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Spotlight on . . . ART
by Annie Suchecki, Art Teacher
Always the opinionated artist, I must confess that the Middle Ages would never have been my first pick as a study in art.
My plan for art definitely would not have included pen and nibs and indelible ink for children. Nowhere in my lesson plans for the year was I planning to introduce these tools. They reside in the backs of cabinets in every art room in the country, having been replaced by computer fonts, and modern graphics. I am, however, truly invested in SRV's educational philosophy, and so challenged myself to see that art fit into our school/May Fair theme this year, a study of the Middle Ages. We had wonderful resources in our residents, Bells and Motley, and ample time to learn and discuss ideas with our colleagues.
A deep breath, a little patience, and a search for that box of pens and ink, and the oldest group was ready to take up the challenge of setting up a scriptorium. No lights, (they didn't have electricity in the Middle Ages) only candles to work by, complete silence (yes, your children!), and pen and ink led our group towards completing their Illuminations. Research was done, discussions about technique, materials, and history were held. The results were amazing! Your children are amazing! They were invested in the process, interested in the mathematics, history, and setting (did you know that Illuminators were often entertained by a reader as they worked?)
I am sorry for the school year to come to an end, but I am holding on to the wonderful feelings of this small slice of SRV's curriculum and a new appreciation for our philosophy. I'm sure that the experience will hold fast in the minds of your children, long after they revert to the click of a button and Gothic Font.
Check out the Art page - Main Circle Illuminations for more Main Circle calligraphy.
Past "Spotlight On..." articles
