It all started on our field trip to the Des Moines Art Center in the fall. Many 4th grade students were intrigued by the large artworks by El Anatsui that were being installed while we were there.
We returned to school with the idea that our school atrium would be a great place for large scale artworks made from recycled materials. We also learned more about the artist and watched a video about him and his studio in Africa. http://www.pbs.org/art21/artists/el-anatsui
We returned to school with the idea that our school atrium would be a great place for large scale artworks made from recycled materials. We also learned more about the artist and watched a video about him and his studio in Africa. http://www.pbs.org/art21/artists/el-anatsui
Then the fun began! Students experimented with how to work with their materials, and brainstormed what to make with them.
We thought about the atrium space, and each student presented an idea for the artwork. Students voted on a basic idea, but then worked as a class to tweek the final idea even more.
The final phase - make it so.
4C - Paper Bags
Idea: Stack the bags to form a giant "creeper" head, with a walk-through tunnel.
Step 1: Students painted stacks of paper bags various tints of green.
Step 2: Stuff the paper bags.
Step 3: Build a foundation out of bags & secure together.
Idea: Stack the bags to form a giant "creeper" head, with a walk-through tunnel.
Step 1: Students painted stacks of paper bags various tints of green.
Step 2: Stuff the paper bags.
Step 3: Build a foundation out of bags & secure together.
4O - Plastic Bottle Caps
Idea: A giant mustache mosaic that will hang on display panels.
Step 1: Sort all of the caps by color, draw mustache on oaktag.
Step 2: Begin gluing the caps down.
Idea: A giant mustache mosaic that will hang on display panels.
Step 1: Sort all of the caps by color, draw mustache on oaktag.
Step 2: Begin gluing the caps down.
4B - Pop tabs
Idea: String pop tabs to form a giant flag to hang from beam
Step 1: Determine common length of yarn & cut.
Step 2: Weave the pop tabs on the yarn.
Idea: String pop tabs to form a giant flag to hang from beam
Step 1: Determine common length of yarn & cut.
Step 2: Weave the pop tabs on the yarn.