|
|
Note: ICA offers free MDCPS student Portfolio Prep to 8th grade students and free weekend classes to MDCPS students 8 and up.
Art Exhibitions 26-27
Week 10 Quarter 1-
Handout- Drawing Lips
Video- Drawing Lips
Handout- Simple Shapes
10/13/2026 1:15 PM last call to upload student photos for credit (Note: students must inform teacher of new uploads to revise grade)
Instructional Reminder of how to upload images from student cell phone outside of school:
-Review previous years selected artists for Art in the Capitol and the Steam Expo
-Sketchbook- Begin drafting possible ideas for STEAM Exhibition- "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs"
-Review student work for possible Art in the Capitol Middle School Art Competition
Introduce: STEAM Project: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs
STEAM Expo Exhibition: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" A S TEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition STEAM Expo Theme: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" Miami-Dade County Public Schools Division Of Visual & performing Arts in collaboration with the Dept. Of Mathematics and Science and the Dept. of Career and Technical Education presents STEAM: Virtual and Beyond, a STEAM arts competition and exhibition for students K•12. This juried competition combines technology, engineering, architecture, math, visual arts, music, filmmaking, fashion, and performing arts, while encouraging innovation and creative risk-taking. Artwork should reflect the theme and integrate STEAM strategies that may include but are not limited to, robotic and engineering themes, code, and computer art, as well as interactive artworks that combine music, video, and 3-D printing
STEAM Cover Design due 10/22- (note: Cover Design must include Cody the Codebot) This competition is Open to all middle and high school students only
STEAM Exhibition artwork due 11/12
Introduce:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art in the Capitol Middle School Student Art Competition A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
This competition supports Florida House Bill 701. For more information regarding this House Bill, please visit the Florida Senate website.
- Open to students in grades 6 through 8 ONLY.
- All mediums, styles, and compositions are accepted.
- Artwork should be no larger than 28” x 28” x 4” thick.
- Artwork must include student name, grade, school and city in which the school is located.
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- Click HERE for additional information.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
Due Dates:
10/15/2026: Electronic Entries Due
Upcoming shows
STEAM Expo Exhibition: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" A S TEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition STEAM Expo Theme: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" Miami-Dade County Public Schools Division Of Visual & performing Arts in collaboration with the Dept. Of Mathematics and Science and the Dept. of Career and Technical Education presents STEAM: Virtual and Beyond, a STEAM arts competition and exhibition for students K•12. This juried competition combines technology, engineering, architecture, math, visual arts, music, filmmaking, fashion, and performing arts, while encouraging innovation and creative risk-taking. Artwork should reflect the theme and integrate STEAM strategies that may include but are not limited to, robotic and engineering themes, code, and computer art, as well as interactive artworks that combine music, video, and 3-D printing
STEAM Cover Design due 10/22- (note: Cover Design must include Cody the Codebot) This competition is Open to all middle and high school students only
STEAM Exhibition artwork due 11/12
Note: ICA offers free MDCPS student Portfolio Prep to 8th grade students and free weekend classes to MDCPS students 8 and up.
Art Exhibitions 26-27
Week 9 Quarter 1-
Note: (Revised) Wednesday 10/8 is the final push for Myth, Symbol, and Story and Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes
For Studio -Introduce/Review Due Wed. 10/8- Small Works Exhibition: Fragments into Form... The Art of Assemblage
Continue Review of Adobe Software
Continue Affinity Software Introduction
Note: This week students will continue to work on either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop
Video- Drawing the Nose
Handout-Nose Study
Weekly Sketchbook Activity- Practice Drawing Facial Features
Note: This week students will Finish either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop (Due 10/5)
-Finish Student Review/Discussion/Critique of Student Photos so far
-Review: Giuseppe-Arcimboldo, Paul Cezanne
-Introduce
Introduce Triptych Photo to tell a story-
Studio for small works and STEAM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduce:
Small Works Exhibition: Fragments into Form... The Art of Assemblage A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
Assemblage is an art form that transforms discarded and everyday materials into unified works of art. Inspired by the work of Louise Nevelson, who created monumental sculptures from found wooden objects, this exhibition explores how individual fragments can be arranged to form cohesive, expressive compositions. Nevelson’s work often used repetition, structure, and monochromatic color to bring harmony and meaning to materials that were once overlooked.
This exhibition invites students in grades K-12 to collect, organize, and assemble found or recycled materials into low-relief or bas-relief. Students are encouraged to experiment with composition, balance, and texture while considering how separate pieces can work together as a unified whole. Through layering, repetition, and thoughtful arrangement, students will transform fragments into meaningful forms that reflect personal ideas, environments, or abstract concepts.
- Wall hanging low-relief or wall hanging bas-relief, no larger than 9 x 12 inches
- Open to grades K-12
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- All artwork labels must be TYPED and adhered to the bottom right-hand corner.
- Use Artwork Label Format provided by the Division of Academics, Visual Arts Education Program Office.
- Artwork not representing the theme and size restrictions will not be considered for adjudication.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
-Due 10/8/26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guiding Hands, Creative Minds Exhibition (Student Submissions)A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
Presented by the M-DCPS Visual Arts Department and the Dade Art Educators Association in partnership with Barry University’s Andy Gato Gallery.
This curated exhibition celebrates the dynamic relationship between Miami-Dade County Public Schools art teachers and their students. Each teacher presents their own artwork alongside student pieces that reflect how the teacher’s personal style, medium, and creative practice inspire and influence their students. The show highlights the power of mentorship, creativity, and the lasting impact of passionate art education. This curated art exhibition highlights Barry University's effort to foster and promote community, creative expression, and art education by providing a platform for M-DCPS students and teachers bring their creative visions to life through this shared journey of expression.
- Open to grades K-12
- 2D and 3D Artwork
- Maximum Size limit 24” x 36”
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- All artwork labels must be TYPED, please adhere the label to the mat
- Use Artwork Label Format provided by the Division of Academics, Visual Arts Education Program Office
- Artwork not representing the theme will not be considered for adjudication.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries for student work per teacher/per school under the Guiding Hands, Creative Minds (Student Submissions) Exhibition
- ONLY 1 entry for teacher work, teachers must submit their work to the Guiding Hands, Creative Minds (Teacher Submissions) Authentic Assessment Exhibition
- Teachers will submit artworks for consideration consisting of one piece of teacher works alongside one to five student artworks. The student artworks are created under the guidance of the teacher.
- Absolutely NO uploaded submissions by students allowed.
- Open to all K-12 students enrolled in ALL visual arts course offerings.
- Electronic Release & Barry University Release Forms must be received.
Due Dates:
10/8/2026: Electronic Entries Due
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art in the Capitol Middle School Student Art Competition A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
This competition supports Florida House Bill 701. For more information regarding this House Bill, please visit the Florida Senate website.
- Open to students in grades 6 through 8 ONLY.
