Susquehanna Art Museum’s
Museum on Wheels
FROM ORDINARY TO
EXTRAORDINARY
The Art of Being Green
2011-2012 exhibit
Underwriting support generously provided by
Capital BlueCross
Marion C. Alexander Fund
Target
PNC Bank
Highmark Blue Shield
Irene C. Baird, D.Ed.
Penn National Insurance Company
The Susquehanna Art Museum’s programs are supported by its members,
the McCormick Family Foundation, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and
the Cultural Enrichment Fund, the capital region’s united arts fund.
Susquehanna Art Museum’s
Museum on Wheels
The VanGo! Museum on Wheels is an educational outreach program
brought to you by the Susquehanna Art Museum.
FROM ORDINARY TO
EXTRAORDINARY
The Art of Being Green
2011-2012 exhibit
Featured Artists
Cara Barer
Ellen Benson
Carol Cole
Sayaka Kajita Ganz
Abe Geasland
Karen Hackenberg
Judith G. Klausner
John Lefelhocz
Christopher Locke
Sally Mankus
Elizabeth Morisette
Leo Sewell
Annie Morris Simcoe
Michelle Stitzlein
Nadya Volicer
Special thanks to:
The Education Committee at SAM for their loyal support and guidance; Bettina Rupp for coordinating the loans of works
included in this exhibit and assisting in developing content; and Melanie Walters for providing activity ideas to augment
the educational content and allow teachers to expand the VanGo! experience beyond the visit day. This project is
definitely a labor of love - we hope you find your experience with VanGo! to be exciting, educational and worthwhile.
15 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.sqart.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x7
VanGo! Museum on Wheels 2011‐2012 exhibit: From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Art of Being Green Table of Contents - Susquehanna Art Museum – Program Opportunities - Director’s Introduction - Museum Handouts: a. What is a Museum? b. Museum Etiquette c. If I had my own museum - Pennsylvania Academic Standards addressed - The Art of Being Green: What is Recycled Art? & Common Recyclable Items in Your Home - Educator Manual Introduction & Participating Artist/Image Information‐ Discussion Questions & Activities - Exhibit Vocabulary - Exhibit Handouts: a. My Favorite Work of Art b. Letter to the Artist c. VanGo! Creative Writings d. VanGo! Bingo e. VanGo! Bingo (KEY) - VanGo! Press Release - VanGo! Visit Evaluation (handout) 3
(p. 4) (p. 5) (pp. 6‐8) (p. 9) (p. 10) (pp. 11‐32) (pp. 33‐35) (pp. 36‐40) (p. 41‐42) (p. 43) Susquehanna Art Museum History:
At the Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM), dreams become reality. In 1989, SAM began as a mere dream in the minds of a group of
central Pennsylvania art educators who felt strongly that the capital city needed an art museum. Guided by a desire to provide a forum
for innovative, relevant and engaging exhibitions and experiences that foster life-long learning, these educators, supported by
community leaders, businesspersons and a group of dedicated volunteers worked to make this dream reality.
A little more than two decades years later, SAM is central Pennsylvania’s only dedicated art museum, mounting exhibits that reflect
the diverse cultural heritage of the community as well as a wide range of aesthetic interests. The main galleries feature the artworks of
nationally and internationally recognized artists. The DOSHI Gallery for Contemporary Art, which has a rich history in the Harrisburg
community, spotlights the works of more than 110 regional artists annually.
In 2011, the Museum embarks on an exciting building project that will create a professional museum space on Third and Calder Streets
in the Midtown section of Harrisburg. Look for more exciting details at www.sqart.org or on our Facebook page in the months to
come!
Art to Go! Portfolio Rental Program:
SAM’s Art to Go! program introduces students of all ages to great works of art, important artists and pivotal periods of art history in
your own setting. Collections in the form of a portfolio of print reproductions provide your students a chance to see works by
Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci or Pablo Picasso.
Portfolios are arranged by artist, art movement, theme or historical period. Each portfolio consists of 5-8 large laminated color
reproductions. A corresponding binder contains historical timelines, artist biographical information and background information on the
reproductions included in each portfolio. Along with ideas for classroom presentation, the portfolio provides the teacher/volunteer
with a self-contained teaching tool. The goal of Art to Go! is to provide enhancement to an already existing visual arts/humanities
program, not replace it.
Group Tours:
During the Susquehanna Art Museum’s transitional phase into a new professional museum space, group tours will not be available until
further notice.
