ART PROGRAM

PATH has hired Cindy Kamin-Brenek to provide art classes to our students. Students participate in art in their own classroom with Cindy every other week for 50 minutes. During a 10 week period ending late March, grades 1, 2, and 4 are participating. In the following 10 week period, grades K, 3, and 5 will be participating.

The purpose of the art classes is to introduce students to art techniques, styles and materials, such as: oil pastels, crayons, markers, water color paints, tempera paints and clay.


Art classes help students to think creatively and learn creative problem solving. For example the student who decided to draw a vase blue realizes that she doesn't like it blue. Just like when you say something you realize you didn't want to say, she was stuck with it. What could she do about it now? She could change the hue of the vase, by layering on another color or she could change its surrounding to change the look.

Students often ask if any artists are still alive. To address this question, Cindy has periodically brought current artists to the classroom to discuss their work. Some of these artists include: Doran Gazit, creator of Airtubes and Fly Guys, and Kelly Reemstem. Her work is displayed at the de Soto Gallery downtown.

Kathy Barrett a handbag designer came to work with the fourth grade doing color illustrations of leather goods, including wallets, handbags, and computer cases.

Cindy works with the teachers to develop art projects that coordinate with the Open Court Reading units or other subjects the grade is covering.

Sample Art Projects

The 2nd Grade classes completed line drawings in charcoal.

The 3rd Grade classes created Lichtenstein-like triptych studies moving from the realistic to the abstract.

Art Contests

Students are encouraged to participate in art contests. Castlebay had 10 finalists in the Safe & Wise Water Ways poster contest. Second Grade Finalists include: Gianna, Katrina, Brandon, Kayla, Ashley. First Grade Finalists include: Eugene, Joel, Rachel, Davis and Hanaa.

California Association for Education Office Professionals 2006 Poster Contest. We had two winners in the "What you like best about school" contest: Audrey and Charlie in First Grade.

Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect Poster Contest. In the 2006 Poster Contest we had 5 finalists.

March is Art Month. We will be submitting 10 pieces to the Aid In Art Education at the Canoga Park Youth Center, located across from the Madrid Theater at Sherman Way and Emmet. There will be an arts event there on Sunday, March 4th, from 1-4pm.

Color layering with pastels	Drawing the Four Seasons

Students may also participate periodically in art projects led by district provided art teachers.