SchoolArts - August/September 2010

Choosing a Project

Students brainstormed how to get involved in the relief effort by raising money for Haiti. They learned about the culture and art of Haiti, then created Haitian-inspired images. The resulting artwork was reduced in size, a resin layer was added to protect the image, and magnets were attached to the back. These were sold for $5 a piece and students raised more than $400 dollars for Haiti.

Creating the Image Students chose topics that included Haitian lifestyle, world peace, world hunger, the importance of family, and the rebuilding of Haiti. Most classes created artwork that included a topic, a minimum of one stylized person, animals, and references from nature. Bright colors and “echo” lines in the style of Betty LaDuke using oil pastels and colored pencils added vibrant colors and patterns.

Tap-Taps

One class created “tap-taps,” a Haitian form of public transportation on four wheels, which are used in Haiti like shared taxis. The name comes from the sound of tapping on the metal side of a bus that signifies a passenger’s request to get off. Each student’s tap-tap had to include a minimum of two figures, a French or Creole saying, and brightly colored designs that filled the space.

Students participated in the creation of the work, the process of turning them into magnets and selling them during lunch periods, and at our district-wide art show. Three selected student pieces were also on display at the State University of New York College at Oswego.

Through this project, students real-
ized that they can play a significant
role in helping others in need. They
discovered the need and desire to sup-
port and help those in need whether it
is in one’s home, school, community,
or the world.

Lisa Billington is an art teacher at Otto Shortell Middle School in Wampsville, New York. lbillington@oneidacsd.org Mindy Pavone was her student teacher when they taught this lesson. mindy. pavone@gmail.com