Lectures/Workshops:
Throughout the year, SAM hosts lectures/workshops to support the exhibitions in our galleries. During the Museum’s building project,
all programming will be held at partner institutions throughout the area. Please refer to SAM’s calendar of events on www.sqart.org
for a schedule of upcoming lectures/workshops.
VanGo! Museum on Wheels:
The VanGo! Museum on Wheels program was developed by SAM in 1992. The mission of VanGo! is to provide exposure to original
works of art to people who otherwise lack such opportunities. At the heart of this project is a belief that an art educational experience
of quality should expose viewers to the primary source, rather than reproductions. VanGo! exhibits follow the school year, running
from September through July. Each year the exhibit on the bus changes, bringing original works of art to schools, community festivals
and retirement centers. Works of art are chosen from leading artists who have exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the
world. VanGo! exhibitions are designed to reach a broad range of people and stimulate ideas across the curriculum.
Youth Art Classes:
SAM’s youth art classes explore drawing, sculpture, painting, art history, and art appreciation and provide a quality art education
experience where students have the opportunity to learn from original works of art in a museum setting. All classes provide a forum
where self-exploration, experimentation and cultivating a sense of inquiry are integral parts of the educational experience. SAM’s
instructors are Pennsylvania certified art educators, and curriculum is designed around current exhibitions, important artists and
artistic movements and specific art media. Each session provides a brand new experience.
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From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Art of Being Green
Introduction
The Susquehanna Art Museum is pleased to feature the exhibition From Ordinary to
Extraordinary: The Art of Being Green on its award-winning VanGo! Museum on Wheels for the
2011-2012 school year. From Ordinary to Extraordinary features prominent contemporary
artists who work in a variety of artistic media whose works utilize a wide variety of recycled, reused and repurposed objects and/or materials.
“Recycled Art” is defined as art that uses discarded, broken and/or unwanted materials to
create something which is brand-new, attractive and in some cases, useful. Recycled Art
involves the use of discarded materials to create art in inventive ways. By doing this, artists
effectively lessen the amount of trash in landfills, while also creating something that is
aesthetically pleasing. Recycled Art can be referred to as an environmentally friendly art form,
with artists of all media helping to keep our environment clean. Recycling trash and
transforming it into art is like finding something extraordinary from the ordinary.
Recycled Art has close ties to the Assemblage Movement or Found Object Artwork Movement.
It is no longer considered a novelty and is closely related to the Save the Earth movement or
Green Movement – utilizing the motto: reduce, reuse and recycle.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary examines the relationships between artists and how they value
and respond artistically to the environment they live in. Featuring paintings, photography,
collage, sculpture and more, From Ordinary to Extraordinary is designed to suggest insight into
the working methods and ideas applied by environmentally-aware artists. Through the exhibit,
students will acquire an increased appreciation for what constitutes artistic materials and
develop important skills in creative problem solving and critical analysis that will serve them in
future learning. From Ordinary to Extraordinary addresses the Pennsylvania Academic
Standards for Arts & Humanities; Environment & Ecology; Career Education & Work and more.
An educator manual is available on the website of the Susquehanna Art Museum,
www.sqart.org, where you can also access works of art from current and past VanGo!
exhibitions. The manual is intended to provide educators of all ages and subjects with a
background of the From Ordinary to Extraordinary exhibition on VanGo! and provide pre- and
post- visit activities that will augment any classroom curriculum.
We hope that your VanGo! visit is educational, as well as enjoyable, and encourage you to
inquire about other educational programs offered through SAM. It is our goal and mission to
provide quality educational resources in the visual arts – if you enjoy VanGo! be sure to let us
know – we always appreciate your comments and suggestions as we strive to expand our
educational outreach.
Thank you again for supporting the VanGo! Museum on Wheels program, and the Susquehanna
Art Museum!
-Wendy Sweigart
Director of Outreach Education
Susquehanna Art Museum
5
Museum on Wheels
201-201 Exhibit
From Ordinary to Extraordinary:
The Art of Being Green
What is a Museum?
A museum is a place where special objects are kept. Whether a ‘museum’ is a small
cardboard box filled with cherished bits of memorabilia or a huge marble building filled
with priceless works of art, these special spaces and places include treasures and
objects that are felt to be important. Collections in a museum reflect the many choices
that were made about what to include and what had to be left out. Great care is taken
to preserve and protect the items in the museum. The significance of the museum
becomes apparent when its contents are shared and enjoyed by others.
