The hallway display of our Anasazi-inspired vessels

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3rd graders in Ms. George's class work to complete their limited-edition Art Trading Cards (ATCs)

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Anasazi vessels drying in the halls

Our Anasazi-inspired vessels are set out to dry

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Finberg's class design their Anasazi-inpired vessels

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2nd graders help make permanent Murch Expectations posters that will hang in our hallways

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5th graders learned how to effectively give possitive feedback based on the various objectives, vocabulary and concepts addressed in this oil pastel unit

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Robinson class (1st grade) are done adding their personally symbolic images into their wooden boxes. Next week we will add personally symbolic small Items

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Thank you to all the families who have donated for our Joseph Cornell boxes...I love my Murch families!!!

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Kindergarteners use everyday objects to create texture on their clay (Fitzpatick)

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Star lovers.....come to this tomorrow!!

When: Where: Saturday, December 3, 2011 6:45 PM Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Independence Ave at 6th St., SW Washington, DC 20560 "The National Air and Space Museum's Public Observatory will be open for special nighttime stargazing. Do not miss this chance to see an array of celestial objects through a powerful professional telescope as well as additional portable telescope...

This weekend please save your 'trash to treasure' items for me.....

We are working on several 3D projects in school now that require some 'trash to treasure" items. See the list below.....maybe you can help us. Thanks again for the families that have already brought these 'treasures' in.....I do not take your support for granted at all! I will be at the Corcoran today for an amazing professional development for all art teachers in the District. Can't wait to post those pictures today.

* old keys

* broken toy jewelry

* beads

* buttons

* Magazines catalogs

* tops to small bottles

* marbles

* those tiny raisin boxes

* doilies

* old stamps

* broken costume jewelry

* pieces of broken toys

* puzzle pieces

* Gift wrapping

* Greeting cards

* Wallpaper paper

* seashells/pebbles

* old/broken holiday ornaments

* small glass or clear plastic containers.

* game pieces

* Small plastic animal (broken okay)

* Party favors (broken okay)

* candy wrappers

* small gift boxes

Sign up for Family Programs at the Corcoran- they fill up fast so hurry

Family Programs

Join us the third Saturday of every month for themed, 90-minute workshops designed especially for kids and families! Family workshops begin in the galleries with an interactive tour followed by an artist-led activity in our art studios. Take home your own work of art inspired by your visit to the Gallery.

Workshops are limited to children 5-7 or 8-12 and their adult companions. All workshops are $8 per child (Corcoran members at the family level and above) and $10 per child (public). Adult companions do not need to purchase a ticket for the workshop and re-entry to the collection after the workshop is permitted. Workshop fees can be applied toward a family membership. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Click below to register

https://getinvolved.corcoran.org/familyprograms

They also offer weekly young artist classes. See listings here for ages 5-7-- https://getinvolved.corcoran.org/youngartists5-7

and here for older kids: https://getinvolved.corcoran.org/youngartists8-12

list of classes:

LIFTOFF! -

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 AT 10:30 A.M.

MEMORABLE PHOTOS -

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 AT 10:30 A.M.

FAMILY DAY

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

SPRING AHEAD -

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 AT 10:30 A.M.

PAINTING THE SUN -

SATURDAY, MAY 19 AT 10:30 A.M.

SEEING THE SEA -

SATURDAY, JUNE 16 AT 10:30 A.M.

AWESOME ARCHITECTURE -

SATURDAY, JULY 21 AT 10:30 A.M.

FAMILY CREST -

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 AT 10:30 A.M.

4th grade paint their Anasazi-inspired vessels (Finberg)

Children in 4th grade class have been studying Anasazi vessels. The Anasazi are the ancestors of the Pueblo People. These vessels will be decorated with geometric lines inspired by Anasazi designs next week. Check back for details.

A big thank you to all the Murch families who have donated yarn for our puppet heroes....

I have had a ton of Murch families drop off yarn for our puppet hero project. Thank you very much!

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In 5th grade, (Levy) students finished their Van Gogh-inspired world-famous landmark

Children in Ms. Levy's class ended their painting unit this week. Finished works will be photographed and I will be designing a calendar parents could purchase online.

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In prek we used everyday objects as stamps to create prints (Seltzer)

Children in prek were introduced to basics of printmaking. In this lesson children used everyday objects as stamps by using an up and down motion, rather than a sideways motion. In the coming weeks they will build on what they know about prints and stamps to create their own stamps. keep checking for further development in this unit.

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1st graders begin their Joseph Cornell-inspired character boxes

Thanks to Paul Spence, Murch dad and owner of W.Curtis Draper Tabacconist, who donated 3 giant black bags full of cigar boxes, the first graders began their work in decorating their Joseph Cornell-inspired works. Here they are drying after gluing images that symbolized aspects of themselves. Next week they will add small meaningful objects that also represent them. Check back soon to see our progression.

