The HPA Art and Design program prides itself on a cohesive and inclusive approach to content curation. As with all of our units, a multicultural perspective is at the core of our process, both with lesson planning and the execution of work by our students. Although months designated for specific themes are sincerely honored, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging remain central to our cause. As we celebrate Black History Month, students are encouraged to take a closer look at the creative, culturally inspired movements specific to the voices of African American artists. The images presented in this post are all student responses to a curated selection of historically significant and contemporary artwork. We encourage our community to further explore the work of the artists we have referenced in this post.
Kindergarteners spent several sessions observing and responding to the work of Stanley Whitney, a New York-based contemporary artist. Whitney’s work employs a grid structure to explore the possibilities of rhythm, cadence, space, and color. Students were asked to connect with his process by creating drawings and paintings in oil pastel and watercolor, where they experimented with the possibilities of color and form.
.
Our first graders took a journey into a Jazz fusion unit, where they looked at the work of Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, and Joseph Holston, three artists from slightly different periods, all with deep connections to the Harlem Renaissance movement. Their work engaged the spirit of the music on the 2D surface through paint, collage, and quilting. Employing both painting and drawing techniques, students created responsive works on paper.
Our 4th graders are focusing on the work of Magdalene Odundo, an African-born contemporary ceramist whose work explores not only her Kenyan heritage, but also pays tribute to ancient Chinese, Greek, and Aztec vessels. Students have created preliminary chalk drawings and are currently constructing ceramic forms inspired by the artist.
As our junior high ceramics students tackle the challenges of the potter’s wheel, they are looking to the work of Theaster Gates for inspiration. Gates is a Chicago-based contemporary artist and activist. He identifies as a potter, yet he works with a variety of materials and is widely known for his work with urban planning. He views the act of throwing pots as a launching pad for taking on the challenges that come with unfamiliar materials and processes. The idea of elevating and reshaping materials is a powerful metaphor within his practice. Students are encouraged to adopt this method of thinking as they contemplate their lumps of clay and go about their day in general.
We are thrilled to have the autonomy to create and curate content that allows us to continue to evolve as a program enabling our students to thrive and grow in the studio. Their willingness to embrace what is presented to them, interpret content, and ultimately express themselves, is proudly on display on the many walls that frame the workspace.
High Point Academy Blog 