The Inspirational Quote Project at Cook MS

This project went on most of last semester where the students in my Maker Class chose a teacher to work with as a client. Together the teams of students and the teacher chose an inspirational quote that the students illustrated. The student teams had to interview the teacher to find out what they wanted on their door or wall.

From the interviews an inspirational quote was identified along with any color preferences or imagery the teachers wanted to see. The students produced a sketch, a color sketch, and had the design approved by the teacher befoer they went forward with mural production.

Students were introduced to ratio, proportion, measuring, a multi-step process, drawing and painting skills, and above all how to follow through on a long term project. In the end, the students had to have their final product approved by their client.

Hopefully the project will continue each school year until their are no longer empty spaces in this very bland looking school.

The beauty of the outside of the school has to match what happens on the inside of the school.

Art projects can reflect a school’s culture.

My art students at Cook Middle School in Santa Rosa, CA completed a culturally relevant project this school year that was supported by Donor’s Choose donors.

They wanted to make a Dia de Los Muertos style mask out of plaster.  Not everyone in the class was brave enough to have plaster plastered to their faces. But we did get some beautiful masks made out of the project. Some said they would even use it next year during a Dia De Los Muertos celebration!

Student making a mask
A brave student sits for the production of his plaster mask.
Students prepare the wall by washing it befoer the gesso (primer) is applied.
IMG_5016
Students hard at work on Dia De Los Muertos Masks.

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