From 2013-2014, I worked as a teaching artist with Creative Art Works (formerly Creative Arts Workshops for Kids), a nonprofit dedicated to bringing free visual arts/architecture classes to students in upper Manhattan and the Bronx. During that time, I offered two after school and weekend workshops that introduced new materials/techniques (printmaking, acrylic painting, wax resist) as well as a historical/thematic approach to 1960’s art and contemporary urban design. Please check out some amazing examples of student work below and find out more information about this incredible organization on the CAW website.
Nothing gets the creative juices flowing like asking children to create their very own monster masterpieces! After looking at various “creature” illustrations from the 1960s, students decided what sort of monsters they’d like to create (coming up with elaborate sketches/backstories), then expressed their creative voice using bright colors and abstract shapes. This playful project helps students learn how to look at/talk about works of art while emphasizing the importance of both individuality and collaboration.
This project tied nicely to the Twist & Shout course’s 1960s theme, giving students an exciting and colorful introduction to the context/history behind the American pop art movement. Using Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein as our guides, we discussed how artists used various aesthetic effects (i.e. color blocking and repeated visual motifs) to reflect complex ideas about society and mass consumerism. We then learned how to copy/transfer images and worked together to create a series of collaborative class murals using acrylic paint on canvas.
In addition to leading a fine arts (elementary) workshop centered around 1960’s culture, I also taught an in-depth course on urban design to a highly inquisitive group of 3rd/4th graders. Together, we tackled important open-ended questions (i.e. how do you define/build community?) and mapped out our ideas for a shared public space with g inspiration boards and architectural blueprints. From there, we went on to build our own three-dimensional city using almost exclusively recycled materials. Check out some of the amazing results below!
All budding artists deserve their 15 minutes of fame — and fortunately, we were able to wrap up our Twist & Shout unit with a formal exhibition showcasing the students’ amazing range of ’60s-inspired art. Below, just a few examples of the prints, collage art, paintings and mixed media projects students made (and displayed) after studying the poetry, literature, art and culture from that influential decade.
