V. ReCreate:

This eight-session program guides three classrooms of students through a visual arts odyssey as they explore, investigate, plan, construct, revise, reflect on, and exhibit three-dimensional sculptures.

1) Collaborative Planning Meeting
This meeting provides participating teachers with an introduction to the program and gives our Teaching Artists the opportunity to align our program with the current needs and goals of the participating classroom teachers.

Teachers at Delevan Drive Elementary planning for the program with a T4T Teaching Artist

2) Exploration: Treasure Truck Visit
Students investigate ideas for creative reuse by collecting materials from the Treasure Truck and sorting them in the classroom.

The Treasure Truck, full of reusable materials

3) Background: Study of Found-Object Art & Artists
Students are introduced to found-object art and the idea of using non-traditional objects as art materials by studying the work of professional artists.

Students Studying Artwork by Alexander Calder

4) Project Planning: Discussion & Sketching
Having had a chance to freely explore their materials and learn about the found-object art movement, students plan out their projects through discussion, experimentation and sketching.

Sorting Is an Important Element of Exploration

5) Project Construction: Begin Creating Project
Students use their sketches to guide them as they begin selecting appropriate materials and building their sculptures.

Teamwork at Humphries Elementary

6) Revision: Elaborate, Add Details, & Finish Project
During this direct instructional time, students elaborate on, revise, and finish their sculptures.

A Student Adds the Final Touches to Her Work

7) Pre-Exhibition: Includes a Stamp-Making Lesson
Students will prepare for the final art show by discussing the exhibition display, making invitations out of found-object stamping, and creating exhibition tags and artists’ statements for their artwork.

An Artist’s Statement with Stamping

8) Reflection: Final exhibition
In this culminating exhibit which is on view for the whole school, students display their sketch, sculpture, and any writing they have done about their artwork. Students also have the opportunity to view other students’ work and discuss their own sculptures.

Elephant Sculpture

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