Peninsula Hands on Art, Gig Harbor, Peninsula School District art programs and projects

 



Project Descriptions for 2025 - 2026


"Hanging with Calder"
Guest Artist: Kit Kuhn

Training Dates:
Tuesday September 23, 2025 / 7:00-9:00pm / Harbor Heights Elementary School
(Harbor Heights / Voyager / Artondale / Private)
Wednesday September 24, 2025 / 7:00-9:00pm / Minter Creek Elementary School
(Minter Creek / Vaughn / Evergreen)
Thursday September 25, 2025 / 7:00-9:00pm / Swift Water Elementary School
(Swift Water / Purdy / Pioneer / Discovery)

Students will explore fundamental metalworking techniques and gain hands-on experience using the same tools employed by professional jewelers. Guided by local artist Kit Kuhn, students will design and create their own copper wire pendants inspired by the innovative work of renowned artist Alexander Calder.

Learning Goals:
       
  • Understand the life and artistic contributions of Alexander Calder    
  • Explore the properties of metal as an artistic medium and the concept of jewelry as wearable art    
  • Learn to safely and effectively use metalworking tools and techniques    
  • Gain insight into the work and career of local artist Kit Kuhn


"The Magic of Molas"
Guest Artist: Hannah Jay

Training Dates:
Tuesday November 18, 2025 / 7:00-9:00pm / Harbor Heights Elementary School
(Harbor Heights / Voyager / Artondale / Private)
Wednesday November 19, 2025 / 7:00-9:00pm / Minter Creek Elementary School
(Minter Creek / Vaughn / Evergreen)
Thursday November 20, 2025 / 7:00-9:00pm / Swift Water Elementary School
(Swift Water / Purdy / Pioneer / Discovery)

Local artist Hannah Jay will introduce students to the vibrant molas, the traditional clothing artfully crafted and worn by the Kuna people of the San Blas Islands in Panama. Using bright, colorful paper, students will create their own "Magic of Molas" masterpieces inspired by the bold geometric patterns of mola textiles and the collage techniques of artist Henri Matisse

Learning Goals:
       
  • Understand the history and cultural geography of the Kuna people and the San Blas Islands of Panama    
  • Learn the art of paper collage, with an emphasis on recognizing and using geometric shapes, drawing inspiration from Henri Matisse's collage work    
  • Develop layered designs using drawing, cutting, collage, and composition techniques with vivid color    
  • Explore the artistic background and creative process of local artist Hannah Jay


For the Love of Dots
Guest Artist: Ashley Aston

Training Dates:
Tuesday February 3, 2026 / 7:00-9:00pm / Harbor Heights Elementary School
(Harbor Heights / Voyager / Artondale / Private)
Wednesday February 4, 2026 / 7:00-9:00pm / Minter Creek Elementary School
(Minter Creek / Vaughn / Evergreen)
Thursday February 5, 2026 / 7:00-9:00pm / Swift Water Elementary School
(Swift Water / Purdy / Pioneer / Discovery)

using dots, bold contrasting colors, and patterns to fill her artwork with emotion, energy, and imagination. Inspired by her love of flowers, pumpkins, loops and especially polka dots, students will create their own unique "dot masterpieces." They'll also explore how using lots of small dots (like in pointillism) can help create a sense of space, movement, and even infinity!

Learning Goals:
       
  • Learn about the life and work of Yayoi Kusama    
  • Explore how repeating patterns and dots can create motion and emotion in art    
  • Use bold contrasting colors and polka dots to make eye-catching and creative designs    
  • Discovery how dots can be used in different styles, including Kusama's art and pointillism    
  • Meet and learn about local artist Ashley Aston and her creative process


"The Will to Quill"
Guest Artist: Ernie Donehower

Training Dates:
Tuesday April 7, 2026 / 7:00-9:00pm / Harbor Heights Elementary School
(Harbor Heights / Voyager / Artondale / Private)
Wednesday April 8, 2026 / 7:00-9:00pm / Minter Creek Elementary School
(Minter Creek / Vaughn / Evergreen)
Thursday April 9, 2026 / 7:00-9:00pm / Swift Water Elementary School
(Swift Water / Purdy / Pioneer / Discovery)

In this project, students will be introduced to quilling-also known as paper filigree-a fun and creative art form that began during the Renaissance and has been used for centuries to make beautiful decorations. Quilling uses thin strips of colorful paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued to make cool designs like flowers, animals, swirls, and more. People around the world still use quilling today to make greeting cards, wall art, and even jewelry! Students in Grades 3-5 will also learn about symmetry and how to use it to make their designs look balanced and eye-catching.

Learning Goals:
       
  • Learn about the history and evolution of "Quilling" or Paper Filigree    
  • Practice the basic quilling techniques: rolling, shaping and gluing paper strips    
  • Build fine motor skills through hands-on paper art    
  • Understand and apply the concept of symmetry in art    
  • Get inspired by the creative work of local artist Ernie Donehower


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