Create to Inspire: Artist Place Setting

We introduced an artistic place setting clay project - an inspiration from Judy Chicago's work. Judy Chicago focused on a feminist style in her own "Dinner Party" piece. She focused on women of the past and present that have made a significant difference in our world today, relaying the message of strength and power of women.

Students were asked to create a place setting containing a plate, cup and at least one utensil to be included in their piece. These items had to be made out of clay. The added pieces, for example: a bowl or other utensils could be made out of any 3-D additional material. Students were challenged to choose one person that they believed had changed history in some way. Students researched, and then developed, imagery based on the person that they choose. Each student was asked to choose someone different so when the entire "Dinner Party" piece was developed, we would have different place settings for different people. Students created a banner to help introduce the person that they had chosen, and used them for the display. Here is what the 8th graders created.