Did you know?
•
•
•
•
The Greeks built the first museum in 307 BC
The word ‘museum’ comes from the Greek word ‘mouseoin’
One third of the world’s museums are in the United States
There is a bead museum as well as a daredevil museum. Also a cookie jar, hockey, nut, potato, roller skating, bowling and even a McDonald’s museum!
Museum Examples
Art Museums:
History Museums:
Sports Museums:
Science Museums:
American Museum of Visionary Art; Baltimore, MD
Lancaster Museum of Art; Lancaster, PA
Metropolitan Museum of Art; NYC
National Gallery of Art; Washington, DC
Philadelphia Museum of Art; Philadelphia, PA
Susquehanna Art Museum; Harrisburg, PA
Gettysburg National Park; Gettysburg, PA
Lancaster Cultural History Museum; Lancaster, PA
The Smithsonian; Washington, DC
The State Museum of PA; Harrisburg, PA
The Baseball Hall of Fame; Cooperstown, NY
The Football Hall of Fame; Cleveland, OH
The Little League Hall of Fame; Williamsport, PA
Baltimore Science Center; Baltimore, MD
Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts; Harrisburg
15 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.sqart.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x7
6
Museum on Wheels
201-201 Exhibit
From Ordinary to Extraordinary:
The Art of Being Green
Museum Etiquette
(Rules to remember during your VanGo! visit)
Museums are very special places where treasures and objects
that are important are kept.
Complete the following sentences and use these rules to help
you enjoy your VanGo! visit today.
1
When in a Museum, it is important that you
remember to _______ touch the artwork.
2
A Museum is like a library – it is important that
you talk ___________ while in the Museum.
3
___________ run in the Museum – you could
cause an accident!
1RUWK7KLUG6WUHHW+DUULVEXUJ3$ www.sqart.org
0DLOLQJ$GGUHVV: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x7
7
Museum on Wheels
2011-2012 Exhibit
From Ordinary to Extraordinary:
The Art of Being Green
If I Had My Own Museum...
My name is: ___________________________________
If I had my own museum, it would be a _____________ Museum.
Some things you would find in my museum would be:
_________________
_________________
_________________
I would care for the things in my museum by:
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
My museum would make my neighborhood a better place because:
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
15 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.sqart.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x7
8
Museum on Wheels
PA ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Using the VanGo! experience to augment your classroom curriculum is
easy, and can help you meet the following academic standards:
Arts & Humanities:
- (9.1) Production, Performance and Exhibition of Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts
- (9.2) Historical and Cultural Contexts
- (9.3) Critical Response
- (9.4) Aesthetic Response
Environment & Ecology:
- (4.1) Ecology
- (4.3) Natural Resources
- (4.5) Humans and the Environment
History:
- (8.1) Historical Analysis & Skills Development
Career Education & Work:
- (13.1) Career Awareness & Preparation
For more information on the PA Academic Standards:
http://www.pdesas.org/Standard/Views
15 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.sqart.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x7
9
the art of being green
What is Recycled art?
Art that uses discarded, broken and/or unwanted materials to create something which is
brand-new, attractive and, often times, useful. The artists help our environment by recycling
trash and transforming it into art, revealing the extraordinary from the ordinary.
What is Repurposing?
The adaptation of a material or object to serve a different intent or to create a new product.
common recyclable ITEMS in your home
Can you find any of these materials in the artwork?
Mixed glass
(brown, clear and
green)
Clear glass
Green glass
Steel food &
beverage cans and
aerosol cans
Aluminum
beverage cans
and foil
Cardboard
Mixed color paper,
newspaper, magazines,
mail and phone books
Standard white
copy and printer
paper
Soda, water & dish
detergent bottles and
food containers
Milk jugs, lotion,
laundry detergent and
house cleaner bottles
Cooking oil & salad
dressing bottles, battery
packaging and toys
Grocery, trash
& bread bags and
plastic wrap
Yogurt containers,
shampoo bottles and
cereal liner bags
Styrofoam cups &
food trays and plastic
cutlery
Mixed plastics
(combination of plastic
resins 1-6)
List represents examples of recyclable materials. Make sure to check for codes on all of your product containers!
Source: “Common Recyclable Materials,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/osw/partnerships/wastewise/pubs/commonmats.pdf.
