So this past fall the Pewaukee High School Art Club decided this would be a cool way to connect to other schools and also a fun project for them to creatively bond with each other. So what exactly is an Artist Trading Card or ATC as it's known?
Artist Trading Cards are a unique art form that allows the artist to work in a small format 2.5 x 3.5 inches. The idea is for the cards to be traded and exchanged, never bought or sold. ATCs are a fun way to try new media, work in different styles or create mini versions of a concept the artist may want to explore later. Art Educator, Nic Hahn, of Hassan Elementary School in Rogers, MN developed this specific trade 3 years ago. A limited number of schools are chosen to participate in the trade each year. Students participating in the trade are from all grade levels K-12 and from many regions of the world.
PHS art club received their ATCs just in time for the Holiday Party in December. We were fortunate to get cards from Tim Needles and his students at Smithtown High School East in New York, Rana Nestrud at Elk River High School in Minnesota and Monica Terraroli at IC Ghedi Middle School in Ghedi (Brescia) Italy. It was a fantastic experience for students to receive these lovely little art gifts in exchange for their own works.
ATCs are a great way to connect to other students and art programs and to make our world of art just a wee bit smaller. For more on this year’s trade visit Ms. Hahn’s website.