Alessandro & Jed (4th grade), Martin, Claire, Abby & Julia (2nd grade) and Amil (1st grade). This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. The Artist's Reception, for this exhibit will be Sunday, June 10, 2007 from 11:30 am- 12:30 pm. All students who have artwork exhibited in this show have been informed by mail.

2007 Spring Art Exhibit - PREVIEW

2007-05-20T07:05:00.000-04:00

5th grade - Sneakers
2nd grade - Lions & Dragons to Celebrate Lunar New Year

3rd grade - King & Queen Portraits

Spring Art Exhibit
This year’s Spring Art Exhibit ready for viewing!!!
The work will be on display from
May 18, 2007 through June 8, 2007
Visit the school ANYTIME to view the exhibit
or
Come early, before the CONCERTS, May 22, 2007 & May 29, 2007 - this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy all the artwork students have created this year!!!

Artwork from each child, in the school, is on exhibit in the long hallways on the 1st and 2nd floor. All work is identified by the teacher & student name, you will also find a description of the project!

Attention Third Grade Parents & Guardians
A special exhibit of artwork from 3rd grade is on display in the hallway
past Ms. Salazar’s room, look for signs!!!

We know you will enjoy!
Thank you - Susan Bivona & Kamyee Ladas, Art teachers

Charter Day - May 19, 2007

2007-05-18T03:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Basking Ridge!!!

Saturday May 19, 2007 is the 13th Annual Charter Day - a celebration of the day that Basking Ridge received its charter! The day runs from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm - a variety of community groups and businesses have booths and there are activities throughout the day. Most of the activities take place right in the center of Basking Ridge.

One tradition is an Art Exhibit, from the Art classes in the Bernards Township School District, at the church. Mount Prospect School will have over 70 pieces of artwork on display. Enjoy!!! Any child who has artwork on display will receive a notice before Friday, May 18, 2007.

For more detailed information about Charter Day, check out the Historical Society of Somerset Hills website! Hope to see you there!

Artsonia Hall of Fame

2007-04-19T08:31:00.000-04:00

Although the school year is starting to wind down, ARTSONIA is just getting started with one of the newest family involvement features on our site! Now, parents and fan club members can help their artists earn Artsonia awards and even get their name listed in the Artsonia Hall of Fame!
* "Portfolio" Award -- earned by having 5 or more pieces of artwork in the gallery this year
* "Popular Artist" -- earned by having 5 or more fan club members
* "Rave Reviews" -- earned by receiving 5 or more comments this year
* Hall of Fame -- our highest honor, earned when the artists has all three of the above awards

Mount Prospect School currently has the following award winners for the 2006-2007 school year:

2 Hall of Fame winners

14 students have earned 2 of 3 awards

144 students have earned 1 of 3 awards

Ready to see which students have achieved awards this year? Click the following link (or enter in your browser) to view your school's student awards page! http://www.artsonia.com/schools/prospect1/studentawards

Geico's 2006 - 2007 National Safety Belt Poster Contest Winner

2007-04-04T07:25:00.000-04:00

Geico's 2006 - 2007 Safety Belt Poster Contest

Another WINNER -- for the 2nd year in a row we have a WINNER in the Geico National Safety Belt Poster Contest! Here you see artwork created by a Kevin, a third grade student at Mount Prospect School. This piece was selected as the third place regional winner for the 6 - 8 age group. WOW - a Congratulations goes out to Kevin, keep up the GREAT work!!!

For more about this contest go to:
http://www.geico.com/about/poster/

NJ Conserve Wildlife Foundation Species on the Edge Art and Essay Contest

2007-03-24T22:55:00.000-04:00

For the second year in a row Mount Prospect School participated in the NJ Conserve Wildlife Foundation Species on the Edge Art and Essay Contest. Once again, we had 3 pieces selected!!!
Congratulations go out to 5th grade students - Raeann, Sabina & Andy!

You can find out more about this contest at:
http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/teachers/2007species.html

Artsonia Update!!!

2007-03-24T22:38:00.001-04:00

Mount Prospect School Gallery at:
www.artsonia.com/prospect1.

Security Keys, Comments and Fan Clubs !!!

Mount Prospect School has been publishing student artwork to our On-line Artsonia Gallery for 6 years now! I continue to get lots of positive feedback from both students and parents.

Here are just a few things you should keep in mind.

SECURITY KEYS
Please Note...when your child has a piece published on Artsonia you will receive a paper notice. It is important that you check this notice and see if you are REGISTERED. To register you MUST have your child's SECURITY KEY...the only way you can get it is from me, Mrs. Bivona, on the notice I send home. Once you register you will automatically get e-mail updates when new artwork is published! Thank you for taking the time to do this!!!

COMMENTS
Artsonia allows you and other visitors to leave comments for our young artists, I would like to encourage you to do so! Students LOVE to read positive comments about what they are creating! The next step is you, the PARENTS & GUARDIANS need to approve the comments!

