ART K-5th & Middle School: World Art & Fiber Arts
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." -Pablo Picasso
I teach ART to Kindergarten through 5th grade and also teach middle school art elective classes of World Art and Fiber Arts. This is my 7th year at Independence Academy and I feel very blessed to be here. I was the Artist in Residence at Wingate Elementary School for 5 years prior to coming to IACS (K-5th).
I am originally from Pennsylvania but have lived in Colorado since 2001. I have two kids-Grant, a sophomore at CU, majoring in civil engineering and Paige is a senior at FMHS and is a talented artist. I love sewing, jewelry making, reading, traveling, hiking, biking, lifting/exercising and cooking. My love for traveling started when I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia in college. It was my first time on a plane!!!! I was hooked. Since then I have visited Fiji, Jamaica, Mexico, China, France, Italy, Spain and Japan. I also lead EF trips at IACS, with my last to JAPAN in March 2024. I will be leading an EF trip in March for spring break 2027 to Paris, Belgium and Amsterdam! This trip is open to all IACS 5th-8th graders along with friends and family. Contact me if you're interested in learning more! I've designed World Art to introduce kids to the cultures, artists, food, architecture, traditions in other countries.
WORLD ART- Students will learn about AUSTRALIA & GERMANY & SWEDEN in this hands-on art class where we study cultures from around the globe. Students develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation for different cultures (their food, holidays, traditions, architecture, fun/unusual facts) while creating art inspired by each country and their famous artists. Art making focuses on being introduced to many different art materials/techniques, as well as reflecting on our art. In Australia, we will learn about Aboriginal art, architecture of Sydney Opera House, study contemporary artist Pete Cromer and create bright animal art in his style. In Germany, we will learn about cuckoo clocks, Nutcrackers and create graffiti name art. We will study Swiss-German artist Paul Klee. In Sweden we will learn how dala horses are made, create our own, and learn about artist Claes Oldenburg and his large sculptures. We will also donate seasonal art to HopeWest and local nursing homes! Students will work on their own art piece independently in class on Thursdays. Come take a trip around the WORLD without leaving Grand Junction!
FIBER ARTS- In this hands-on art class, we will learn about textiles and fiber art! These processes may include: embroidery, sewing, felting, and weaving. Possible projects include: learning to use a sewing machine, embroider a canvas painting, plastic canvas stitching (Bargello), macrame or weaving wall hanging, and our IACS tradition of making a felted stuffie from a kindergartener’s drawing! Stuffie is then gifted to the student when finished. On Thursdays, students will work on their own art piece independently throughout the semester. If time allows, other possible projects may include clay earrings and sewn projects to donate to HopeWest and local nursing homes. Field trip to Suncrest Orchard Alpacas and Blue Pig Art Gallery.
My goal is to help kids find their creativity and use it to express themselves. I introduce many new art materials and give my students choice in materials as often as possible. I do a variety of project types, from guided drawing with the younger artists (to build confidence, teach them to follow directions) to open ended projects. I find this balance to be beneficial in building creative and confident artists. 2nd-5th graders will do a mix of guided art projects as well as TAB days where they can explore and create on their own. TAB is teaching artistic behavior and is a great way to build students' creativity! I'm excited to try this in my new elementary classes this year.
I love this job and feel blessed to teach art to incredible kids each day! Ellen Balzer
