Saturday, January 1, 2011

I have an idea...

Outside of my school, there is this area that is unused. It is a pentagon-ish shape surrounded by sidewalk and covered walkway. There are some bushes and trees growing there, as well as weeds. In different years, people have tried to plant flowers and other greenery, but unfortunately, it is very hard to find someone who can consistently take of the plants, so they always die. The grass grows really tall and the children run through the area in the morning. I was planning today for my 4th graders. I am planning a unit using the artist Joe Sam, who paints as well as creates sculptures.
Seeing his sculptures, it got me to thinking about turning this unused space into our own sculpture garden. We already have one sculpture there, the Chihuly inspired chandelier, which I keep putting off taking down.
So I am considering proposing this to my principal. I really want the related arts that we offer at Lakeview to be the main focus, since we are so often left out. I have been researching ideas, and have gotten some good ones, like this sculpture created from sports equipment
So what do you think? Any ideas or suggestions for possible sculptures?

6 comments:

Jogeum said...

How about a series of face casts w/ "note bubbles" coming out their mouths ? Singing and theater arts combined?

Mr. E said...

WORD BUBBLES?!?!?! WHAT...THAT IS ON THE NO NO BOARD JOEL!!!! :) ha ha

Kelly said...

I had a couple thoughts, maybe also older damaged instruments, artist tools, or wood cut outs of all kinds of shapes related to specialty areas, especially art, music, and physical education. I did call to mind sculptures by Red Grooms.

Barbara's Thought of the Day said...

I saw a beautiful interactive toy sculpture this summer in Vermont. Branches were "planted" into a cement base, small bits of wire and buckets of toys were placed nearby and the public was invited to wire the toys onto the branches of the "tree". The toys were cast off Happy Meal type stuff, bits and pieces, and tag sale free box things. I know I'm going to do this in the springtime at my school and have been hitting free piles when ever I see them to get ready.

Kathy said...

I want to do something similar in our scool yard does anyone have any more links to similar work?

Anonymous said...

Janet,

I am in awe of your blog! You remind me of the energizer bunny, girlfriend! I love all of the proj :)ects you've shared and the way you decorate your boards and public spaces at school-do you ever sleep? It's really great to find another "Chihulyolic" too!
Keep up the inspiring work!

Pat from Iowa