posted February 08, 2014
Walter Flores, Elementary Art Teacher
The National Artist Week is one of the most anticipated annual events at Interamericano. During February, Elementary students get a much needed approach to local Art. Painting, Sculpture and Photography, these three disciplines were highlighted during the 2014 festivities, holding workshops and expositions with some of the most relevant artists in each field.
César Fortuny: a superb painter, recognized for capturing images of local birds, visited Interamericano from Monday, February 3, to Friday, February 7. He offered students the opportunity of seeing him in action. Although he is best known for his Quetzales, Fortuny painted a water-colored portrait of red winged cardinals and a colorful toucans. Pre kinder were thrilled to see a master at work.
Sebastián Barrientos: famed Guatemalan sculptor came in and shared with students his versatile craft. Through a clay-filled workshop, Interamericano’s Kindergarten got a closer look at what it takes to give life to a sculpture.
Carol Sandoval: led an interactive acrylic paint seminar. During this time, first graders mixed colors to create beautiful flower-based paintings.
Erwin Guillermo: taught our third graders an important lesson in drawing portraits, human figures and compositions. Students were able to explore painting fruits and animals while the artist walked around and offered helpful tips.
José Carlos Flores: gave fourth graders an in-depth look through his internationally recognized lens. Flores, a professional photographer from National Geographic and author of ”Nazarenos de Guatemala” and “María en Guatemala,” allowed students to study his technique through pictures and a thought-provoking conference.
Byron Hernández: Well known for his sculpting and painting, showed Grade 5 how Guatemalan ancestors made pre-hispanic ceramic. This short workshop enabled students to take a trip to a time before digital technology, in which ceramics reigned supreme.
Likewise, second graders got a chance to make a magnificent floral collage with elementary art teacher, Walter Flores. This allowed students to get in closer contact with the nature that constantly surrounds us.
It was a particularly insightful week. From being visited by such renowned artists to getting to work with them, this will be a week no one will soon forget.