- All mediums, styles, and compositions are accepted.
- Artwork should be no larger than 28” x 28” x 4” thick.
- Artwork must include student name, grade, school and city in which the school is located.
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- Click HERE for additional information.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
Due Dates:
10/15/2026: Electronic Entries Due
Upcoming shows
STEAM Expo Exhibition: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" A S TEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition STEAM Expo Theme: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" Miami-Dade County Public Schools Division Of Visual & performing Arts in collaboration with the Dept. Of Mathematics and Science and the Dept. of Career and Technical Education presents STEAM: Virtual and Beyond, a STEAM arts competition and exhibition for students K•12. This juried competition combines technology, engineering, architecture, math, visual arts, music, filmmaking, fashion, and performing arts, while encouraging innovation and creative risk-taking. Artwork should reflect the theme and integrate STEAM strategies that may include but are not limited to, robotic and engineering themes, code, and computer art, as well as interactive artworks that combine music, video, and 3-D printing
STEAM Cover Design due 10/22- This competition is Open to all middle and high school students Only. Art Educators may submit student artw•ork jpeg images no larger than 8 MB in size for adjudication. SEudu.LdEijamu:.LLn.cl.ud2-C2dy-Eh2..CQdQQ!
STEAM Exhibition artwork due 11/12
Note: ICA offers free MDCPS student Portfolio Prep to 8th grade students and free weekend classes to MDCPS students 8 and up.
Art Exhibitions 26-27
Week 8 Quarter 1-
Continue Review of Adobe Software
Continue Affinity Software Introduction
Note: This week students will continue to work on either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop
Video- Drawing the Eye
Handout-Eye Study
Weekly Sketchbook Activity- Practice Drawing Eyes
Note: This week students will select either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop (Due 10/5)
Continue/Finish Student Review/Discussion/Critique of Student Photos so far
-Review Photos for Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
- Review Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-Review: Giuseppe-Arcimboldo, Paul Cezanne
Introduce Triptych Photo
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduce:
Small Works Exhibition: Fragments into Form... The Art of Assemblage A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
Assemblage is an art form that transforms discarded and everyday materials into unified works of art. Inspired by the work of Louise Nevelson, who created monumental sculptures from found wooden objects, this exhibition explores how individual fragments can be arranged to form cohesive, expressive compositions. Nevelson’s work often used repetition, structure, and monochromatic color to bring harmony and meaning to materials that were once overlooked.
This exhibition invites students in grades K-12 to collect, organize, and assemble found or recycled materials into low-relief or bas-relief. Students are encouraged to experiment with composition, balance, and texture while considering how separate pieces can work together as a unified whole. Through layering, repetition, and thoughtful arrangement, students will transform fragments into meaningful forms that reflect personal ideas, environments, or abstract concepts.
- Wall hanging low-relief or wall hanging bas-relief, no larger than 9 x 12 inches
- Open to grades K-12
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- All artwork labels must be TYPED and adhered to the bottom right-hand corner.
- Use Artwork Label Format provided by the Division of Academics, Visual Arts Education Program Office.
- Artwork not representing the theme and size restrictions will not be considered for adjudication.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
-Due 10/8/26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guiding Hands, Creative Minds Exhibition (Student Submissions)A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
Presented by the M-DCPS Visual Arts Department and the Dade Art Educators Association in partnership with Barry University’s Andy Gato Gallery.
This curated exhibition celebrates the dynamic relationship between Miami-Dade County Public Schools art teachers and their students. Each teacher presents their own artwork alongside student pieces that reflect how the teacher’s personal style, medium, and creative practice inspire and influence their students. The show highlights the power of mentorship, creativity, and the lasting impact of passionate art education. This curated art exhibition highlights Barry University's effort to foster and promote community, creative expression, and art education by providing a platform for M-DCPS students and teachers bring their creative visions to life through this shared journey of expression.
- Open to grades K-12
- 2D and 3D Artwork
- Maximum Size limit 24” x 36”
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- All artwork labels must be TYPED, please adhere the label to the mat
- Use Artwork Label Format provided by the Division of Academics, Visual Arts Education Program Office
- Artwork not representing the theme will not be considered for adjudication.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries for student work per teacher/per school under the Guiding Hands, Creative Minds (Student Submissions) Exhibition
- ONLY 1 entry for teacher work, teachers must submit their work to the Guiding Hands, Creative Minds (Teacher Submissions) Authentic Assessment Exhibition
- Teachers will submit artworks for consideration consisting of one piece of teacher works alongside one to five student artworks. The student artworks are created under the guidance of the teacher.
- Absolutely NO uploaded submissions by students allowed.
- Open to all K-12 students enrolled in ALL visual arts course offerings.
- Electronic Release & Barry University Release Forms must be received.
Due Dates:
10/8/2026: Electronic Entries Due
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art in the Capitol Middle School Student Art Competition A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
This competition supports Florida House Bill 701. For more information regarding this House Bill, please visit the Florida Senate website.
- Open to students in grades 6 through 8 ONLY.
- All mediums, styles, and compositions are accepted.
- Artwork should be no larger than 28” x 28” x 4” thick.
- Artwork must include student name, grade, school and city in which the school is located.
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- Click HERE for additional information.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
Due Dates:
10/15/2026: Electronic Entries Due
Week 7 Quarter 1- Note: No school on Monday 9/22/26
Note: This week students will select either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop
-Review Photos for Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
-Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 3
-Begin combining Character(s), Symbols, to tell a visual Story with Adobe Photoshop.
- Review Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-Review: Giuseppe-Arcimboldo, Paul Cezanne
-Finish taking photos Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-Introduce free Canva/Affinity software
Homework:
(25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
25 Photos-Up Close with Fruit and Vegetables (Archemboldo)Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit and other food)
-Video-Camera Angles- Birds Eye/Worms Eye Views
Week 6 Quarter 1-
Introduce/Review new project- Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
-25 Designing Archetypes- Myth, Symbol and Story photos due 9/14/26
-Video- Photo Skills
-Video-Camera Angles- Birds Eye/Worms Eye Views
All classes- photos from different angles, such as Worm’s Eye and Bird’s Eye views. Begin Archetypes and Legendary Characters shoot 25 photos of classmates posing as "heroes" from extreme low angles to make them look powerful. If time begin:
-Continue Photoshop introduction: Layering, Blending 2 images, selection tool (Remember: Always duplicate your layer) and Photoshop basics.
-If Time: begin miniature photoshoot
Homework:
-25 Designing Archetypes- Myth, Symbol and Story photos due 9/14/26
-Sketchbook Background due 9/14/26
Days 3,4-
Review Video-Camera Angles- Birds Eye/Worms Eye Views
Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 2
-Introduce Photoshop Skills, Layering, Text, Color on blank layer (Remember always duplicate your layers)
Option-Think about a first responders role in your life and how you could visually tell their Myth, Symbol, and Story for our upcoming project
Review new project- Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
Begin/Continue Archetypes and Legendary Characters shoot 25 photos of classmates posing as "heroes" from extreme low angles to make them look powerful and larger than life, head on, to overhead views. UPCOMING Begin photo sessions with fruit theme. Introduce artists Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Paul Cézanne.
