"Happy"
created by Emmett4152 in Grade 3 at
Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School
from school project "304 Alvin Ailey Expressive Dancers"
art id #135085197
About this School Project (304 Alvin Ailey Expressive Dancers)
In this lesson, students were introduced to some basic sculpture terms and techniques. As a class, we explored what inspires artists. We watched some videos of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and students got to hear the gospel and blues music that inspired his work. They explored the book Alvin Ailey by Andrea Davis Pinkney and the illustrations by Brian Pinkney. This tie-in with Wit and Wisdom introduced the students to this groundbreaking choreographer and dancer. They chose a single word to inspire their sculpture, built a simple armature from pipe cleaners, and wrapped the work with foil to create the figures expressing their theme. A few students extended the project to add color and pattern to further express their theme. These works will be on display for the Wit and Wisdom celebration later this month.