2025-26 Welcome to the art room!
Xin chào mọi người, Hola a todos, Hello everyone!
My name is Mrs. Thora Gray, students call me Mrs. Thora. I’m thrilled to be teaching art this year, bringing with me over a decade of experience in environmental arts education. My background blends creativity with nature and sustainability, covering everything from understanding our environment and caring for the Earth, to crafting with natural materials, growing food, and even cooking with what we grow.
This year, I’m excited to weave some of these earth-centered ideas into our art curriculum. I often think of art through the lens of STEAM education Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. There’s so much more to explore in the art room beyond just painting and drawing! My goal is to help students tap into their creativity while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
We kicked off the school year with some fun “getting to know each other” projects:
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Grades 3–5 started with “Nature Names”, which are currently displayed in the main hallway. Inspired by the Land Art movement of the 1960s and '70s, students ventured outside to explore our campus (or, as they say these days, to touch grass) and gather natural materials. They found seeds, leaves, sticks, stones, shells, dead bugs, even the jawbone of a small mammal! These treasures were used to construct their names in creative and meaningful ways.
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Grades K–2 worked collaboratively to create a school of fish, which now swims its way down the hallway toward the cafeteria and main office. It’s been a great opportunity to build community while learning about teamwork and creative expression.
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Kindergarten is focusing on building fine motor skills and following directions through a series of small, hands-on projects.
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Grades 1–5 are currently wrapping up their first major piece: a symbolic art project that starts with a list of 10 personal facts, drawn within a traced hand and forearm. These forms then evolve into trees with roots, interconnected by mycelium, just like the natural networks formed by mycorrhizal fungi (I can’t help but sneak in a little science, it’s who I am!). These powerful, beautiful pieces will be on display soon.
Looking ahead, I’m hoping to take over our campus garden space to grow materials we can use in future art projects. I'm always open to donations of items like:
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Toilet paper rolls
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Washed-out cans
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Plastic bottle caps
Thank you so much for taking the time to read! If you have any questions, ideas, or want to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out:
Warmly,
Mrs. Thora