Homework:
25 Photos-Up Close with Fruit and Vegetables (Archemboldo) Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit and other food items)
-6th grade include a selfie
-Sketchbook Background due 9/14/26
Day 5-
-Review Photos for Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
-Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 3
-Begin combining Character(s), Symbols, to tell a visual Story with Adobe Photoshop.
- Introduce Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-Introduce Artists: Giuseppe-Arcimboldo, Paul Cezanne
-Begin taking photos Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-If time introduce free Canva/Affinity software
Homework:
(25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
Weeks 5 Quarter 1-
Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
Congratulations to 7th grader Alondra Nunez and 8th grader Eileen Escanell!
Days 1,2-
Finish up Hispanic Heritage ideas. Review what makes a good photo. Photo Discussions.
Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 1.
Introduce new project- Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
-25 Designing Archetypes- Myth, Symbol and Story photos due 9/14/26
All classes- photos from different angles, such as Worm’s Eye and Bird’s Eye views. Begin Archetypes and Legendary Characters shoot 25 photos of classmates posing as "heroes" from extreme low angles to make them look powerful. If time begin:
6th grade in class selfie. Layering (Remember: Always duplicate your layer) and Photoshop basics.
7th grade portrait basics.
8th grade ring lighting.
Homework:
-25 Designing Archetypes- Myth, Symbol and Story photos due 9/14/26
-Sketchbook Background due 9/14/26
Days 3,4-
Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 2
-Introduce/Review Photoshop Skills, Layering, Text, Color on blank layer (Remember always duplicate your layers)
Patriot Day/Heroes Day Poster Project-Think about a first responders role in your life and how you could visually tell their Myth, Symbol, and Story as described in our upcoming project. Using the web students are to create their own poster celebrating first responders and tell their visually tell their Myth, Symbol, and Story
First Responders
Students are to design a Every Day Heroes poster to celebrate first-responder heroes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review new project- Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
Begin/Continue Archetypes and Legendary Characters shoot 25 photos of classmates posing as "heroes" from extreme low angles to make them look powerful and larger than life, head on, to overhead views. UPCOMING Begin photo sessions with fruit theme. Introduce artists Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Paul Cézanne.
Homework:
25 Photos-Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery due 9/14/26
-6th grade include a selfie
-Sketchbook Background due 9/14/26
UPCOMING:
-Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 3
-Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit and other food items)
Archetypes and Legendary Characters - Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes
Week 4 Quarter 1- (Note: Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Submissions due 9/3/26)
Day 1, 2, 3
-Make sure all students have created their own folder in MS OneDrive and shared it with me as "Can View"
STEPS: goto your student portal--> goto MS Office --> goto Onedrive--> Click "create or upload" (blue oval in upper left)--> Create a new folder--> Name folder "26-27-your Period #-CAT-Your First and Last Name--> Share with me -->-Can Edit access-->Copy any files you want to keep from previous years into this folder:
To Copy files from Teams to your OneDrive folder--->click and drag the images you want to select--> left click and select move to---> Move the files to your newly Created CAT folder
Watch Video- 5 Photography Composition Tips
-Show students examples
Review Student HH theme Photos
-Review Previous years Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
-Hispanic Heritage
-Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
-continue Hispanic Heritage Layering Activity/25 Photos
-Due to limited time discuss/assign art shows/activity that students will try to participate in
Review Video- Pencil Drawing Techniques
Begin Handout- Cross Hatching, Contour Line Video- Pencil Drawing Techniques
-Students are to open one of their favorite images that they have created in Photoshop and share with the teacher
-Review upcoming art shows or possible student art exhibitions:
-Select art show/activity that students will try to participate in
Review Stippling Techniques:
-Introduce how to turnc a Photo into a Halftone Pattern Effect
-Have students open one of their favorite images and try this effect
-Also note that students can do this with a custom paint brush
Homework: (Note: Periods 4 and 6 will officially be assigned this on Wednesday)
(Sketchbook Assignment) Based on your favorite Hispanic Heritage photo from the 25 photos assignment practice Contour Line and Cross Hatching- Cross Hatching, Contour Line Video- Pencil Drawing Techniques-
See Reference : Drawing Value Scale
Days 4,5-
-Introduce/Review Layering in Photoshop (Remember- Always Duplicate your Layer)
-Open your favorite Hispanic Heritage Photo(s) and begin blending to create a photo montage
-Daily skill- Video-Magic Wand Tool (Also Review the selection tool)
-Go to the teacher website: www.eduk8.org:
-Download/Open the C@T Image1-001 to practice our daily skill
-Use the Magic Wand Tool -to remove the blue canvas and insert an image (yourself-gradebook image) with a filter/effect
(remember- always duplicate your layers before doing anything else----- When finished save the image in your newly created folder)
Homework: (Note: Periods 4 and 6 will officially be assigned this on Wednesday)
(Sketchbook Assignment) Based on your favorite Hispanic Heritage photo from the 25 photos assignment practice Contour Line and Cross Hatching- Cross Hatching, Contour Line Video- Pencil Drawing Techniques-
See Reference : Drawing Value Scale
Week 3 Quarter 1- Note: FAST PM1 Testing on Monday and Tuesday may affect this schedule
-Review Previous years Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
-Hispanic Heritage
-Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
-Introduce Hispanic Heritage Layering Activity/25 Photos
-Introduce Photo Studio
-Begin Hispanic Heritage Photo Shoot
-Have students make digital folders
-Introduce Adobe Photoshop
-Begin Adobe Photoshop skills
-Sketchbook activity
Homework:
25 Photos Hispanic Heritage Photography Scavenger Hunt: "Unidos, Somos Más (Together, We Are More)”
Note: Students may focus on any one of these categories for their 25 photos or a combination of categories to attain their 25 photos.
Category 1: Hands, Gestures & Human Connection
01. Interlocking Hands: Two or more hands clasped, fingers woven together, or arms linked across the frame to symbolize solidarity.
02. The Working Hands: Close-up of hands actively making or preparing something (rolling dough, braiding hair, carving, painting, planting).
03. Generations Together: A visual comparison or connection between hands or profiles of different ages (e.g., elder and youth).
04. Overlapping Silhouette Profiles: Two classmates or family members posed in profile against a bright light source to create high-contrast contour outlines.
05. Reaching Inward: Multiple hands reaching from different corners of the frame toward a single central object.
Category 2: Traditional Artifacts & Cultural Staples
06. Woven Textiles: A close-up macro shot of a rebozo, sarape, huipil, or woven blanket showing how individual threads unite into a strong pattern.
