REGARDING MURALS
As promised, here are some thoughts to consider when you start working with students to create a collaborative artwork.
BTW, I use this approach/stance whether it is on a huge scale or a smaller mini-mural or even buddy artwork where two people. create an artwork.
SET THE STAGE
Help the kids understand what a fun and important opportunity they will have as they work together to create an artwork. Normally, artists work by themselves to create their art. Help them to know how important it will be to listen carefully to each other as they work closely and to respect each other by using polite language like, please, thank you and excuse me. In fact, respect is always an important aspect of making collaborative art. Respect for self, art materials, each other and the teacher(s). Make sure they know what that means-
As I mentioned, as part of the respectful way we will work together, I always tell the kids that we would never cover over anyone's art with our own- You would instruct them, to talk to each other first about their idea, and work together to find the solution. Collaborative art making is all about communication, cooperation and building community, whether it is a small group or a whole school or an entire neighborhood.
KEY: Verbalization is critical when making art together. Teach the kids that everyone has something important to say, and we need to listen... Be aware of the kids who are staying quiet and see if there are ways to draw them into the conversation.
GETTING STARTED
First, Teach the kids what murals are. Define the word and show them the amazing artwork kids right here is SLC have created and in other cities. Share with them adult murals, like the ones I sent you from San Francisco and SLC.
Then you will need to brain storm with the groups what they will want to communicate... Art is a language we can use to communicate feelings, experiences and beliefs. The arts are the language of a whole range of human experience; help the students understand what this means and how amazing it is to be able to communicate using the language of visual art, line, shape, color, texture, etc.
For example, will their collaborative artwork be about living in harmony with animals? Saving the Zoo, or ?
It should evolve out of probing questions that get the kids thinking about what is important to them.
Will they have been to the Zoo when you start this process?
How will you motivate them to think about all the possibilities?
I usually break down the process of making collaborative art down into stages.
Ideas
Drawing the ideas
Painting or adding color to the drawings
Finishing touches or details that make the finished product sparkle!
I also always have the kids learn to step back and evaluate their work all along the way. Teach them to ask critical questions-
How is it looking?
What needs to happen next?
Are there areas that need more attention?
Do I need to modify anything?
This teaches them that it is important to stop and evaluate their work.
Since your project will be with the 2 classes you may want to modify any of this- you will find your own way that works for you!
CELEBRATE and SHARE
Make a plan with your school, the young artists and the teachers to celebrate the process of making artwork together and then completing the project. Maybe the artwork could be exhibited in the school before going to the ZOO exhibit? Consider having a gallery opening for parents or other classes-have refreshements, get a parent(s) to help with this part.
The artists should also title their mural and write about how they made it and what they learned and what they hope might happen after viewers see their artwork...
DOCUMENT
Plan on documenting the process of making the mural and the final artwork and celebrations.
have fun Kathleen!
Let me know how things go.
Cheers,
Elaine