Students in Mr. Black's and Mrs. Hoddick's classrooms traveled to the Academy of Arts to view and discuss artworks from the Colonial America exhibit. They experienced a special exhibit designed for hands-on investigation by touching and using kitchen tools and a loom, and wearing traditional colonial clothing. Students discussed many cultural aspects of the paintings in the gallery.

Students in third and fourth grades began their paintings by developing the background first and the foreground last. Students use "edging," blending, and outlining techniques, and are learning to recognize when the paints are too thick or too thin on the canvas.

Third and fourth grade students do charcoal and pencil preliminary drawings to prepare for canvas paintings. Many students are researching native birds and plants of Hawaii to put into paintings, while others draw from observation in the art cottage.