Educator Manual Introduction
From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Art of Being Green is meant to serve as a ‘jumping off’ point for you and your
students. Use this experience to spark your students’ natural curiosity in the world around them. On the following
pages, we provide background information on the artists in the exhibition, descriptions and stories about their
artwork, as well as how they think about their own work. We also include suggested discussion questions and
activities that can help you make the most of your VanGo! experience.
In another section you will find a list of Pennsylvania Academic Standards (Arts & Humanities; Environment &
Ecology; History; Career Education & Work and more) you will be meeting as you follow up in the classroom. We
hope you will not miss the opportunity to expand on your students’ visit back in the classroom, and that you see
potential for further development in many curricular areas.
Encourage your students to complete the handouts provided in this manual – we would love it if you would consider
mailing copies of these to the Museum so that they can be shared with the artists, who sincerely enjoy getting
feedback on their work, especially from children.
Follow our travels through our Twitter page: www.twitter.com/VanGoBus. During the school year, we update this
regularly, providing comments that we hear students and teachers make about the artworks, the bus, and the
VanGo! experience itself. These comments showcase the tremendous impact the VanGo! program has on students,
and provides important feedback for the artists and the funders who so generously support this incredible program.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Art of Being Green –
Artist & Image Information
Cara Barer, The Twins, 2011.
Photograph on rag paper
www.carabarer.com
Cara Barer was born in 1956 in Freeport, TX. Her education includes studies in photography at the University of
Houston; studies in painting, drawing, printmaking and ceramics at the Glassell School of Art in Houston, TX; and an
Associate Degree from The Art Institute of Houston. Cara’s artwork has exhibited extensively nationwide and is in a
number of prestigious private and public collections, including Bloomingdale’s, New York, NY; Museum of Fine Arts,
Houston, TX; VISA; Nordstrom’s; and Trump Hollywood.
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About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Used bookstores, recycling centers and generous friends’ book collections are explored to find the subjects of Cara’s
photographs. To create The Twins, a phonebook was soaked in water, then manipulated and left to dry to reveal a
unique form. Many of Cara’s works, such as this photograph, are also digitally altered. The mischievous, sculpted
figure in the featured artwork was duplicated and flipped to display an identical, mirror image. The Twins took the
artist three weeks to complete. As with all of her other finished artworks, the books are recycled once the artwork is
complete.
Cara Barer, about her work: “My photographs are primarily a documentation of a physical evolution. I have changed
a common object into sculpture in a state of flux. The way we choose to research and find information is also in an
evolution. I hope to raise questions about these changes, the ephemeral and fragile nature in which we now obtain
knowledge, and the future of books.
*…+ As I begin the process, I first consider the contents of each volume. I didn’t spend more than a few seconds on
Windows 95, but the New Century Dictionary of the English Language is a treasure that, because of its fascinating
illustrations and archaic examples, saved it from taking on a new form. Sculpting segued to thoughts on
obsolescence and the relevance of libraries in this century.
Half a century ago, students researched at home with the family set of encyclopedias, or took a trip to the library to
find needed information. Now, owning a computer and connecting to the internet gives a student the ability to
complete a research paper without ever going near a library. I have fully embraced that technology, and would not
want to be without it, but I also fear that it is rapidly leading us to rely less and less on the reference books common
in the last two centuries.
With the discarded books that I have acquired, I am attempting to blur the line between objects, sculpture and
photography. This project has become a journey that continues to evolve.
A final note – No important books have been injured during the making of any of these photographs.”
Discussion Questions – Cara Barer:
o
What do you see first when you view this work of art?
o
How many different ideas can you come up with to describe the subject of this piece?
o
Why do you think the artist titled this work of art, The Twins?
o
Is this artwork symmetrical or asymmetrical – and why?
o
What happens to paper when it gets wet?
o
Why do we recycle paper?
Activity Ideas – Cara Barer:
o
Rolled paper sculpture: Students will use strips of recycled magazines as their material for creating a
sculpture. Roll strips into tight coils and attach to create an organic sculpture.
o
Quilling Objects: Provide a brief introduction to the art of quilling, which dates back to the 18th century. Have
each student create a simple object using basic quilling techniques.
o
Objects in a New Light: Students will select one or more common, everyday object/s and position the item/s
in a unique and out-of-the-ordinary arrangement. Students will draw or photograph their object/s. The
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composition will tell a new story about the subject: whether it is happy, angry, humorous, sad, fearless or
scary.
o
Mirrored Images: Using tempera paint, students will create an organic “mirrored” image by folding a piece
of white construction paper in half, randomly dripping paint (using no more than 2 colors) onto the surface
of one half of the paper and then folding the paper back in half, sealing the paint inside the fold. Lightly
smooth the surface with your hand and carefully open to reveal a mirrored image.