Events at the National Gallery

For direct link to more info go here: http://www.nga.gov/programs/flmchild/

On the Sly

November 5 at 10:30
November 6 at 11:30

East Building Concourse, Auditorium

(ages 8 and up) Tired of being ignored by her parents, six-year-old Cathy decides to see what would happen if she vanished from her ordinary life. When her family loads up the car to return home to Paris after their trip to the country, Cathy secretly stays behind at their weekend cottage. The story slowly unfolds to reveal Cathy's daily routines alone, balancing her playful imagination with solid determination, before ultimately reuniting with her family. In French with English subtitles. Shown in conjunction with the Kids Euro Fest. (Olivier Ringer, Belgium/France, 2011, 77 minutes)

Scribble, Dot, Pop!

December 3, 10 at 10:30
December 4, 11 at 11:30

East Building Concourse, Auditorium

(ages 4 and up) Enjoy a series of animated films celebrating the qualities that make artists—of all ages and experiences—unique! Explore the life and art of Andy Warhol in the fun and gentle film Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists: Andy Warhol (Mike Venezia, U.S., 2007, 24 minutes), a family-friendly biography of Warhol and an introduction to pop art. Also included are the short films Art (Konstantin Bronzit, U.S., 2008, 6 minutes), the tale of a young boy who joyfully scribbles and doodles his way to a masterpiece; Asthma Tech (Jonathan Ng, Canada, 2006, 7 minutes), about a boy with asthma who discovers that his imagination has the power to bridge gaps; and The Dot (Gary Goldberger, U.S., 2004, 7 minutes), which encourages children to believe in themselves and their art.

Subscribe to Our Free E-mail Newsletters
Stay up to date with the National Gallery of Art by subscribing to our free e-mail newsletters: CASVA, educators, exhibitions, family programs, fellowships/internships, film programs, gallery talks/lectures, music programs, shop, teen programs, and Web. Select as many updates as you wish to receive. To edit your subscriber information, please go to our subscription management page.

Family art workshop at the Corcoran

Up, Up and Away!

DECEMBER 17, 2011 FROM 10:30 A.M. - NOON

Family Workshop

AGES 8-12

Discover what the average person would need on a journey to Mars in the NOW exhibition Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro: Are We There Yet? Then use recycled materials to create a personalized jet pack for your own adventure into outer space!

All workshops are $8 per child, Corcoran members at the family level and above and $10 per child, public. Adult companions do not need to purchase a ticket for the workshop and re-entry to the collection after the workshop is permitted.

Link to register: https://getinvolved.corcoran.org/upupandaway

Santa's Workshop Hosted by Regina Holliday

Santa's Workshop Hosted by Regina Holliday
With all Proceeds supporting the St. Paul's Homeless Shelter

Schedule of art:

10:00 to 11:00 Sculpey clay ornaments

11:00 to 12:00 Acrylic painting of a flower vase12:00 to 1:00 Watercolor winter landscape

1:00 to 2:00 Watercolor plus stamping Horses in Winter.

2:00 to 3:00 Printmaking: Winter in Washington DC

3:00 to 5:00 Acrylic Painting Birches and Cardinals in Winter

There is a $20 fee per project per child.
Your child can create a lasting memory while helping the less fortunate among us.

What: Art Workshop Ages 2yr -13yr
When: Saturday, December 3rd
Where: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 4900 Connecticut Avenue
Time: 10am to 5pm
Other: Contact Regina Holliday with Questions and RSVP reggieart123@yahoo.com

Finberg's 4th grade class paper mache their Anasazi containers

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1st Grader will begin exploring the art of Joseph Cornell

First Graders will begin exploring the art of Joseph Cornell (see link for more info). Joseph Cornell was a symbolist and an assemblage artist. In the art room we have been discussing the use of symbols to describe ourselves. The work we do with our own Joseph Cornell inspired boxes will further extend that learning to a new level.

In the meantime, the art room needs for this unit are: small insignificant objects that may have once been considered beautiful and may even evoke nostalgia. List of possible items listed below but the sky's the limit.

* old keys

* broken toy jewelry

* beads

* buttons

* old stamps

* broken costume jewelry

* pieces of broken toys

* puzzle pieces

* Gift wrapping

* Greeting cards

* Wallpaper paper

* old/broken holiday ornaments

* small glass or clear plastic containers.

* game pieces

* Small animal toys

* Party favors

* candy wrappers

* small gift boxes

Thank you in advance for your support!

2nd graders add hair to their puppet heroes.

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4th grade (Finberg) began their Anasazi inspired vessels today

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Art room needs: styrofoam or plastic egg cartons

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Ms. Cresswell's 1st grade class finish their mixed media insect art work

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3rd graders finish their mythical figures art trading cards.

