MiSs Rs ArT RoOm

 Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use primary colors (red yellow blue), form (two dimensional, three dimensional), and texture (actual implied visual) inspired by American Sculptor (1898-1976) Alexander Calder
• Use art element: shape (geometric, organic, free form) and design principles (movement, balance, composition) based on Modern Art
• Define Kinetic Art (any art medium that contains moving elements or requires movement from the viewer)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Fish (1944) Alexander Calder 

2. Read Alexander Calder: The Art Of Invention by The Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art

3. Discussion Questions "Who is Alexander Calder? Was Alexander Calder always an artist? What is Alexander Calder most famous for? What was Alexander Calder's favorite subject? What was Alexander Calder's favorite drawing material? What was Alexander Calder's thoughts on sculpture? How can art be realized? Which are some of Alexander Calder's key works? How did Alexander Calder transport some of his artworks? What do critics think of Alexander Calder's artwork? How do you think this artwork moves? Do you feel you are caught in a blustery snowstorm? Do you think Alexander Calder captured the magic of fishing in this performance? What do you think of his work? Does it remind you of anything you have seen before? Have you ever tried to make a mobile?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose Three 12 X 12 Primary Colored Wires 

2. Use three composition elements (shape, color, texture) to represent a Michigan Fish (bowfin, goldfish, minnow, catfish, salmon, trout) for the fish sculptures 

3. Use line variation (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) as a design principles (movement, composition, balance) of the Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish for Assigned Table

2. Finny Fish (1948) Alexander Calder

3. Discussion Questions "Do you think Alexander Calder balanced this mobile? How do you imagine it stands within the space? Has Calder created a whole new art form? What does this stabile remind you of? Why do you suppose Calder gave the stable a descriptive name (red horse) but left the mobile with a specific name? What do you think about his work? Does it remind you of anything you have seen before? Have you ever tried to make a mobile? How did Alexander Calder design a shape for the installation? What identical shape were used in making the mobile? What is going on in this artwork? What was your first reaction when you saw this artwork? What type of colors are used in this artwork?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use compass, protractors, and texture plates to add symmetrical shapes and expressive lines to fish sculptures 

2. Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the positive space (fish) with embellishments (buttons, ribbons, beads, sequins, pipe cleaners) for the fish sculptures 

3.  Use primary colors (red yellow blue) to fill in the negative space (background) with embellishments (buttons, ribbons, beads, sequins, pipe cleaners) for the Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish for Assigned Tables

2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, construction paper, wire, scissors)

Lesson Activities 

1. Use scissors to cut out basic shapes (geometric, organic, free form) for the positive space (fish) of the fish sculptures 

2. Use scissors to cut out basic shapes (geometric, organic, free form) for the negative space (background) of the fish sculptures 

3. Use felt markers to add beautiful patterns (hearts, swirls, dots) to the positive space (fish) of the Alexander Calder Mixed Media Fish

Artist Examples 

Student Examples

Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Collages

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Collage using computer techniques learned in clas
• Use basic shapes (circle, oval, triangle), value (lightness, darkness), and texture (visual, actual, implied) inspired by American Artist (1940-2015) Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson
• Use fiber techniques (weaving, stitching, sewing) and design principles (balance, repetition, composition) based on American Art
• Define Symbolism (using something to represent something else) 

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Jerusalem, a Walk Through Prophet Street (1998) Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson
2.  Read Symphonic Poem: The Art of Aminah by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson
3. Discussion Questions "How do you think it would feel to touch this artwork? Why do you think Aminah Robinson include symbolism in her work? How do you think this artwork symbolizes community? How does this artwork reflect the artist's community? How do you define your community? How would you go about researching the history of the community where you live? Where and when were you born? Where did you grow up? Who were your parents? What were your parents like? Do you have sisters or brothers? What were they like growing up? What is your best memory? How did you spend a perfect day when you were younger? Are you still friends with anyone for that time in your life? Do you have a teacher who greatly influenced you? If so, what can you tell me about him or her?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" by 15" Scrapbooking Paper
2. Use ordinary objects (music boxes, buttons, shells, clothespins) to fill in the negative space (background) of ones Aminah Robinson Collage
3. Use ordinary objects (music boxes, buttons, shells, clothespins) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of ones Aminah Robinson Collage

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson for Assigned Table
2. To Be A Drum (Jazz) (1996-98) Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson
3. Discussion Questions "Why is art important to people? If so, where did they hear it and what was the subject matter? Why does Aminah include music boxes in sho much of her work? What do you think these art elements might symbolize? What kind of event or person do you think is important enough to be the subject of your artwork? Do you think using recycled materials (cancelled postage, stamps, envelopes, buttons) is more or lesson meaningful than using new materials? Would you rather receive or give an artwork to someone? What traditions have been passed down in your family? What is the most important thing you have learned from life?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add fabric (mud cloth, kente cloth, miscellaneous) to fill in positive space (middle ground) of ones Aminah Robinson Collage
2. Add stitching (running, basting, zigzag) to fill in positive space (middle ground) of ones Aminah Robinson Collage 
3. Add found objects (paper clips, twigs, pins) to fill in the positive space (middle ground) of ones Aminah Robinson Collage 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, printed papers, foam pieces)

Lesson Activities

1. Use highlights (reflective light, light source) to positive space of found objects (paper clip, twigs, pins) of ones Aminah Robinson Collage 
2. Use shadows (cast shadow, shadow) to negative space of found objects (paper clip, twigs, pins) of ones Aminah Robinson Collage
3. Add embellishments (glitter, sequins, rhinestones) to positive space (foreground) of ones Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson 

Artist Examples

Student Examples