Additional Resources – Cara Barer:
o
Handcrafter’s Village – Quilling Techniques, Designs & Ideas: www.handcraftersvillage.com/quilling.htm
Ellen Benson, PLAY BLUE!, 2010.
Vintage baseball glove, fishing lures, hardware parts,
tool, paint & wire
www.inliquid.com/artist/benson_ellen/benson.php
Ellen Benson left her position as a bank Senior Vice President in 2002 and since then has been making art nonstop.
Inspired at first by boxes of old family photos and documents, she began making collages, assemblages and altered
books with these personal materials. Soon after she found herself collecting old dolls, tiny ceramic figures, vintage
children’s play furniture, buttons, jewelry and fabric, all of which are frequently used in her work.
Another inspiration for Ellen are the colors and folk art of Mexico and Guatemala, where she travels annually to visit
woodcarvers, weavers, ceramic sculptors, mask makers and other artisans in their homes and studios. Her collection
of materials has expanded to include ethnic textiles, little books in Spanish, rusted cans and other Latin American
detritus.
For a number of years, Ellen has been a member of the Dumpster Divers of Philadelphia, a group of artists who focus
on re-using cast-off pieces of the world around them to make found object art. Currently, she has a long-term goal
of creating 1000 figures and has made close to 500 so far.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
PLAY BLUE! is part of a series of baseball glove faces created by Ellen. The process of collecting and selecting the
right materials for each of the artworks is very important to the artist. Assembling this artwork took about half a day
to complete, not including time spent on developing the concept and preparation. One of the reasons Ellen enjoys
working with discarded materials is because it allows her to discover new purpose in each of her doll or mask
creations.
Ellen Benson, about her work: “To me and to many divers, art materials are everywhere, and sometimes just finding
a particular item inspires a variety of projects. I look at a bottle cap on the street and see a doll’s little hat; my old
paintbrushes look like legs. Cigar boxes and old drawers are really houses for creating a story within.
My work brings together many elements of my life as an artist: figures are made from reused materials such as
plastic bags, recycled paper, old doll clothes, toys and found objects; my colorful palette, the use of masks and the
13
paper mâché process are inspired by the exuberance of Mexico and its craftspeople. My assemblages are frequently
family records and memory pieces which incorporate the wall paper pattern of my childhood home, postcards from
the beach town where we spent the summer, my father’s passport and ration books from World War II.”
Discussion Questions – Ellen Benson:
o
What objects do you see on this work of art?
o
Is the baseball glove made for a right handed or left handed player?
o
What is the difference between a collage and an assemblage?
o
Identify the facial features on this interesting portrait.
o
What objects do you have at home that could be used to create a portrait?
Activity Ideas – Ellen Benson:
o
Mask About Me: Students will bring in various small objects that describe what they like to do or facts about
themselves. Using a paper plate as a base, students will use these objects and other small recycled materials
(bottle caps, buttons, pieces of recycled paper, plastic silverware) to construct a mask that describes them.
o
Cubist Self- Portraits: Using the work of Picasso’s cubist portraits as inspiration, have the students create a
self-portrait using cut or torn construction paper.
o
If a Portrait Could Talk: Using Ellen Benson’s work of art as inspiration, write a short story about the
character, where he/she is from, and what the character might say if you saw him/her on the street.
Additional Resources – Ellen Benson:
o
Dumpster Divers of Philadelphia: www.dumpsterdivers.org
o
The Artchive’s Pablo Picasso (with Cubism images and information):
www.artchive.com/artchive/P/picasso.html
Carol Cole, Bread and Water, 1999 A.D., 1999.
Handmade paper, acrylic paint, gold leaf & found
objects (138 plastic bread bag closers & 98 plastic water
bottle caps)
www.carolcole.com
Carol Cole was raised in Tucson, AZ near the Catalina Mountains, where she was surrounded by the serene and
dynamic landscape. This past experience influenced her present work which embodies a love of textures and the
interplay of light and color in nature. She received a B.A. with honors from Stanford University where she studied
history, art history, literature and anthropology. Carol went on to earn Master’s degrees at the Harvard Graduate
School of Education and Syracuse University. After several years as a high school teacher and public television
producer, she made the commitment to pursue art as a full-time career. Carol was one of the founders of Village
Square and Eureka Studios in Syracuse, NY, and became a successful potter and porcelain jewelry maker.
