Altered Books
Middle School students chose a theme to create an open faced altered book. The element of space was emphasized through creating a deep inset into the book and an overlay. Students used the elements and principles of art to compose their sculptural book.
Art Museums
Using the historic works of art viewed and discuseed throughout the semester students were given the design challenge of creating a unique art museum to house these famous works of art. Students were called upon to be an architect and interior designer as well as a curator in displaying the 20 famous works of 2-D and 3-D art. Students could work alone, in teams of two, or with a family member.
Family Trees
Within the primitive art unit students were asked to express their family relationships through color and texture within a contemporary family tree. Students took time to reflect on their family members and their relationship with each person, choosing appropriate fabrics and found materials. These family trees were installed by the students themselves in an area in the school that they felt best reflected a sense of community. Students worked in "community" while creating these family trees, with the opportunity to talk about their family dynamics in a safe environment.
Hierarchy and Mobiles
After discussing and viewing works of ancient Egypt students were asked to choose a theme that contained hierarchy. They could also choose one that showed stages of growth (e.g. how to make cheese hamburger) Many mobile medallions were exquisite, as students were required to create using only construction paper and each icon must contain at least three colors. No pencil or marker could be used on the icon. After learning how to create a mobile students added their medallions on in hierachilogical order.
Mummified Meaning
Middle School students during ancient Egyptian unit were asked to reflect on their own personal choices, and items they cherished. They were challeneged to consider if these items, if they died, would be of true "value". After working with a partner to create a mummy encasement of their own hand and arm, students chose an appropriate material to "fill" their hand in with. They were asked to write an artist statement on why they chose the materials they did. (e.g. I filled my hand with fruit loops, beacuse I want to be filled with the fruit of the holy spirit, I want to be filled with joy and bless other people).
Personal Super Heroes
Middle School boys and girls created superheroes from found objects. These superheroes were to reflect adversity in their life that they wanted to overcome through special abilities. Students wrote artist statements explaining their material choices.
