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ANIMALS AT THE MUSEUM
Cultural after school adventures (CASA)
with PS 242 Leonard P Stavisky Early Childhood School
April 9 - 12, 2014
Animals at the Museum was an exhibition of the artwork created during an 11-week class at PS 242 Leondard P. Stavisky Early Childhood School with CASA (Cultural Afterschool Adventures). The class provided an introduction to art history and art making to the second graders at PS 242. When possible, art objects from the Godwin-Ternbach Museum were brought to the school for the students to examine firsthand. By looking at representations of animals in different styles of art, students were introduced to art history—art across time and from cultures all over the world. The students learned that all cultures make art but the materials they use and the types of art created are as different as the people themselves. The classes addressed questions about art: What is art? Who is an artist? How and why is art created?
The lessons exposed students to printmaking, painting, drawing, and sculpture in addition to technical skills such as perspective and color theory. But most importantly, the lessons gave the students an opportunity to engage in open-ended creativity and experimentation.
The 2nd grade students came up with exciting solutions to problems they faced and creative additions to their projects. While the students may not remember the names of the artists and cultures they studied, this class has the potential to serve as the beginning of a lifetime of excitement for the diversity of art and art making.
The Cultural Afterschool Adventures (CASA) program, provided by the Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Queens College, is made possible through the generosity of New York City Council Member Peter Koo, and is supported in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. |