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Ms. Levy's 5th grade class began painting their Van Gogh-inspired famous world landmarks today!!

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A huge thank you to Paul Spence for donating 3 huge bags of cigar boxes to the art room.

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Volunteer Opportunities for Parents and Families in the Art Room

Dear Wonderful Murch Community,

Several parents and Murch family members have expressed interest in volunteering in the studio art room on a weekly/bi-weekly basis. Although I fare quite well on my own during class times. I will be posting specific times and specific tasks that I would love help in that will fall outside class times. They may include the following and much more. Although these are not weekly/bi-weekly needs, I don't always need extra help and would hate to schedule someone and then have no tasks for you.

Tasks may include:

** Laminating visual files

** Organizing visual files in new file box

** Displaying work in hallways

** Taking down work

** Typing children's reaction to their work on the computer

** Sorting dozens of art into their own classes (we have 27 classes)

** Photographing a special project

and many many more....

These tasks will be available for sign-up starting this Wednesday through the www.volunteerspot.com link on this site (on the left). Please check back then and make sure to sign up. All the details of each volunteer opportunity will be fully described then.

Of course, you are always welcome to attend your own child's class any week. Just send me an email at miriam.cutelis@yahoo.com and let me know you are interested in coming. During class, I may ask that you to help 1-2 tables and mirror my cues. The kids love showing off their family members!!

Thanks again for all your help.

Miriam Cutelis

Murch Art Teacher

Recycled/Throw away items needed in art room

1. In second grade we are making paper mache puppets and found out we are very low on 'hair'. If you have yarn or string in any 'hair color', please drop them by the art room.

2. In 4th grade we are studying the vessels of the Anasazis and need balloons to make paper mache vessels. I will most likely pick some up this weekend, but if you have any from a part party, I'd love it!

3. In 1st grade students are looking at 17,300 year-old art found in the caves of Lascaux, France. If you have any colored chalk we can use for this unit, please also drop by the art room. We would also need to borrow several mortar and pestles (see image below).

Families, thanks in advance for all your help.

And the winner to the Teacher/Staff Costume Costume Contest is.....

DRUMROLL......

Ms. Cresswell!!

she wins $35!!

Congrats Ms. Cresswell!

Local Art Teachers Art Show Reception Next Week......

The Chevy Chase Citizen’s Association

Invites you to the

Chevy Chase Community Center

For an Exhibition of Works of Art by

Teachers of Art from our Community Schools

Margaret Bustos Alice Deal Middle School

Miriam Cutelis Murch Elementary School

Judy Kearns Blessed Sacrament School

Carolyn Kouri Alice Deal Middle School

Lauri McLaughlin Lafayette Elementary School

Grace McNicholas Blessed Sacrament School

Megan Pena-Ariet St. Johns College High School

Reception: Tuesday, November 8, 2011

5:30 –7:30 pm

5601 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Washington DC 20011

Exhibition ends December 16, 20011

Vote for your FAVORITE Teacher in Halloween Costume

Hey all! At Murch we had a Staff Halloween Costume Contest....please vote for your favorite by emailing me at Miriam.Cutelis@yahoo.com....simply write the teacher's name on the subject line and click send. One one vote per person please. The winner gets $35. Description and names of teachers are directly below each photo. Thanks to all the teachers who participated. Winner will be announced Thursday!

Dan Hayden-Dalton Academy Warbler (Back up singer)

Ms. Lisa- Cowgirl

Rosie Goudas- American Indian

Jasmin Coleman- Butterfly

Aruni Hettipola, Pirate

Mr. C- Iron Chef

Wendy Cresswell- Miss Nelson from 'Miss Nelson is Missing'

America's Got talent Coming to DC, register NOW

NBC'S "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT" is coming to Washington D.C. and they want to see YOUR Talent! Auditions are being held November 5th and 6th 2011! WHERE: Washington, DC Convention Center 801 Mt.Vernon Place, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 WHEN: Doors open by 8 a.m. - Doors close at 7 p.m. *Be sure to secure your place by pre-registering for an Audition and for more information go HERE.

5th Grader Muralists!!!: Want to go to Monster Mash II?

5th Graders just ended a unit on creating murals. Some 5th graders asked me where they could participate in other group mural projects around the city. Here is one happening this Saturday. I assume this is not a drop off type situation. Click HERE to go directly to the site of origin.

October 29 2011 from 10am to 5pm
Garfield Park, Washington DC

[directions and location info]

PAINT a mural. Because of the limited space, the spots will be assigned. Please contact us if you would like to paint a large mural. There will be open community area, where everyone can create a smaller piece.

