Grades 5-8: Art or Vandalism? Popsicle Stick Graffiti

Popsicle Stick Graffiti Fences & Skateboards Is it Art or Vandalism? This was a debate we had in class after watching a short video on graffiti in NYC-1980's. Most students thought it was art... usually... as long as it wasn't on someone's house...or a hospital... and it looked "cool". Either way, it inspired us to make our own work of art with no trespassing involved! We looked at the pranks of graffiti artist "Banksy" who is known to paint quickly, with stencils and spray paint in the middle of the night. His biggest prank: creating a frame that shredded his art as soon as it sold at auction, captured the attention of our middle schoolers!

Did you know if you put popsicle sticks in hot water, they are bendable?! Students used Posca Pens (Acrylic markers) to create a graffiti style fence with a word of their choice. We focused on art concepts like contrast, overlapping, highlights and shadows. Once we learned about bending the sticks, we had to try it! Some students chose to also make a mini skateboard (or snowboard) using a bent popsicle stick, beads & skewer sticks for the wheels. "Will the wheels actually roll?" Of course I hadn't thought of that..... but yes..... let's figure this out! A drill and some wire from home: Yes! The wheels actually roll!

What a fun way to start the year!!!