Recycled Art

During the summers, I teach in a gifted and talented visual arts program for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. It is awesome.

Before I graduated and was certified to teach, I was an assistant in the same program. It was an incredible experience for me- I was working with some of the best teachers I knew and taking some major notes! There is no better way to learn than to observe the best.

During one of these summers, we had a recycling theme. Long story short, it became my job to tame the art-making materials (i.e. garbage). I was knee-deep in empty cereal boxes for weeks (Thanks, Amanda). But the collages and art pieces that were created that summer were worth it. I keep one of mine in my classroom and use it as an example of recycled art. Plus it makes me laugh.

My example... yay, meatball hair!

I really do love teaching lessons that involve recycled materials. It really helps kids see art-making as more accessible and interesting.

Usually these lessons are taught in April because I like the way it fits with Earth Day. But I resolved to clean out my classroom and the recycled "supplies" were piling up, so we started early this year! Fourth graders started recycled material portrait collages recently. We looked at portraits by a variety of artists-  from van Gogh to Bearden and Lichtenstein. I think they are off to a really good start!

I'll keep you updated on their progress! They're going to look awesome!

The MoMA has some great portraiture lesson ideas on their Modern Teachers  site!