ADVOCACY

Art teacher Thomas Rodriguez and the colossal results.

Thomas Rodriguez

Our international school in Saudi Arabia is an intersection of many languages, rituals, routines, traditions, and holidays. Here, families live, work, and learn together. As an art teacher working with students in grades two through nine, I have the unique responsibility of honoring and integrating these different cultures in my classroom.
Art has given our diverse group of students the necessary tools to effectively communicate with each other as they create spaces to share their challenges and celebrations. Our school hosts an art exhibition in the gym at the end of the academic year to recognize students’ expression of the diverse cultures in our community.

A Universal Symbol
Those of you who have transformed a gymnasium or other public area into an art show know that it’s important to create a focal point to draw viewers into the space. As our guests approached the entrance of the show, I wanted their attention to be guided in the same way an artist directs the viewer’s eye around a picture, and I wanted to do something on a monumental scale. Right away, an artist’s brush came to mind, a universal symbol of art that speaks to all audiences.

As our guests approached the entrance of the show, I wanted their attention to be guided in the same way an artist directs the viewer’s eye around a picture.

Creating the Brush
To create the brush, I sandwiched the end of a long cardboard tube with two rectangular polystyrene foam sheets (from the packaging that came with our new smart boards). I secured them with masking tape to create an armature for papier-mâché, and used embossing foil for the metal part of the brush. Colored paper was cut into thin strips to create the illusion of bristles. The completed brush was connected to colored bulletin paper using staples and hot glue.  

A Swash of Paint
To hang the brush, I tied a wire to ceiling clips and wrapped them under the brush at various points for safety. I pinned the brush to the corkboard with T pins. After securing the brush, we stapled each of the colored bulletin papers—our “paint”—to the corkboard.

The assembled artistʼs brush ready for installation. 

I was thrilled with the result. The colossal swash of an artist’s brush creates the dramatic entrance I envisioned for our art show. Our students genuinely deserve a celebration that invites guests inside to see a Bedouin tent exhibit, Pop Art sculptures, and imaginative papier-mâché animals. Our varied art pieces reflect the diversity of our small community.

I shared the enormous paintbrush display in two online art groups. Many expressed their admiration, inspiration, and appreciation for the display, and for that, I am eternally grateful and inspired to create more.   

Thomas Rodriguez is an art teacher from Conroe, Texas. trodriguez@saeslearning.com