FAN CLUBS
Parents need to register to receive e-mail updates, but other family members and friends can become a member of a child's FAN CLUB. This way they can receive e-mail updates each time a new piece of artwork is uploaded!

Mrs. Bivona hits the TODAY Show for Youth Art Month

2007-03-16T22:13:00.000-04:00

The National Art Education Association's Convention was held in NYC - March 14 - 18, 2007. As President of the Art Educators of New Jersey (AENJ) I represented our association at the Delegates Assembly. On Thursday - March 15, 2007 a few of my art teacher friends (and AENJ Board Members) decided to hit the TODAY Show to tell the world that March is Youth Art Month! We got up at 5:00 am, so we could get in line early. We were there by 6:15 but there were many people there before us - including many other art teachers from across the county! They finally let us in at 6:45 and we decided on the "perfect spot", it was right next to the door that Matt, Meredith and Al Roker use to go outside. Although we were not on the air speaking, there was an art teacher who got on the air to talk about Youth Art Month! And we had the opportunity to give Meredith a set of Youth Art Month note cards!

State Youth Art Month - Trenton, NJ

2007-03-08T21:35:00.000-05:00

Congratulations go out to Nikhil K. in 5th grade!!! His artwork was one of 6 pieces selected at the Somerset County Youth Art Month Exhibit to move on to the State Youth Art Month at the State House in Trenton. Both of these exhibits are sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey (AENJ). The Artist's Reception was Wednesday - March 7, 2007. Each child received a certificate, a button and a t-shirt. Once again the reception was well attended with a standing room only crowd! There were many proud students, parents and teachers! Artwork representing all 21 counties in New Jersey were on display.

March is Youth Art Month

2007-03-04T21:09:00.000-05:00

The Johnson Gallery

Endorsed by the National Art Education Association (NAEA), Youth Art Month (YAM) is a national annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. To recognize Youth Art Month, the Somerset Art Association partners with the Art Educators of New Jersey
to host a two-part exhibit of Somerset County student work on both floors of the Johnson Gallery.

The Somerset County Youth Art Month Exhibit is held at the Somerset Art Associaton (SAA) in Bedminister, NJ. Part I of this exhibit ran from March 4 - 14, 2007, highlights the talents of children in Kindergarten through 5th grade and Part II, March 18 - 31, 2007, highlights work created in 6th through 12th grade. Above you see photos from the first exhibit.

Mount Prospect had 17 pieces on display for this exhibit. Six pieces of artwork were selected from these two exhibits to go on to the State Youth Art Month Exhibit at the State House in Trenton. The award winners from Part I are, Nikhil K., Grade 5, Mount Prospect School (Art Teacher, Susan Bivona); Katherine G., Grade 1, Bradley Gardens School (Art Teacher, Lani Montgomery) and Rohit R., Grade 3, Triangle School (Art Teacher, Nancy Knutsen).

The exhibit has been here at SAA for the past 5 years and a BIG thank you goes out to Robyn Tromeur, Director of SAA and all the volunteers from SAA who helped hang this exhibit.

All the work can be viewed at our Artsonia, On-line Gallery @ www.artsonia.com/somerset1

Americans for the Arts

2007-02-04T13:11:00.000-05:00

Somerset County Environmental Center

2007-01-08T20:40:00.000-05:00

"Nature Through a Child's Eyes"

For the 11th year in a row the Somerset Environmental Center has sponsored this exhibit. All K- 6th grade schools, in Somerset County can participate. This is the 6th year Mount Prospect has participated!

Over 35 students from Mount Prospect had their work exhibited. All the work on display is inspired by nature. The children are asked to write, What nature means to them...
All of the answers are included in the exhibit program.

It is always so exciting to see the students with their family and friends, they are all so proud! There are refreshments and a variety of art activities for the children to experience.

Artwork Exhibited at NJPAC

2006-11-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

One of my goals, each year, is to display as much artwork as possible outside of our school. This month 10 pieces of artwork will be on display in the lobby of the Victoria Theater at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ. This is a juried exhibit sponsored by the Art Educators of New Jersey, 30 pieces will be exhibited in all. The Artist's Reception will be Sunday, November 19, 2006 from 11:30 - 12:30 pm. All students who have artwork exhibited in this show have been informed by mail.

More Artsonia News...

2006-10-30T12:38:00.000-05:00

The first batch of artwork has been uploaded and published to Artsonia. Thank you to all the parents & guardians who sent back the Artsonia Permission forms.

Please Note...when your child has a piece published on Artsonia you will receive a notice. It is important that you check this notice and see if you are REGISTERED. To register you MUST have your child's SECURITY KEY...the only way you can get it is from me, on the notice I send home. Once you register you will automatically get e-mail updates when new artwork is published! Thank you for taking the time to do this!!! I hope you enjoy all the projects that are publihed on Artsonia. Check out the Mount Prospect School Gallery at: www.artsonia.com/prospect1.

Leadership Award from Artsonia

2006-10-22T12:38:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Bivona has been recognized by ARTSONIA - the world's largest children's art museum - for outstanding leadership in the area of art education at Mount Prospect School. The school's online art gallery - www.artsonia.com/prospect1 - ranks #3 in the state and #17 in the country.

