1st grade Gee's Bend Quilt Collages

Gee's Bend is a small community in Alabama that believes in tradition and family.  The women of Gee's Bend became famous when their quilt designs were noticed and admired.  1st graders discussed the "function" of some art and thought about the purpose of artwork.  Students listened to poems written about the culture of quilt-making and the traditions that are past down from generation to generation. 

Students created a collage using construction paper.  We discussed how to create interesting designs using patterns and elements of art.  Students practiced using good craftsmanship by keeping their artwork neat and clean. 

I will display them all together like one big quilt, but here are a few individual examples. 

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.

5th grade Public Art

What is public art?  What is graffiti?  Can graffiti be a good thing?  What makes graffiti frowned upon?  How is a mural different from graffiti?

5th graders pondered these questions while discussing the Atlanta mural project called Living Walls.  A group of artists came together and created a dozen large murals throughout the city of Atlanta.  There was some controversy involved when one of the murals was painted over because the group didn't get the proper permission.  Students also learned about an Atlanta favorite, Evereman, who spreads his art through social media and word of mouth.  It was interesting to discuss these issues and compare opinions.

Students created a graffiti font of their names and displayed them in an urban environment.  We discussed atmospheric perspective and value while students painted a distant skyline.