Published on 17 September 2025
Description:
Art teachers explore the theme of transformation, guiding students to shift perspectives and reimagine materials as new works of art. Young students collaborate on a school-wide clay mosaic inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar, elementary students breathe new life into cardboard with landscape-inspired low-reliefs, middle-schoolers transform recycled materials into wearable art, high-school students turn disassembled machine parts into futuristic inventions, and more.
Categories:
Early ChildhoodElementaryMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolK-12AssessmentCareersChoice-BasedClassroom PracticeContemporary ArtCritique/DiscussionEquity, Diversity, and InclusionIdeationInterdisciplinary ConnectionsMedia ArtsSTEAMCelebrationCollaborationCommunicationCommunityDesignHistoryIdentityImaginationMessagesNaturePlayStoriesSustainabilityTransformationAnimationAssemblageCollageDrawingFashion DesignFiber ArtInstallationMixed-MediaMuralsPaintingPrintmakingSculptureClayDigitalGraphiteFound ObjectsInk MarkersNon-TraditionalPaintPaperRecycled ObjectsTextilesCardboardLanguageSketchbook / Visual Journal27 articles from this collection:
The Transformation Issue, November 2025
Editor's Letter: Transformation
Frank Juárez, SchoolArts editor-in-chief, explores how creativity and collaboration can transform artists, educators, and students.
Amaco Brent
AMACO (American Art Clay Company, Inc.) continues to be a leader and innovator for ceramics in the areas of art, technology, and education. Get ideas and inspiration for your next Lesson Plan project.
Table of Contents
Bailey
Bailey ceramic supplies and pottery equipment.
Point of View: The Art of Surviving Rejection
An art teacher and practicing artist reflects on the theme of rejection, highlights a true story from art history, and offers strategies to overcome it.
ClipCard: Atmospheric Perspective Mountains
Young students explore atmospheric perspective by using color and value to create layered mountain scenes.
ClipCard: Patterned Leaves
Elementary students use a variety of media to draw and paint patterned leaves.
ClipCard: Pinch-Pot Bobbleheads
Middle-school students create and glaze two pinch pots to form a bobblehead, demonstrating skills in clay construction, decoration, and assembly.
ClipCard: Paper Quilt Squares
High-school students design quilt squares inspired by a historical figure, ancestor, or community.
Blick Art Materials
As a leading art supply company, we provide artists, educators, students, and our associates with the tools, assistance, and training needed to grow, innovate, and reach their creative potential. BLICK Art Materials is family-owned and serving artists since 1911.
Managing the Art Room: How Badges Inspire Student Choice
An art teacher develops a successful badging system that empowers students to track their progress, reflect on their learning, and set personal goals.
Mayco
Mayco Colors has been helping art educators inspire creativity in the classroom since 1954. We provide high-quality ceramic products, along with ready-to-use lesson plans and educational resources designed specifically for the classroom.
Contemporary Art in Context: Christopher Sweet
Contemporary painter Christopher Sweet channels his Ho-Chunk heritage and vibrant color to celebrate Native American identity, resilience, and healing.
Why Process Matters More Than Perfection
An art teacher presents a project that guides students through the creative process, fostering technical skills, creative agency, and confidence.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Reimagine
Elementary students breathe new life into recycled cardboard by creating layered low-reliefs inspired by landscapes.
Sci-Fi/Steampunk Sculptures
High-school students turn disassembled computer parts and other technology into freestanding or wearable futuristic inventions.
Recycled Wearables
Middle-school students transform recycled materials into wearable art, demonstrating their understanding of contrast and balance.
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Unlocking Transformation
Elementary students turn their lockers into miniature museums to celebrate their creative identities and growth throughout school.
The Alchemy of Arcimboldo
High-school students explore the surreal paintings of Italian Renaissance artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo and transform everyday objects into imaginative drawings.
Skutt
The #1 kiln used in schools. Kids Need Clay helps schools start and sustain ceramics programs with full support.
Dreams Take Flight
Young students collaborate on a school-wide clay mosaic inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar and its transformation.
Green Stitch: From T-Shirts to Totes
Elementary students upcycle old t-shirts into tote bags with messages that raise awareness about textile waste and fast fashion.
Square 1 Art
Simple. Creative. Art Fundraiser. Celebrate your child's art on keepsakes and raise funds for you school!
Transforming Ideas into Animated Stories
Middle-school students become stop-motion animators and storytellers while exploring CTE and audio-visual concepts.
Focus In: Knit the Rainbow: Warmth in Every Stitch
A nonprofit collects hand-knit and crocheted garments to provide warmth and support for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
SchoolArts Magazine
Inspiring Creativity Since 1901