07. Traditional Cookware & Kitchen Tools: A molcajete, comal, tortillero, cazuela de barro, or wooden molinillo.
08. Folk Art & Sculptural Objects: An alebrije, Talavera tile, clay figure, or hand-painted wooden toy.
09. Interconnected Papel Picado: A string of cut-paper flags hanging together, emphasizing how the string links distinct designs.
10. Musical Heritage: An acoustic guitar, maracas, güiro, claves, or cajón that contributes to a shared rhythm.
Category 3: Flora, Growth & Natural Metaphors
11. Intertwined Roots or Vines: Tree roots merging into the ground or multiple stems twisting together into a single trunk.
12. Resilience in Flora: A close-up of a nopal (prickly pear cactus), agave, or dahlia showing distinct pads/petals branching from one foundation.
13. Collective Wings (The Monarch): Butterfly wings, feathers, or layered leaves arranged in an overlapping pattern mimicking migration.
14. Shared Harvest: A grouping of cultural staple foods clustered together (ears of corn/maize, beans, limes, pomegranates, or avocados).
15. High-Contrast Sun & Shadow (Luz y Sombra): A dramatic shadow cast on a wall or ground that yields clean, traceable silhouette lines.
Category 4: Community, Movement & Everyday Culture
16. Shoulder-to-Shoulder Stance: A low-angle shot of two or three people standing side-by-side, projecting strength and resolve.
17. Rhythmic Motion: Movement captured in cloth (such as a folklórico skirt swirl), feet mid-dance, or athletic motion.
18. Shared Pastime: A game of Lotería cards laid out in a grid, dominoes lined up end-to-end, or a soccer ball at rest between players.
19. Cultural Typography & Murals: Hand-painted signs, bilingual lettering, or local community murals displaying words of unity.
20. The Welcoming Threshold: An open doorway, gate, or window framed by architectural details, symbolizing inclusion.
Category 5: Structural Patterns & Abstract Unity
21. Interlocking Geometry: Brickwork, pavers, wrought-iron grillwork (rejas), or woven basketry where separate units form a solid plane.
22. Radial Symmetry: An object radiating outward from a single focal point (e.g., wheel spokes, flower petals, sunburst motif).
23. Mirrored Balance: Two complementary objects placed symmetrically across the frame.
24. Triad of Cultural Color: An everyday scene capturing three vibrant, harmonious colors in one frame (e.g., marigold yellow, terracotta, turquoise).
25. The Common Thread: A single continuous string, ribbon, or path that winds through disparate objects in the frame to tie them together
Week 2 Quarter 1
Day 1-
Review- 2-D Studio Art 2-Syllabus
Discuss procedures for room 601.
Art Class First Full Day Survey
Discuss Hispanic Heritage Artists
Discovery Ed. Hispanic Heritage Month
HispanicHeritageMonth.gov
--Gallery 1 — National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (nationalcouncilhepm.com)
Review Previous years Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
Students begin spray painting techniques on paper for Hispanic Heritage
Artwork due 9/3/2026 Hispanic Heritage Exhibition
Some- Hispanic Pioneers
Day 3-
Review- CAT Syllabus
Discuss Hispanic Heritage Artists
Discovery Ed. Hispanic Heritage Month
HispanicHeritageMonth.gov
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
Artwork due 9/3/2026 Hispanic Heritage Exhibition
Some- Hispanic Pioneers
If time: If time:
-Watch Video- Composition Techniques
-Introduce Texture- video Texture
Day 5- Handout week 2-Texture- video Texture
Discuss Hispanic Heritage Artists
Discovery Ed. Hispanic Heritage Month
HispanicHeritageMonth.gov
--Gallery 1 — National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (nationalcouncilhepm.com)
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
Artwork due 9/3/2026 Hispanic Heritage Exhibition
Some- Hispanic Pioneers
-Photo Basics
-Sketchbook prep
-Sketchbook Assignments
-Rubric
-V.A.68 Item Specs/Benchmarks
(UPCOMING)
Hispanic Heritage Layering Activity/25 Photos
Remember: Canva's Affinity Software is free to all MDCPS Students
-Have all students download Canva Affinity free software on school computers
-Introduce- How to create a halftone effect in Affinity Photo
Benchmark (s):
VA.68.C.3.3 Use analytical skills to understand meaning and explain connections with other contexts.
VA.68.S.1.3
VA.68.H.1.3
VA.68.C.1.2 Use visual evidence and prior knowledge to reflect on multiple interpretations of works of art.
Week 1 Quarter 1
Day 1-
Discuss what art is.
Discuss- CAT Syllabus
Discuss procedures for room 601.
Day 2-
Review- CAT Syllabus
Discuss procedures for room 601.
Art Class First Full Day Survey
If time:
Tour room 601
Introduce Acrylic Spray paint technique with textures
Discuss Hispanic Heritage Artists
Discovery Ed. Hispanic Heritage Month
HispanicHeritageMonth.gov
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
Artwork due 9/3/2026 Hispanic Heritage Exhibition
Benchmark (s):
VA.68.C.3.3 Use analytical skills to understand meaning and explain connections with other contexts.
VA.68.S.1.3
VA.68.H.1.3
VA.68.C.1.2 Use visual evidence and prior knowledge to reflect on multiple interpretations of works of art.
-Photo Basics
-Sketchbook prep
-Sketchbook Assignments
-Rubric
-V.A.68 Item Specs/Benchmarks
_______________________________________________________________________
Note: Lessons/activities/homework are subject to change at the teacher's discretion.
Art Exhibitions 26-27
Week 10 Quarter 1-
Handout- Drawing Lips
Video- Drawing Lips
Handout- Simple Shapes
10/13/2026 1:15 PM last call to upload student photos for credit (Note: students must inform teacher of new uploads to revise grade)
Instructional Reminder of how to upload images from student cell phone outside of school:
- Open the OneDrive app.
- Open your 26-27_Period #_YourNAME folder
- Tap the + icon or Upload option.
- Select the photos you want to upload from your gallery.
- click upload
-Review previous years selected artists for Art in the Capitol and the Steam Expo
-Sketchbook- Begin drafting possible ideas for STEAM Exhibition- "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs"
-Review student work for possible Art in the Capitol Middle School Art Competition
Introduce: STEAM Project: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs
STEAM Expo Exhibition: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" A S TEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition STEAM Expo Theme: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" Miami-Dade County Public Schools Division Of Visual & performing Arts in collaboration with the Dept. Of Mathematics and Science and the Dept. of Career and Technical Education presents STEAM: Virtual and Beyond, a STEAM arts competition and exhibition for students K•12. This juried competition combines technology, engineering, architecture, math, visual arts, music, filmmaking, fashion, and performing arts, while encouraging innovation and creative risk-taking. Artwork should reflect the theme and integrate STEAM strategies that may include but are not limited to, robotic and engineering themes, code, and computer art, as well as interactive artworks that combine music, video, and 3-D printing
STEAM Cover Design due 10/22- (note: Cover Design must include Cody the Codebot) This competition is Open to all middle and high school students only
STEAM Exhibition artwork due 11/12
Introduce:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art in the Capitol Middle School Student Art Competition A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
This competition supports Florida House Bill 701. For more information regarding this House Bill, please visit the Florida Senate website.