Featured Muralists: YOU, Alex Merritt, Ben Tolman, Brandon Hill, Chanel Compton, Colon:y, CRI, DAHM, DECOY, DELVE, Dennis Toy, El Toro, HKS181, Jay Hudson, JAZI, LIGHTUP, Joe Meier, Khadijah Wilson, Laura Elkins, Dana Moor, Brea Ellis, Sebi Harrigan- Labarca, Juan Lopez, Julian Strodel, Kelly Towles, Leon Rainbow, Lisa Marie Thalhammer, NEBSI, Nose Go, PORE, REI XXI, Rosina Teri Memolo, STER, Tim Rodgers, VICE

DANCE and have fun with your friends. Urban Artistry will be at Monster Mash with bboys/bgirls, poppers, dancers and performance artists of all types in celebration of revitalizing this space. Music all day by DJ GOLD!

SKATE the spot. The Bridge Spot has ben one of the most popular skate parks for thousands of skaters around the area. It features all rams and equipment built by the skaters. Our friends from Skatepark of Baltimore will be skating with us all day!

DRESS as a monster. Wear your Halloween costume for the entire weekend. Our friends and sponsors already have candy ready for all of you and a costume contest with prizes!
PLAY in Garfield Park. This is a beautiful park with a large playground, great for picnics, games…
BRING friends, family, picnic food, play clothes, games, toys, candy, good mood…

Garfield Park

Location: 2nd Street SE and Virginia Avenue SE, Washington, DC under Southeast Freeway overpass. Closest Metro is Capitol South (Blue and Orange Lines)
Size: the main wall is 200 feet wide
Since: 2011

The paved area under a Southeast Freeway, also known as “Bridge Spot,” is heavily used by skaters and as a basketball court. It is adjacent to Garfield Park playground and tennis courts. We teamed up with The Friends of Garfield Park to curate the walls to create a colorful space full of art.

Prek art/scientists create scary skeletons

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Thank you VERY MUCH to the mystery parent for our HUGE cigar box donation....we will use them all soon!!!

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Urgent recycled item need in the art room: MAGAZINES!! drop them off either in the art room OR the office with a label attached so it makes it to me

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2nd Graders in Ms. Schaefer's class mache their puppet hero heads. Pictures of their heroes due next Thursday

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1st graders paint their mammal and baby paintings

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OCT 31 DEADLINE: The National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids - Winner gets a trip to Costa Rica

WHAT: The National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids invites children to enter their photographs in four categories: animals, people, scenery, and humor. Maximum award: a trip to Costa Rica for the Grand Prize winner and up to three of his/her immediate family members.

ELIGIBILITY: legal residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec) between the ages of 6 and 14 on October 31, 2011.
DEADLINE: October 31, 2011. Click on link below for more details.
MORE INFORMATION: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/activities/contests/photo-contest/

Mr.Welsh's kindergarten class create prints from their individual stamp designs they created last week.

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2nd graders in Ms. Stephens class mache their puppet heads....pictures of their heroes due next week Wednesday!!

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1st grade: Enlarging our sketches and getting ready to paint next week

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3rd graders prepare for their animal paintings by sketching images of real animals

Children in 3rd grade were given magizine/calendar images of animals to sketch out various animals in their sketchbooks. If your child has not yet bought in a composition book to be used as a sketchbook, please send them in this coming week. At the end of the year, having all their initial ideas and sketches for each project in one place will be a great item to take back home and continue in the summer. The secret to having a successful realistic drawing lesson is having lots and lots of images on the subject. Children will then be able to choose images that will make them feel most successful and it also helps with any arguments over some more desired animals for there are too many awesome ones to choose from.

Next, we will be talking about composition and color recipes. The final works will be paintings of their favorite animals using all the skills gained in the unit; from realistic sketching, to composition and color mixing.

Nature drawings help children learn to look and draw realistically

These are amazing drawings done by a Kindergarten artist. We first talked about what lines and shapes are. Then I demonstrated how to really look at a real leaf and simply represent what they see on their paper. If your child has not yet brought in a sketchbook for art, please send them in. For this lesson we had to do the sketches on paper because most students have not yet brought in their sketchbooks.

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5th graders have been closely studying Van Gogh

5th Grade artists are looking at the pre-drawings of Van Gogh. When looking at them we noticed how he even 'texturized' the sky in his drawings. Each child chose a world-famous landmark to paint. Right now we are at the initial stages of sketching out our landmarks. This artist chose the Empire State Building for her painting. Can't wait to see how amazing they will be once they paint it, inspired by Van Gogh's paintings.

To see works by Van Gogh online go HERE. Ms. Levy and Ms. Otten's class have not yet begun this for I do not see them twice a week, but they will be at this stage in 2 weeks.

Prek artists created this mural as a response to reading Swimmy by Leo Lionni

Pre-Kindergarten artists read the book Swimmy in art class. In a 3-part class, children created this mural. First, they sponge painted a large paper. Then they traced fish stencils and decorated their fish with oil pastels. The third class they glued on their fish onto the mural and used white and blue oil pastels to add 'bubles' to the water.