Geometric String Art Installation

I am so excited to share the amazing project my 4th Grade Howe Manning Artovators
have been creating.  This post is a long one, but it's worth it!

I first learned of this project a few years ago when I stumbled across an outdoor string art design 

by A Zen Librarian, Todd Burleson. I knew I had to do something similar!

4th grade Artovators started learning about geometric string art earlier in the year and created their own individual string art pieces.  Check out this link to learn more about what they did.

As they wrapped up their individual string art, I started talking to the students about installations. 

We watched a mini documentary to learn about installation artist Megan Mosholder's process.

Then the big reveal...

I told them that we were going to create our own installation on the grounds of Howe Manning!

I wanted them to have as much ownership in the process as possible.

First, each Artovator answered a 3 question survey to vote for their favorite grid and design.

Finally it was time to create our design, a circle grid with a spectrum design in 4 colors. 

The whole process would need to be spread out over 6 classes.

The first 2 classes (Weeks and Brown) were responsible for laying out the circle grid.  

This required us to find the center of the work site and build a circle around it with a 24 ft. circumference.  We created a makeshift compass from that center point and 

used it to measure steaks every 2 feet all the way around.

Following the grid set up, each of the remaining 4 classes added a new color to create a spectrum design from 4 different directions.

Mrs. Church's Class:

Mrs. Deeley's Class:

After the first 2 colors, it got much trickier - We needed major teamwork to get the job done!

Mrs. Jones' Class:

and finally, Mr. Husson's Class:

The entire 4th grade was so excited to show the school their project. 

We even tried to raise excitement and find ways for the rest of the school to get involved!

We couldn't have done it without all of the wonderful parent volunteers and teachers who helped out.  I especially want to thank our Technology Curriculum Coordinator, Dierdre Baker,
 who worked with us everyday to document the entire process.  

Check out the video she put together to see the 4th grade Artovators in action!

4th Grade Artovation Challenge: Geometry Meets String Art

4th Grade “Artovators” have been busy exploring the beauty of

geometric shapes for their next Artovation challenge.

Artovators started out imagining all the possible designs they could make with shapes.  

They explored regular and irregular shapes as well as the parabolic curve. 

They loved creating their nail beds and were so excited to use actual nails for this project. 

Finally 4th graders got to stringing! 

Check out some of the beautiful designs they created using simple geometic shapes.

The next two designs were created by 4th graders in Mrs. Deeley's class.  

Each design used 4 parabolic curves which students coined the "fourabolic" curve!

Love their humor!

This week I had a big surprise for them....

We are going to create a huge string art installation on the grounds of the school. 

 Each 4th grade class is going to contribute to finished product. 

 We took a google form survey so they could give their input on which design and grid to create.

 Stay tuned over the next few weeks as this project takes form!

Ugly Dolls Are Here!

6th graders have been hard at work design, creating, and sewing their very own ugly doll inspired creations. They have learned such valuable life skills during this project such as pattern making, hand sewing techniques.  These students took their ugly dolls to a place I couldn't even imagine. 

They are adorable!

Take a peek at few here and stop by the Howe Manning Library 

to see every more of these adorable ugly dolls!

Grade 3 Tree Weavings

3rd Grade Artist have just wrapped up a school wide fiber arts unit.  Each student created their own loom using a paper plate.  They painted hilly landscapes and then created a woven tree in the foreground.  These students experimented with patterns, textures, and design as they brought their tree landscapes to life.

Check out 3rd graders at work and a few of their finished products!

"String Theory" in the 5th Grade Art Room

I 5th Grade Fiber Artists

Inspired by a project by art teacher Cassie Stephens, Howe Manning 5th graders set to work exploring geometric patterns using yarn and a needle.  Students learning a few basic patterns such as radiating lines and rotation squares.  

They used these as a jumping off point to create their own color unique designs.  I loved seeing their creativity and imaginations run wild with possibilities.

Take a look yourself!