- Open to students in grades 6 through 8 ONLY.
- All mediums, styles, and compositions are accepted.
- Artwork should be no larger than 28” x 28” x 4” thick.
- Artwork must include student name, grade, school and city in which the school is located.
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- Click HERE for additional information.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
Due Dates:
10/15/2026: Electronic Entries Due
Upcoming shows
STEAM Expo Exhibition: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" A S TEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition STEAM Expo Theme: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" Miami-Dade County Public Schools Division Of Visual & performing Arts in collaboration with the Dept. Of Mathematics and Science and the Dept. of Career and Technical Education presents STEAM: Virtual and Beyond, a STEAM arts competition and exhibition for students K•12. This juried competition combines technology, engineering, architecture, math, visual arts, music, filmmaking, fashion, and performing arts, while encouraging innovation and creative risk-taking. Artwork should reflect the theme and integrate STEAM strategies that may include but are not limited to, robotic and engineering themes, code, and computer art, as well as interactive artworks that combine music, video, and 3-D printing
STEAM Cover Design due 10/22- (note: Cover Design must include Cody the Codebot) This competition is Open to all middle and high school students only
STEAM Exhibition artwork due 11/12
Note: ICA offers free MDCPS student Portfolio Prep to 8th grade students and free weekend classes to MDCPS students 8 and up.
Art Exhibitions 26-27
Week 9 Quarter 1-
Note: (Revised) Wednesday 10/8 is the final push for Myth, Symbol, and Story and Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes
For Studio -Introduce/Review Due Wed. 10/8- Small Works Exhibition: Fragments into Form... The Art of Assemblage
Continue Review of Adobe Software
Continue Affinity Software Introduction
Note: This week students will continue to work on either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop
Video- Drawing the Nose
Handout-Nose Study
Weekly Sketchbook Activity- Practice Drawing Facial Features
Note: This week students will Finish either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop (Due 10/5)
-Finish Student Review/Discussion/Critique of Student Photos so far
-Review: Giuseppe-Arcimboldo, Paul Cezanne
-Introduce
Introduce Triptych Photo to tell a story-
- A triptych photo is a creative photography format that consists of three interconnected images. Each image in a triptych works together to tell a story or convey a theme, much like a narrative divided into three parts. This format allows for a unique visual experience, as the images can complement each other through composition, color, or subject matter. Key Features of Triptych Photography Tips for Creating Triptychs
- Storytelling: Each image contributes to a larger narrative, enhancing the viewer's understanding.
- Composition: The arrangement of the three images can create a dynamic visual flow.
- Themes: Common themes include time, seasons, or contrasting emotions.
- Choose a Theme: Decide on a story or concept to guide your images.
- Maintain Consistency: Use similar colors, lighting, or subjects across the three photos to create harmony.
- Experiment with Angles: Different perspectives can add depth to the narrative.
Studio for small works and STEAM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduce:
Small Works Exhibition: Fragments into Form... The Art of Assemblage A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
Assemblage is an art form that transforms discarded and everyday materials into unified works of art. Inspired by the work of Louise Nevelson, who created monumental sculptures from found wooden objects, this exhibition explores how individual fragments can be arranged to form cohesive, expressive compositions. Nevelson’s work often used repetition, structure, and monochromatic color to bring harmony and meaning to materials that were once overlooked.
This exhibition invites students in grades K-12 to collect, organize, and assemble found or recycled materials into low-relief or bas-relief. Students are encouraged to experiment with composition, balance, and texture while considering how separate pieces can work together as a unified whole. Through layering, repetition, and thoughtful arrangement, students will transform fragments into meaningful forms that reflect personal ideas, environments, or abstract concepts.
- Wall hanging low-relief or wall hanging bas-relief, no larger than 9 x 12 inches
- Open to grades K-12
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- All artwork labels must be TYPED and adhered to the bottom right-hand corner.
- Use Artwork Label Format provided by the Division of Academics, Visual Arts Education Program Office.
- Artwork not representing the theme and size restrictions will not be considered for adjudication.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
-Due 10/8/26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guiding Hands, Creative Minds Exhibition (Student Submissions)A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
Presented by the M-DCPS Visual Arts Department and the Dade Art Educators Association in partnership with Barry University’s Andy Gato Gallery.
This curated exhibition celebrates the dynamic relationship between Miami-Dade County Public Schools art teachers and their students. Each teacher presents their own artwork alongside student pieces that reflect how the teacher’s personal style, medium, and creative practice inspire and influence their students. The show highlights the power of mentorship, creativity, and the lasting impact of passionate art education. This curated art exhibition highlights Barry University's effort to foster and promote community, creative expression, and art education by providing a platform for M-DCPS students and teachers bring their creative visions to life through this shared journey of expression.
- Open to grades K-12
- 2D and 3D Artwork
- Maximum Size limit 24” x 36”
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- All artwork labels must be TYPED, please adhere the label to the mat
- Use Artwork Label Format provided by the Division of Academics, Visual Arts Education Program Office
- Artwork not representing the theme will not be considered for adjudication.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries for student work per teacher/per school under the Guiding Hands, Creative Minds (Student Submissions) Exhibition
- ONLY 1 entry for teacher work, teachers must submit their work to the Guiding Hands, Creative Minds (Teacher Submissions) Authentic Assessment Exhibition
- Teachers will submit artworks for consideration consisting of one piece of teacher works alongside one to five student artworks. The student artworks are created under the guidance of the teacher.
- Absolutely NO uploaded submissions by students allowed.
- Open to all K-12 students enrolled in ALL visual arts course offerings.
- Electronic Release & Barry University Release Forms must be received.
Due Dates:
10/8/2026: Electronic Entries Due
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art in the Capitol Middle School Student Art Competition A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
This competition supports Florida House Bill 701. For more information regarding this House Bill, please visit the Florida Senate website.
- Open to students in grades 6 through 8 ONLY.
- All mediums, styles, and compositions are accepted.
- Artwork should be no larger than 28” x 28” x 4” thick.
- Artwork must include student name, grade, school and city in which the school is located.
