ELEMENTARY

Violett C., grade three.

Leigh Drake

Like a collage, this project contains a little bit of this and a little bit of that—collage and mixed-media materials with endless opportunities for discovery. To start this lesson, we had a class discussion about what makes something a collage. We talked about choices artists make to create a skillful collage, including composition, color, media, and subject matter.

Inspired by Susan Strazzella
I recently visited Asheville, North Carolina, a city that is home to a great wealth of art. I ventured to Asheville’s River Arts District, where a plethora of artisans practice their craft in a large warehouse converted into art studios. Visitors can walk from studio to studio and talk with the artists and marvel at their creations. While I was there, I met Susan Strazzella.

I’m always on a quest for new and exciting assignments inspired by contemporary artists.

I’m always on a quest for new and exciting assignments inspired by contemporary artists. Strazzella creates detailed and colorful collages of flowers, animals, and still-life compositions with acrylic, paper, and fabric. I was captivated by her work and was instantly inspired to create an art project for my students. I contacted Strazzella when starting the project to express my admiration and to share my plans for the assignment.

Brainstorming a Subject
After sharing Strazzella’s work with my students and discussing the concept of collage and mixed media, students brainstormed their own ideas for a collage. I wanted them to use the theme of nature for their research. We discussed copyright rules, and I reminded them not to copy directly from an image but to put their own spin on an idea.

Collage, Color, and Design
After students chose their subject matter, I asked them to divide their design like a puzzle, indicating the different areas of the collage to which they would add a specific pattern.

Students created their initial drawings on large paper and then added collage materials and paint. Collage materials included patterned paper, construction paper, and hand-marbled paper. I also asked them to draw at least three patterns within their design.
Students could use other media throughout their design, and drawing techniques such as patterning and stippling. It was great to see students engaged with their designs, learning how to fit pieces together and challenged to create truly unique pieces.

Emily H., grade three.

Leigh Drake is an NBCT visual arts teacher at Old Donation School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and a contributing editor for SchoolArts. leigh.drake@vbschools.com