Henri Matisse was a French visual artist, known for his use of color. Athena Elementary
students recently learned about Matisse and really embraced color in recent Carnegie Art
lessons. Through this program, which is for all grade levels, students first learn about the artist
and see examples of their work, and then they create their own art using the technique.
The program is taught by Tammy Staley, a retired teacher from Athena-Weston School District.
Carnegie Art develops and sends the lesson plans, plus all the art materials needed to make art.
Athena Elementary does three programs each school year, usually with artists who use three
different mediums.
Principal Kerri Coffman said she is always impressed with how engaged the students are in
creating the artwork.
Staley said the students loved the openness of what they could create in this unit. “We showed
them lots of samples and then we just let them go. They just took off and really enjoyed the
process. Each piece is definitely unique.”
There will be a Family Art Night in the spring at the school.