Installation Art  – November through December 2010

Welcome to Visual Arts! This semester, the grade 12 visual arts class completed a series of 4 site-specific installations in the art room. The senior boys showcased their art savvy skills by transforming a room into a creative “experience”.  McNeil students and teachers were invited to view the installations every 2 weeks during the months of November and December. The art room was altered into a dance lounge complete with glow sticks, followed by a haunted-house installation that featured gravestones, misshapen hands molded from clay and scary creatures jumping out at the audience. The next installations were focused on the joys and perils of eating at McDonald’s restaurants, and finally, a locker room complete with Gatorade bottles, a “Coach Carter” chicken wire sculpture and students dressed in their finest athletic gear welcoming the audience.  This event was a huge success and we hope to repeat the installation project next year!

Culminating Project Gallery Show – January 21^st 2011

Students from grade 9, 11 and 12 enjoyed seeing their culminating projects go on display for the viewing pleasure of students and teachers! Each grade was required to construct a three-dimensional sculpture made entirely of recyclable materials, such as water bottles and cardboard. Students were also encouraged to use “found” materials, such as computer keyboards, discarded wood and children’s toys. Students created Totem Poles, recycled everyday stools and chairs into artworks and even made a 12^th century crusader knight entirely out of pizza boxes and pop cans! McNeil students were invited to vote on their favorite artworks from each grade. We hope to see you all at the next Arts Department event in May 2011!