So for the students having art 2nd semester, we looked at the artwork of Chris Uphues. I created a slideshow with examples and talked about how he is a current, working artist. I explained how he sells his designs, creates murals, and also sells paintings and small items like patches. We started they day by watching this catchy, sweet little youtube video and then looked at the slide show.
I was afraid students would find his work too babyish, but for the most part everyone was on board. Especially since they could make 'cute' food or hearts. I spent time teaching them how to fold a piece of paper in half to make a symmetrical heart. It is incredible how many students have never learned that technique. I'm hoping it will pay off when we start a big mask project later this year.
Students could make any design they wanted, it just couldn't be too simple. Ex. one heart with a smiley face. I showed them how to draw two eyes, fold the paper and cut the exact same shape out that would match. Sometimes students get frustrated that they can't make the same shape again.
We used glue sticks to attach the various pieces. If they finished with their main collage, they were also required to make one for a mural. The purpose of the mural: to make people happy.
Once they made their shape/food/face, they had to show it to me for 'quality control'. I would not let anything that was sloppy or messy go on the mural, they had to erase pencil lines, draw things in sharpie and make sure stuff was glued on well. They would not be getting their pieces back, but everyone's would be hung up.
I hung the murals and a few selected collages together around the building. They make me so happy to look at.