Stop Motion Video Project

A few weeks ago, I attended a stop-motion video workshop that was taught by video artist Jenn Deafenbaugh of Itty Bitty Studios.  Mrs. Luker and I thought stop-motion videos would be a perfect project for our 4th grade Art Enrichment students.  I connected with Jenn and we discussed possible themes.  We decided to go with holiday greetings, which we thought had some really fun possibilities.  So, last week we got started brainstorming ideas.  The students divided themselves into four groups, as Jenn had 4 platforms to shoot videos on.  Each group came up with a message and concept, using letters and other props.

This week, we began shooting.  Jenn told the kids how stop motion works and how to take pictures using the Droid Galaxy's stop motion app.

Jenn Deafenbaugh demonstrating how the Droid Galaxy takes photos

Stop motion is a somewhat labor intensive process.  You can't move your objects too much, or they'll look like they are jumping around.  The idea is to make the objects look like they are moving on their own.  Jenn brought refrigerator magnet letters for the students to create messages and the students brought in items from home, such as small toys, ornaments, and pictures.  

Each time you take a picture, that creates a frame for the stop motion movie.  Students learned to wait for a "click" sound on the Droid Galaxy to know that a photo was taken.  

Students practicing taking photos and moving objects.

A student group working through the animation process.

Mrs. Luker looks on as students create their stop motion video

The students did a great job of working together on this project.  They had to take turns moving objects and taking the photos.  This project took a lot of patience, cooperation and of course, creativity.  I'll post the finished videos as soon as they are edited together.  

A New Year!

I'm a bit behind on posting for this year's art enrichment classes.  We began in early November and we've made a few changes this year.  In order to accomodate more students, we have split Art Enrichment up into two groups.  The first group will meet from November through January and the second group will meet from February through April.  Mrs. Luker and I are thrilled that there is such an interest in Art Enrichment, now that we are entering our fourth year of this after school program.  Breaking the students into two groups has allowed us to serve 46 students over the course of five months.

For our first class, we completed a getting to know you exercise.  I had students fill out a questionnaire that included questions such as, "What is your favorite artist?"  The students mentioned Vincent Van Gogh more than any other artist.

Our first project, is an altered puzzle which will hang in the art room at Plain City Elementary.

A student creating three-dimensional cut paper butterflies

Paint, paper, and other found objects working together.

Working through composition ideas and color choices.

Just like a regular puzzle, no two pieces are alike. 

We talked about artists who alter books and other media to create works of art.  Many of these artists take an unwanted or discarded book and creatively "upcycle" using paint and collage.  Each art enrichment student is creating a work of art using a giant puzzle piece, which will fit together to form a collaborative work.  I plan to photograph the finished puzzle and hope to have a printed copy for each student to hang at home.  More on that soon!