How are the artists chosen? At the beginning of the year, we “audition” students for the role of artist. We want a gifted two-artist team that can work together quickly, quietly, and harmoniously, and turn out big, bold, clear drawings, and we use the beginning of the year to find that two-artist team by giving each candidate a chance at the easel or table for one class period. After a month or so, we know who are artists will be.
Rightly chosen, the class artists can have a huge positive impact on the overall classroom process. In fact, in terms of the overall “feel” of the class, no job is more important.