Forest Road fifth-graders explore art

Fifth-graders at Forest Road School recently got to take a trip back in time. The students toured the Nassau County Museum on Nov. 18, and got to check out the Civil War paintings of artist Mort Kunstler.

Led by art teacher Colette Giardella, the students got to see not only Kunstler’s finished paintings, but the sketches he drew to lead up to his completed works. Giardella said this was important in teaching students about the artistic process.

Fifth-grader Michael Gutierrez said he learned that all of Kunstler’s artwork had a purpose. And Tiara McDougle said she liked the artist’s use of color and depth.

Giardella took more than 40 fifth-graders, their teachers and chaperones to the museum and said everyone had a great time. She said for many children, it was their first trip to a museum and they got to learn about proper museum etiquette. The children asked their docent great questions, she added.

The students were asked to critique one piece of Kunstler’s work and also had some time to explore the outdoor sculpture garden at the museum.

After returning to school, students began working on a triptych collage. They had to create one panel for the past — the Civil War — one panel for the present and one for what they think the future will be like. Students could draw their own pictures or cut photos out from a magazine.

Giardella said this was the first time she has been able to take students on a field trip specifically for art class. She said the District 30 administration has encouraged special area teachers to find new and creative opportunities for students. “I’m trying to find ways to enhance their art experience this year beyond the classroom,” Giardella said. “I hope we can take more trips in the future.”