2nd grade Calder inspired Sculptures

What did Alexander Calder invent?  Students discussed the life and artwork of famous sculptor, Alexander Calder.  He was interested in movement, balance, and simplicity.

2nd graders created their own stabiles using various materials.  Students created free form shapes that symbolized their interests.

1st grade House Sculptures

What is the difference between something flat and 3d?  What do you call a 3d artwork?  How can you turn something flat into something 3d?

These are all questions discussed with 1st graders in the past few weeks.  Students know the difference between geometric and free-form shapes, as well as the difference between shapes and forms. 

Students discussed the South African culture, Ndebele, who are famous for their brightly painted homes.  Students identified patterns, lines, and shapes in the designs.

Students turned an ordinary paper lunch bag into a bright, bold, colorful sculpture inspired by the Ndebele people. 

4th grade Sculptures

Using magazine pages, 4th graders created materials to use for their sculptures.  We studied a couple abstract sculptors including Louise Nevelson and Henry Moore.  We discussed the characteristics of sculpture, materials used, and the meaning of abstract artwork.

Students were sent free as they experimented and manipulated the materials to create sculptures that were sturdy and balanced.

Students discussed why artists title their artwork.  Is it to help explain the meaning of the work?  Is it to trick the viewer into seeing the artwork with a different perspective?  Students decided on a title and signed their sculptures.

3rd grade Chihuly Sculptures

Dale Chihuly is an amazing, famous, glass blower.  His artwork is displayed all over the world.  Check out this digital story I made for a graduate school project to learn more about him!

3rd grade students are very familiar with the glass blowing process.  Many of them went on a small field trip earlier in the year and saw it happen!  We studied Chihuly's life and discussed the look of his artwork.

Students created a small sculpture using coffee filters, marker, and spray starch.  Thank you to Jennifer Heyser, the other art teacher at Woodland ES for this simple yet effective idea.

1st grade Architects

1st graders read Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. It's a clever story about a young boy who dreams of becoming and architect. We also looked at pictures of Atlanta buildings and discussed what an architect thinks about. Students turned a flat paper bag into a 3d building sculpture.

2nd grade Sculpture Gardens

2nd graders studied the life and artwork of Henry Moore, and English abstract sculptor. Henry Moore's sculptures are large and often displayed in outdoor, public settings. We discussed why an artist might want to display his/her artwork in a public place, and we discussed how Henry Moore had an exhibit here in Atlanta at the Botanical Gardens a few years ago. Students created paper scupture gardens complete with an abstract figurative statue in the middle.

Kindergarten Totem Pole Sculptures

Kindergarten students learned about the Pacific Northwest Native Americans. Students discussed 3d artwork and made paper sculptures that hang together to make one totem pole.

Pre K Roller Coasters

Pre K students were very excited to create paper roller coasters this week. After reading a story that takes place at an amusement park, students used colorful strips of paper to create 3d lines and movement imitating a roller coaster track.

4th grade Paper Sculptures

4th grade students studied the life and artwork of relief sculptor, Frank Stella. He was inspired by sports and created Abstract sculptures using expressive lines, shapes, and colors. Students chose a sport and transformed their abstract drawings into a 3d relief sculpture. Students also titled their artwork and participated in a class critique. They were encouraged to analyze each other's results and communicated positive feedback to their peers.

5th grade Brancusi inspired Sculptures

5th grade students studied the life and artwork of modern artist, Brancusi. He is an exhibiting artist at the High Museum of art's Picasso to Warhol show. Students were encouraged to use repetition and balance to create a unique poster board sculpture. The students and I really talked about creativity during this project. How do artists achieve creativity? What inspires artists to be unique? What can YOU do for this project to make your sculpture special and different from others?

I think a lot of them stretched the possibilities on this one. I think they were pleased with their results!

3rd grade Calder Mobiles

3rd grade students studied the life and artwork of Alexander Calder. He is a participating artist in the High Museum's Picasso to Warhol exhibit. Calder was interested in movement and was the first artist to make mobiles. 3rd graders discussed identity and symbols and created a personal mobile