Art

PS 158 develops life-long ARTISTS!

My name is Mike and it is my absolute pleasure to be one of two full-time art teachers here at PS158!

I am a firm believer that artistic creativity is essential to developing interest in life-long learning, as well as providing outlets for expression to supplement other classroom subjects. Hands-on individual learning and exploration in the art room allow students opportunities for satisfaction, discovery, and growth that are valuable for building a strong sense of self. Through collaborative projects students learn more about each other, value each other's similarities and differences, and strengthen their communities both inside and outside the classroom. Students will be introduced to materials through guided lessons and given increasingly flexible levels of choice as they progress through grade levels. Teaching students artistic behaviors that allow them to truly feel that they can express themselves in unique ways is one of my top priorities. We emphasize that there is no right or wrong way to do things in the art room, just different ways of creating and sharing ideas.

Please feel free to reach out to me for any questions, comments, or just to say hello. I am thrilled to be a part of this school community and cannot wait to share with you all the powerful artwork of which PS158 students are capable.

P.S. - If you'd like to contribute to the art room supplies, we are always looking for magazines and catalogues and anything with pictures in it! Also we have a wishlist setup with some bonus supplies if you'd like to make a contribution.

Thanks so much!!!

Mike Shea-Wright, [email protected]

Upcoming Units

UNITS OF STUDY

Each unit focuses on a material (drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, printmaking, and mixed-media) and includes 3 projects, each project lasts between 1 and 3 class periods:

Project 1 - Technique
(introduces a new way to use materials)

Project 2 - Artist Inspiration
(not copying, but using an artist's work as a starting point for exploring materials and topics)

Project 3: Topical Subjects
(using art to explore another topic not traditionally related to visual art)

Art with Morgan

In our art studio, students explore the beauty and complexity of life through the lens of an artist! Students draw, paint, print, collage and sculpt, while connecting their unique perspectives to feelings, stories, and community. My goal as their art teacher is to empower them through art, helping them grow personally, build creative thinking, and strengthen their ability to communicate with others and the world around them.

In our classroom, we nurture creativity, imagination, and a healthy self-concept that lives within each child. Students practice resilience and find joy in the process of making art, discovering how it supports positive well-being.

We focus on being expressive and innovative, knowing these skills will carry into other areas of their lives. We explore artistic behaviors, elements of art, literature, history, collaboration and creative problem-solving. This is where students make meaningful discoveries, ultimately seeing themselves as creators who can shape their world.

I’m always happy to connect—please feel free to reach out with questions or to simply say hello!

Morgan Greer, [email protected]

P.S- any recyclables like glass jars with lids, egg cartons or paper towel rolls would be a great donation to our sculpture labs with recycled builds!