Editor's Note

Arts & Activities, Oct, 2001 by Maryellen Bridge

Hey, let's throw a paper party! You provide the kids, the supplies and the place--and we'll provide the projects. To get things rolling, allow your students to tap into their innermost feelings with our Cover Story, "Levels of Emotion" (page 26). Colorful, delightfully decorated abstract portraits come to life, revealing happiness, sadness, anger and surprise.

In "Modern Mosaics: From Mundane Materials to Magnificence" (page 28), high-schoolers conduct a study of color, draw thumbnail sketches of a land- or cityscape, then create torn-paper "mosaics" to serve as working models for their final artworks. Yes, the process is involved, but once you inspect the work shared on pages 28-29, you'll be anxious to try the project with your students.

Things are far from fishy in "Goldfish Bowls ... Inspired by Matisse" (page 30). There is much to learn with this project, and the thrill of art discovery abounds. Children learn that "decoupage" is a fun art form, and happily follow Matisse's lead as they delve into "drawing with scissors."

Construction paper comes through when the goal is to remind students about a few basic design principles and rules of composition. With simple directions and materials, "Black, White and Red All Over" (page 32) is a quick way to emphasize to students in several grade levels the importance of variety, balance and unity.

The extraordinary paper-bag hats seen in "The Bag Hatter" (page 37) will serve as inspiration for several art projects. From a game of "Name the Hats," to having youngsters twist and weave their own chapeaux, Moses' inventive creations are sure to grab students' attention and "go to their heads."

Who is your hero? Who do you admire for his or her bravery, great deeds or noble qualities? These and other questions are posed to a lively group of third-graders in "Heroes: Paper People Worthy of Admiration" (page 38). After a bit of brainstorming, the kids set forth to find pictures of their heroes and analyze each shape that comprises the person. Construction paper is selected and cut, and soon the room is filled with paper people from history, sports and home sweet home.

Paper also a role in "Pixel Palette: One Approach to Elementary Computer Art" (page 40). In response to a classroom teacher's request, an art teacher created this project that teaches kids to draw shapes on the computer. But, before they get their hot little hands on the stylus pen, they create animals, people and houses from construction-paper shapes. Redrawing their paper artworks on the computer then serves as an effective introduction to computer drawing.

In addition to our focus on paper, there are other items of interest. Don't miss the latest "Learning from Exhibitions," which this month highlights "Winslow Homer the Illustrator: His Wood Engravings, 1857-1888" (page 42). George Szekely returns this year with another installment in his series, "Children's Art Diary: Art Supply Inventors" (page 45). This will open your eyes to art-supply possibilities!

So, pass out the paper, and let's get this party started!