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- Click HERE for additional information.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
Due Dates:
10/15/2026: Electronic Entries Due
Upcoming shows
STEAM Expo Exhibition: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" A S TEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition STEAM Expo Theme: "Minds in Motion: From Big Ideas to Breakthroughs" Miami-Dade County Public Schools Division Of Visual & performing Arts in collaboration with the Dept. Of Mathematics and Science and the Dept. of Career and Technical Education presents STEAM: Virtual and Beyond, a STEAM arts competition and exhibition for students K•12. This juried competition combines technology, engineering, architecture, math, visual arts, music, filmmaking, fashion, and performing arts, while encouraging innovation and creative risk-taking. Artwork should reflect the theme and integrate STEAM strategies that may include but are not limited to, robotic and engineering themes, code, and computer art, as well as interactive artworks that combine music, video, and 3-D printing
STEAM Cover Design due 10/22- This competition is Open to all middle and high school students Only. Art Educators may submit student artw•ork jpeg images no larger than 8 MB in size for adjudication. SEudu.LdEijamu:.LLn.cl.ud2-C2dy-Eh2..CQdQQ!
STEAM Exhibition artwork due 11/12
Note: ICA offers free MDCPS student Portfolio Prep to 8th grade students and free weekend classes to MDCPS students 8 and up.
Art Exhibitions 26-27
Week 8 Quarter 1-
Continue Review of Adobe Software
Continue Affinity Software Introduction
Note: This week students will continue to work on either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop
Video- Drawing the Eye
Handout-Eye Study
Weekly Sketchbook Activity- Practice Drawing Eyes
Note: This week students will select either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop (Due 10/5)
Continue/Finish Student Review/Discussion/Critique of Student Photos so far
-Review Photos for Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
- Review Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-Review: Giuseppe-Arcimboldo, Paul Cezanne
Introduce Triptych Photo
- A triptych photo is a creative photography format that consists of three interconnected images. Each image in a triptych works together to tell a story or convey a theme, much like a narrative divided into three parts. This format allows for a unique visual experience, as the images can complement each other through composition, color, or subject matter.Key Features of Triptych PhotographyTips for Creating Triptychs
- Storytelling: Each image contributes to a larger narrative, enhancing the viewer's understanding.
- Composition: The arrangement of the three images can create a dynamic visual flow.
- Themes: Common themes include time, seasons, or contrasting emotions.
- Choose a Theme: Decide on a story or concept to guide your images.
- Maintain Consistency: Use similar colors, lighting, or subjects across the three photos to create harmony.
- Experiment with Angles: Different perspectives can add depth to the narrative.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduce:
Small Works Exhibition: Fragments into Form... The Art of Assemblage A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
Assemblage is an art form that transforms discarded and everyday materials into unified works of art. Inspired by the work of Louise Nevelson, who created monumental sculptures from found wooden objects, this exhibition explores how individual fragments can be arranged to form cohesive, expressive compositions. Nevelson’s work often used repetition, structure, and monochromatic color to bring harmony and meaning to materials that were once overlooked.
This exhibition invites students in grades K-12 to collect, organize, and assemble found or recycled materials into low-relief or bas-relief. Students are encouraged to experiment with composition, balance, and texture while considering how separate pieces can work together as a unified whole. Through layering, repetition, and thoughtful arrangement, students will transform fragments into meaningful forms that reflect personal ideas, environments, or abstract concepts.
- Wall hanging low-relief or wall hanging bas-relief, no larger than 9 x 12 inches
- Open to grades K-12
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- All artwork labels must be TYPED and adhered to the bottom right-hand corner.
- Use Artwork Label Format provided by the Division of Academics, Visual Arts Education Program Office.
- Artwork not representing the theme and size restrictions will not be considered for adjudication.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
-Due 10/8/26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guiding Hands, Creative Minds Exhibition (Student Submissions)A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
Presented by the M-DCPS Visual Arts Department and the Dade Art Educators Association in partnership with Barry University’s Andy Gato Gallery.
This curated exhibition celebrates the dynamic relationship between Miami-Dade County Public Schools art teachers and their students. Each teacher presents their own artwork alongside student pieces that reflect how the teacher’s personal style, medium, and creative practice inspire and influence their students. The show highlights the power of mentorship, creativity, and the lasting impact of passionate art education. This curated art exhibition highlights Barry University's effort to foster and promote community, creative expression, and art education by providing a platform for M-DCPS students and teachers bring their creative visions to life through this shared journey of expression.
- Open to grades K-12
- 2D and 3D Artwork
- Maximum Size limit 24” x 36”
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- All artwork labels must be TYPED, please adhere the label to the mat
- Use Artwork Label Format provided by the Division of Academics, Visual Arts Education Program Office
- Artwork not representing the theme will not be considered for adjudication.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries for student work per teacher/per school under the Guiding Hands, Creative Minds (Student Submissions) Exhibition
- ONLY 1 entry for teacher work, teachers must submit their work to the Guiding Hands, Creative Minds (Teacher Submissions) Authentic Assessment Exhibition
- Teachers will submit artworks for consideration consisting of one piece of teacher works alongside one to five student artworks. The student artworks are created under the guidance of the teacher.
- Absolutely NO uploaded submissions by students allowed.
- Open to all K-12 students enrolled in ALL visual arts course offerings.
- Electronic Release & Barry University Release Forms must be received.
Due Dates:
10/8/2026: Electronic Entries Due
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art in the Capitol Middle School Student Art Competition A STEAM Authentic Assessment Exhibition
This competition supports Florida House Bill 701. For more information regarding this House Bill, please visit the Florida Senate website.
- Open to students in grades 6 through 8 ONLY.
- All mediums, styles, and compositions are accepted.
- Artwork should be no larger than 28” x 28” x 4” thick.
- Artwork must include student name, grade, school and city in which the school is located.
- Artwork should be submitted electronically as a JPEG image (no larger than 3.32 MB) through the M-DCPS Authentic Assessment On-line Submission Platform
- Click HERE for additional information.
Please note & adhere to the following:
- ONLY 5 entries per teacher/per school.
Due Dates:
10/15/2026: Electronic Entries Due
Week 7 Quarter 1- Note: No school on Monday 9/22/26
Note: This week students will select either Myth, Symbol, and Story or Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes to work on in Adobe Photoshop
-Review Photos for Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
-Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 3
-Begin combining Character(s), Symbols, to tell a visual Story with Adobe Photoshop.
- Review Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-Review: Giuseppe-Arcimboldo, Paul Cezanne
-Finish taking photos Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-Introduce free Canva/Affinity software
Homework:
(25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
25 Photos-Up Close with Fruit and Vegetables (Archemboldo)Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit and other food)
-Video-Camera Angles- Birds Eye/Worms Eye Views
Week 6 Quarter 1-
Introduce/Review new project- Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
-25 Designing Archetypes- Myth, Symbol and Story photos due 9/14/26
-Video- Photo Skills
-Video-Camera Angles- Birds Eye/Worms Eye Views
All classes- photos from different angles, such as Worm’s Eye and Bird’s Eye views. Begin Archetypes and Legendary Characters shoot 25 photos of classmates posing as "heroes" from extreme low angles to make them look powerful. If time begin:
-Continue Photoshop introduction: Layering, Blending 2 images, selection tool (Remember: Always duplicate your layer) and Photoshop basics.
