Map Portraits

For this assignment, students study the effect of working on alternative surfaces - in this case, working with maps.  Students examine the possibilities and limitations of using maps in which to create a piece of art.  Students were introduced to several artists that used maps to create their works of art.  Students were asked to choose a map of a state or of the entire United States that they felt a connection to.  Students then found people that had a connection to the state they had selected.  For example, a student chose the New York State map and chose to do a portrait of Babe Ruth.  Another student chose the U.S. map and chose to illustrate Lincoln.  Students were then challenged to use the shapes of the land and water forms in the map to center their portraits around.  Here are some examples of what the 6th graders created.

 

 

 



Collage Art

Students worked with mixed media and collage for this assignment.  Students learned about different artists that used collage in their own workings, such as Picasso and Matisse. Students then were required to pick a realistic subject matter of their own choosing.  Students could choose between such things as landscapes, animals, still life objects, and people to represent in the collage manner.  Students were asked to use magazine clippings, fabric clippings, construction paper pieces and any other small pieces of paper that they could fit into their piece.  Here are some examples of what the 7th graders came up with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Zeke's 8th grade Show

Students were given the opportunity to sell their artwork this past February at a local business. Students worked with the "sales" side of the art making process through this exhibit.  Students learned how to properly mat, tag, and price their artwork.