Native American meets Georgia O'Keeffe

Students in grades 4-6 created these fun mash-ups that combine Southwestern Native American design with the skull paintings made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe. We began by looking at examples of Southwestern Native American designs on rugs, clothes and artwork. We noted the use of colors (mostly warm and natural colors with some blue accents), the geometric shapes and the use of symbols. Students then divided their papers up into sections using rulers and created similar style designs. Next, we punched holes in the bottom and students could choose different colors of yarn to weave through to mimic the textiles we were inspired by. During the final class, students drew cow skulls using highlights and shadows. This project is great for teaching about Georgia O'Keeffe, Native American art, weaving, and observational drawing.

Woven Snakes

PreK and Kinder created these woven snakes to learn about pattern, weaving and color contrast. We began by creating a painting by blending yellow and green together. During the next class, students cut out and added patterns to snakes in red and orange. We then cut the green/yellow painting to create a loom and wove the snakes in and out. The final step was to glue down the snakes once they are in place and add little tongues and eyes. 

Watercolor Weavings

To create these artworks, students first began by creating an abstract textured watercolor painting. The students used an analogous color scheme to create a sense of color unity. These paintings were then torn into 1/2" strips and woven together on a large piece of paper. Weaving is an important method of art making around the world and most students enjoy the process.

Woven Goldfish

PreK and Kinder students created these fishbowls to learn about shapes, patterns and weaving! We began by making a fishbowl- students used crayons to draw seaweed and rocks in the tank. This was then painted with blue liquid watercolor paint. Next, students created a fish and learned how to cut and weave strips through to create a pattern. As a final touch, students used cut out squares to create a mosaic style table for the tank to sit on. 

African Animal Symbols

Students in grades 7 and 8 created these African animal symbols to coincide with the International Academy's global focus on West Africa. We began by reading about African art and how it is primarily made to communicate messages usually within the spirit world. Artists drew an African animal symbol on drawing paper, then traced the animal onto another sheet of paper. After the first was colored in marker, students colored in the second with the opposite or complementary color. When finished, one drawing was cut into a loom and the other drawing was cut into half inch strips. These were then woven into each other to create a contrasting color effect. The final step was to add a border of Adinkra symbols. These are symbols used in Africa to symbolize positive ideals like strength, wisdom, love, etc. This was a great in depth project that incorporates drawing, weaving, printmaking and culture.

Woven Crocodiles

Montessori students in grades 1-3 created these woven crocodiles as the final project for the 2013-2014 school year. We began by painting an analogous colored background. Students painted several circles and traced them repeatedly to form a pattern that would fill the page. During the second class, students cut out a crocodile and wove strips of painted paper through the body. The cool colors create a color contrast that makes the crocodiles stand out from the background. Last, we added eyes and teeth and placed some textured grass along the bottom of the painting. This is a great lesson to teach weaving, texture, and color contrast.