-If Time: begin miniature photoshoot
Homework:
-25 Designing Archetypes- Myth, Symbol and Story photos due 9/14/26
-Sketchbook Background due 9/14/26
Days 3,4-
Review Video-Camera Angles- Birds Eye/Worms Eye Views
Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 2
-Introduce Photoshop Skills, Layering, Text, Color on blank layer (Remember always duplicate your layers)
Option-Think about a first responders role in your life and how you could visually tell their Myth, Symbol, and Story for our upcoming project
Review new project- Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
Begin/Continue Archetypes and Legendary Characters shoot 25 photos of classmates posing as "heroes" from extreme low angles to make them look powerful and larger than life, head on, to overhead views. UPCOMING Begin photo sessions with fruit theme. Introduce artists Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Paul Cézanne.
Homework:
25 Photos-Up Close with Fruit and Vegetables (Archemboldo) Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit and other food items)
-6th grade include a selfie
-Sketchbook Background due 9/14/26
Day 5-
-Review Photos for Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
-Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 3
-Begin combining Character(s), Symbols, to tell a visual Story with Adobe Photoshop.
- Introduce Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-Introduce Artists: Giuseppe-Arcimboldo, Paul Cezanne
-Begin taking photos Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
-If time introduce free Canva/Affinity software
Homework:
(25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit, vegetables and other food items)
Weeks 5 Quarter 1-
Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
Congratulations to 7th grader Alondra Nunez and 8th grader Eileen Escanell!
Days 1,2-
Finish up Hispanic Heritage ideas. Review what makes a good photo. Photo Discussions.
Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 1.
Introduce new project- Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
-25 Designing Archetypes- Myth, Symbol and Story photos due 9/14/26
All classes- photos from different angles, such as Worm’s Eye and Bird’s Eye views. Begin Archetypes and Legendary Characters shoot 25 photos of classmates posing as "heroes" from extreme low angles to make them look powerful. If time begin:
6th grade in class selfie. Layering (Remember: Always duplicate your layer) and Photoshop basics.
7th grade portrait basics.
8th grade ring lighting.
Homework:
-25 Designing Archetypes- Myth, Symbol and Story photos due 9/14/26
-Sketchbook Background due 9/14/26
Days 3,4-
Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 2
-Introduce/Review Photoshop Skills, Layering, Text, Color on blank layer (Remember always duplicate your layers)
Patriot Day/Heroes Day Poster Project-Think about a first responders role in your life and how you could visually tell their Myth, Symbol, and Story as described in our upcoming project. Using the web students are to create their own poster celebrating first responders and tell their visually tell their Myth, Symbol, and Story
First Responders
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs): Provide medical care and transport patients.
- Paramedics: Offer advanced medical care, including administering medications and performing advanced procedures.
- Firefighters: Respond to fires and rescue operations, often providing medical assistance as well.
- Law Enforcement Officers: Ensure public safety, manage the scene, and provide support during emergencies.
Students are to design a Every Day Heroes poster to celebrate first-responder heroes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review new project- Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery
Begin/Continue Archetypes and Legendary Characters shoot 25 photos of classmates posing as "heroes" from extreme low angles to make them look powerful and larger than life, head on, to overhead views. UPCOMING Begin photo sessions with fruit theme. Introduce artists Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Paul Cézanne.
Homework:
25 Photos-Myth, Symbol, and Story – Designing Archetypes for the MIA Gallery due 9/14/26
-6th grade include a selfie
-Sketchbook Background due 9/14/26
UPCOMING:
-Video- Adobe Photoshop Basics Part 3
-Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes (25 photos of fruit and other food items)
Archetypes and Legendary Characters - Beyond the Plate... Feast for the Eyes
Week 4 Quarter 1- (Note: Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Submissions due 9/3/26)
Day 1, 2, 3
-Make sure all students have created their own folder in MS OneDrive and shared it with me as "Can View"
STEPS: goto your student portal--> goto MS Office --> goto Onedrive--> Click "create or upload" (blue oval in upper left)--> Create a new folder--> Name folder "26-27-your Period #-CAT-Your First and Last Name--> Share with me -->-Can Edit access-->Copy any files you want to keep from previous years into this folder:
To Copy files from Teams to your OneDrive folder--->click and drag the images you want to select--> left click and select move to---> Move the files to your newly Created CAT folder
Watch Video- 5 Photography Composition Tips
-Show students examples
Review Student HH theme Photos
-Review Previous years Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
-Hispanic Heritage
-Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
-continue Hispanic Heritage Layering Activity/25 Photos
-Due to limited time discuss/assign art shows/activity that students will try to participate in
Review Video- Pencil Drawing Techniques
Begin Handout- Cross Hatching, Contour Line Video- Pencil Drawing Techniques
-Students are to open one of their favorite images that they have created in Photoshop and share with the teacher
-Review upcoming art shows or possible student art exhibitions:
-Select art show/activity that students will try to participate in
Review Stippling Techniques:
-Introduce how to turnc a Photo into a Halftone Pattern Effect
-Have students open one of their favorite images and try this effect
-Also note that students can do this with a custom paint brush
Homework: (Note: Periods 4 and 6 will officially be assigned this on Wednesday)
(Sketchbook Assignment) Based on your favorite Hispanic Heritage photo from the 25 photos assignment practice Contour Line and Cross Hatching- Cross Hatching, Contour Line Video- Pencil Drawing Techniques-
See Reference : Drawing Value Scale
Days 4,5-
-Introduce/Review Layering in Photoshop (Remember- Always Duplicate your Layer)
-Open your favorite Hispanic Heritage Photo(s) and begin blending to create a photo montage
-Daily skill- Video-Magic Wand Tool (Also Review the selection tool)
-Go to the teacher website: www.eduk8.org:
-Download/Open the C@T Image1-001 to practice our daily skill
-Use the Magic Wand Tool -to remove the blue canvas and insert an image (yourself-gradebook image) with a filter/effect
(remember- always duplicate your layers before doing anything else----- When finished save the image in your newly created folder)
Homework: (Note: Periods 4 and 6 will officially be assigned this on Wednesday)
(Sketchbook Assignment) Based on your favorite Hispanic Heritage photo from the 25 photos assignment practice Contour Line and Cross Hatching- Cross Hatching, Contour Line Video- Pencil Drawing Techniques-
See Reference : Drawing Value Scale
Week 3 Quarter 1- Note: FAST PM1 Testing on Monday and Tuesday may affect this schedule
-Review Previous years Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
-Hispanic Heritage
-Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
-Introduce Hispanic Heritage Layering Activity/25 Photos
-Introduce Photo Studio
-Begin Hispanic Heritage Photo Shoot
-Have students make digital folders
-Introduce Adobe Photoshop
-Begin Adobe Photoshop skills
-Sketchbook activity
Homework:
25 Photos Hispanic Heritage Photography Scavenger Hunt: "Unidos, Somos Más (Together, We Are More)”
Note: Students may focus on any one of these categories for their 25 photos or a combination of categories to attain their 25 photos.