The Leadership Award presented to Mrs. Bivona honors teachers who go beyond the classroom walls to encourage family and community involvement in art education. The award also recognizes significant achievement in the area of technology integration within the school art program. State and nationwide rankings are based on specific criteria, which demonstrate both aspects of the Leadership Award.

While teachers in more than 100 countries showcase their students artwork on Artsonia, Mrs. Bivona has created a school community deserving of recognition. During the 2005-2006 school year, the Mount Prospect School gallery showcased 1215 pieces of artwork. This popular collection of art has been visited more than 120,000 times and has received over 450 comments from friends and family.

Headquartered in Chicago, Ill., Artsonia is an online children's art museum providing free, educational resources for kids, families and schools. Founded in 2000, Artsonia continues to integrate technology in the classroom, developing multicultural understanding through art and increase family involvement in children's education. To find out more, visit www.artsonia.com.

Art on the Move

NJPAC Winter Exhibit - 2011

CRAYOLA DreamMakers Sweepstakes WINNER - Thanks Crayola!

Mount Prospect at NJPAC - Fall 2011

Check out our Monochromatic Portraits!

Who's been Pinning your images? Find out...

art-on-the-move.blogspot.com with your own domain name: http://pinterest.com/source/art-on-the-move.blogspot.com

Give it a try!

Pinterest ~ A Linky Party

Index Card - A -Day...a Summer Project

Come see the Spring Art Exhibit at the ICE CREAM SOCIAL

5th grade student - Finalist in the p.s from AEROPOSTAL T-shirt Contest

Big Screen Project - NYC

Mount Prospect Students Exhibit at NJPAC!

NJ Wildlife Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest - Somerset County Winners!

Celebrating Youth Art Month!

All Kids Can Create - Michael is a NJ Finalist!

Celebrating Art!

Winter Art Exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Self-Portrait Maps inspired by Aaron Meshon

"Nature through a Child's Eyes" at the Environmental Center

Weaving on Clay Looms - 4th grade

The Barnes Foundation - have you been?

Mount Prospect Students Exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Let's Celebrate - My 100th Post & Top Blog Award!

VOTE for Brinda3!!!

Farmstead Arts - GRAND OPENING & an Exhibit of Student Artwork

Back to School Night ~ Welcome to ART

The Versatile Blogger Award!!!

NJPAC - This is AMERICA

NAEA Advocacy Resources

Americans for the Arts News

Charter Day & NJPAC in Review

Art Exhibit at Charter Day - Saturday, May 15, 2010 - Let's Go!

pARTicipate in the ARTS

Spring Art Exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Crayola: DreamMakers Visual Voices ~ Speak Up for Creativity

Art on the Move gets a MAKEOVER

The importance of ART EDUCATION!

March is Youth Art Month - Celebrate!

Crayola DreamMakers Online Exhibition - We Have a WINNER!

Mount Prospect Students Exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Photos from "Nature Through a Child's Eyes" Art Exhibit at the Somerset Environmental Center

"Nature Through a Child's Eyes" Exhibit at the Somerset Environmental Center

More good news from the National Zoo Contest...

National Zoo Contest Winner ~ Congratulations!

The Color Purple at NJPAC

Sofia64 is a finalist the Artsonia's "Artist of the Week"! Vote and help Sofia be a WINNER!

We have a National Winner - Nestle Push-Up & Create Contest

Painting of Mount Prospect is on a Billboard!!!

Help Mount Prospect be a WINNER!!!

NJ Highway Art Gallery

Design a Backpack and WIN!!!

over 300,000 visitors to our Artsonia gallery!

All Kids Can Create Exhibit, Washington DC

Mount Prospect Spring Art Exhibit 2009

Mount Prospect Students exhibit at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Mount Prospect Students exhibit artwork at Charter Day, 2009!!!

Mrs. Bivona gets published!

All Kids Can...CREATE! National Contest & Exhibition!

Success with Seussical!

Seussical the Musical at Ridge!

Mount Prospect Tile Wall Mosaic

Newark Museum - Centennial Numbers Project

Mount Prospect Student's Exhibit work at NJPAC

"Nature through a Child's Eye" - Art Exhibit at the Somerset Environmental Center

Mrs. Bivona meets author & artist - Faith Ringgold!

Welcome Back - Why Arts Matter...

Welcome Back to School

Why arts matter...

by Star-Ledger Staff Saturday September 06, 2008, 10:00 PM

Olympic Artist Trading Cards

Let them be Heard...watch and listen!

District Youth Art Month Exhibit at the Bernards Township Library

March is Youth Art Month!

Artwork Featured in new Crayola Dream Makers Books

Mount Prospect Students Exhibit work at NJPAC

Photos from the Environmental Center Exhibit

Nature through a Child's Eyes - Somerset Environmental Center

Student artwork exhibited at NJPAC

by Star-Ledger Staff
Saturday September 06, 2008, 10:00 PM