In fourth grade, students took on a
project that explored the individual in a different way. This project’s focus
is on how students, as individuals, can make a change. I created the Tote Bag
Awareness project as a way to show students that art can be a means of
communication. No matter how old you are, you can make a change. First, we
watched a clip of Planet Earth, and enjoyed the beauty and uniqueness of the
deep oceans. Then, I presented a lesson on plastic bags. We discussed: statistics
about plastic bags, the Great Eastern Garbage Patch, plastic bag bans, and how
to remedy the negative impact of plastic bags. Next, students created a drawing
that communicates something about the environment to promote a change. I strongly discouraged
students from using words, to highlight the importance of telling a story using
pictures. After creating drawings, students transferred their drawings onto
soft-kut printmaking blocks. Once the image was transferred, students carefully
cut into their drawing, then inked their block, and printed the image.
Initially, students printed on
colorful paper to get the feel for this printmaking technique:
The final print was transferred onto a
canvas tote bag. The result: students made an artistic statement in their
school and in their community. Wherever they go, wherever they shop, whenever they
have their tote bag, they will have a piece of art that stands for something
that needs addressing in the environment. What a big statement for someone so
young!
*Tote
bags are NOT washable!
*Tote
bags are NOT washable!