Category 1: Hands, Gestures & Human Connection
01. Interlocking Hands: Two or more hands clasped, fingers woven together, or arms linked across the frame to symbolize solidarity.
02. The Working Hands: Close-up of hands actively making or preparing something (rolling dough, braiding hair, carving, painting, planting).
03. Generations Together: A visual comparison or connection between hands or profiles of different ages (e.g., elder and youth).
04. Overlapping Silhouette Profiles: Two classmates or family members posed in profile against a bright light source to create high-contrast contour outlines.
05. Reaching Inward: Multiple hands reaching from different corners of the frame toward a single central object.
Category 2: Traditional Artifacts & Cultural Staples
06. Woven Textiles: A close-up macro shot of a rebozo, sarape, huipil, or woven blanket showing how individual threads unite into a strong pattern.
07. Traditional Cookware & Kitchen Tools: A molcajete, comal, tortillero, cazuela de barro, or wooden molinillo.
08. Folk Art & Sculptural Objects: An alebrije, Talavera tile, clay figure, or hand-painted wooden toy.
09. Interconnected Papel Picado: A string of cut-paper flags hanging together, emphasizing how the string links distinct designs.
10. Musical Heritage: An acoustic guitar, maracas, güiro, claves, or cajón that contributes to a shared rhythm.
Category 3: Flora, Growth & Natural Metaphors
11. Intertwined Roots or Vines: Tree roots merging into the ground or multiple stems twisting together into a single trunk.
12. Resilience in Flora: A close-up of a nopal (prickly pear cactus), agave, or dahlia showing distinct pads/petals branching from one foundation.
13. Collective Wings (The Monarch): Butterfly wings, feathers, or layered leaves arranged in an overlapping pattern mimicking migration.
14. Shared Harvest: A grouping of cultural staple foods clustered together (ears of corn/maize, beans, limes, pomegranates, or avocados).
15. High-Contrast Sun & Shadow (Luz y Sombra): A dramatic shadow cast on a wall or ground that yields clean, traceable silhouette lines.
Category 4: Community, Movement & Everyday Culture
16. Shoulder-to-Shoulder Stance: A low-angle shot of two or three people standing side-by-side, projecting strength and resolve.
17. Rhythmic Motion: Movement captured in cloth (such as a folklórico skirt swirl), feet mid-dance, or athletic motion.
18. Shared Pastime: A game of Lotería cards laid out in a grid, dominoes lined up end-to-end, or a soccer ball at rest between players.
19. Cultural Typography & Murals: Hand-painted signs, bilingual lettering, or local community murals displaying words of unity.
20. The Welcoming Threshold: An open doorway, gate, or window framed by architectural details, symbolizing inclusion.
Category 5: Structural Patterns & Abstract Unity
21. Interlocking Geometry: Brickwork, pavers, wrought-iron grillwork (rejas), or woven basketry where separate units form a solid plane.
22. Radial Symmetry: An object radiating outward from a single focal point (e.g., wheel spokes, flower petals, sunburst motif).
23. Mirrored Balance: Two complementary objects placed symmetrically across the frame.
24. Triad of Cultural Color: An everyday scene capturing three vibrant, harmonious colors in one frame (e.g., marigold yellow, terracotta, turquoise).
25. The Common Thread: A single continuous string, ribbon, or path that winds through disparate objects in the frame to tie them together
Week 2 Quarter 1
Day 1-
Review- 2-D Studio Art 2-Syllabus
Discuss procedures for room 601.
Art Class First Full Day Survey
Discuss Hispanic Heritage Artists
Discovery Ed. Hispanic Heritage Month
HispanicHeritageMonth.gov
--Gallery 1 — National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (nationalcouncilhepm.com)
Review Previous years Hispanic Heritage Exhibit
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
Students begin spray painting techniques on paper for Hispanic Heritage
Artwork due 9/3/2026 Hispanic Heritage Exhibition
Some- Hispanic Pioneers
Day 3-
Review- CAT Syllabus
Discuss Hispanic Heritage Artists
Discovery Ed. Hispanic Heritage Month
HispanicHeritageMonth.gov
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
Artwork due 9/3/2026 Hispanic Heritage Exhibition
Some- Hispanic Pioneers
If time: If time:
-Watch Video- Composition Techniques
-Introduce Texture- video Texture
Day 5- Handout week 2-Texture- video Texture
Discuss Hispanic Heritage Artists
Discovery Ed. Hispanic Heritage Month
HispanicHeritageMonth.gov
--Gallery 1 — National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (nationalcouncilhepm.com)
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
Artwork due 9/3/2026 Hispanic Heritage Exhibition
Some- Hispanic Pioneers
-Photo Basics
-Sketchbook prep
-Sketchbook Assignments
-Rubric
-V.A.68 Item Specs/Benchmarks
(UPCOMING)
Hispanic Heritage Layering Activity/25 Photos
Remember: Canva's Affinity Software is free to all MDCPS Students
-Have all students download Canva Affinity free software on school computers
-Introduce- How to create a halftone effect in Affinity Photo
Benchmark (s):
VA.68.C.3.3 Use analytical skills to understand meaning and explain connections with other contexts.
VA.68.S.1.3
VA.68.H.1.3
VA.68.C.1.2 Use visual evidence and prior knowledge to reflect on multiple interpretations of works of art.
Week 1 Quarter 1
Day 1-
Discuss what art is.
Discuss- CAT Syllabus
Discuss procedures for room 601.
Day 2-
Review- CAT Syllabus
Discuss procedures for room 601.
Art Class First Full Day Survey
If time:
Tour room 601
Introduce Acrylic Spray paint technique with textures
Discuss Hispanic Heritage Artists
Discovery Ed. Hispanic Heritage Month
HispanicHeritageMonth.gov
Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Theme- "Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We are More"
Artwork due 9/3/2026 Hispanic Heritage Exhibition
Benchmark (s):
VA.68.C.3.3 Use analytical skills to understand meaning and explain connections with other contexts.
VA.68.S.1.3
VA.68.H.1.3
VA.68.C.1.2 Use visual evidence and prior knowledge to reflect on multiple interpretations of works of art.
-Photo Basics
-Sketchbook prep
-Sketchbook Assignments
-Rubric
-V.A.68 Item Specs/Benchmarks
_______________________________________________________________________
Note: Lessons/activities/homework are subject to change at the teacher's discretion.
_______________________________________________________________________
Note: Lessons/activities/homework are subject to change at the teacher's discretion.
South Miami K-8 Center's Computer Art Technology (C.A.T.) Application- C.A.T. Application
Note: Lessons/activities/homework are subject to change at the teacher's discretion.
South Miami K-8 Center's Computer Art Technology (C.A.T.) Application- C.A.T. Application