Moving to Philadelphia, Carol participated in a program in which artists from many fields came together to explore
handmade paper as an artistic medium. This course proved to be a turning point for Carol and she has been working
with paper pulp and mixed media ever since.
14
In addition to working in her Philadelphia studio, Carol currently teaches papermaking and provides creativity
workshops called, Doing What Comes Naturally.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Carol reminds viewers of the excessive waste food and water packaging contributes with her artwork, Bread and
Water, 1999 A.D. The work is inspired by old-fashioned, carved, painted and gilded signs that once hung on the
street in front of stores to let people know where they could buy supplies. A bakery might have a sign out saying,
Bread. Only in recent times has bread become packaged in plastic bags and water sold in plastic bottles. While
plastic keeps products fresh and clean, it is using up limited petroleum supplies while adding extra cost and creating
waste.
Carol Cole, about her work: “My work explores the synergy that comes from combining the traditional craft of
handmade paper with the relatively new medium of found object assemblage. What some would consider trash is
transformed into something elegant and mysterious.
I create a duality in which what is new looks old, what is light appears heavy and what is ordinary seems
extraordinary.
My unique process involves creating an armature and covering it with a skin of freshly made sheets of handmade
paper and heavily textured paper pulp. I apply many thin layers of color to this surface to achieve an ancient-looking,
patina surface. The found objects are then incorporated into the sculpture. The work is object-inspired, meaning
that the form and content of each piece is dictated by the found objects used.
I am inspired by the works of anonymous tribal artists and architects whose archetypal forms and symbols speak a
universal language, crossing barriers of time and culture. In my work, I aim for the same universality by making
multicultural references and seeing beauty in unexpected places. I use what will become the relics of our time–
found manufactured objects–and transform them into iconic abstract sculptures.”
Discussion Questions – Carol Cole:
o
Why are signs used?
o
What other signs do you typically see at the grocery store?
o
What kind of store would you own? What would your store’s sign look like?
o
Judging by the materials the artist uses, do you think these signs are heavy or light? Why?
Activity Ideas – Carol Cole:
o
It Is What It Is: Students will collect objects that may normally be recycled or thrown away in the art room or
school over several weeks. (Ideas include: wrappers, caps, paper scraps, closures from containers, empty
paint containers, broken pencils). Students will use these materials to construct the word of the material.
For example, if a student collected candy wrappers, they may choose to use them to construct the word
“wrapper”, “candy”, etc. Projects from this will vary between two dimensional and three dimensional
depending on students’ material choices.
o
Found Object Name Plates: Collect multiples of small found objects such as buttons, twist ties, caps, crayons,
etc. On a 6” x 14” piece of heavy cardboard, have each student map out their name, using the entire
composition space. Using multiples of their found objects, have each student glue these pieces onto the
cardboard ground, spelling out his/her name. Once dry, the entire piece can be painted a single color.
15
Additional Resources – Carol Cole:
o
Dumpster Divers of Philadelphia: www.dumpsterdivers.org
o
American Sign Museum, Permanent Collection Gallery: www.signmuseum.net/permcollect.asp
Sayaka Kajita Ganz, Forest, 2011.
Reclaimed plastic objects and wire
www.sayakaganz.com
Sayaka Kajita Ganz was born in Yokohama, Japan and grew up living in Japan, Brazil and Hong Kong, China. She has
been living and working in Indiana for 15 years. Currently, she teaches design and drawing courses at Indiana
University –Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Using post-consumer plastic objects as her materials, Sayaka’s recent sculptures depict animals in motion with rich
colors and energy. Her recent exhibitions include: Objects and Spirits, a solo exhibition at the Robert E. Wilson
Gallery, Huntington University, Huntington, IN, and Convergence, a solo exhibition in the Visual Arts Gallery, Indiana
University – Purdue University Fort Wayne. Her sculpture, Ambush, has been installed permanently in the new
education wing of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. She is currently working on a commission of a series of four
marine life sculptures for the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Forest was created from scrap steel wire and paint for the armature, plastic objects collected from secondhand
stores, and wire from old Christmas lights and other electronic appliances. It took Sayaka 50 hours from September
2010 through May 2011 to complete this project.
Sayaka’s process first begins with plastic objects sorted by color in bins. When she has enough of a single color she
can begin planning her project. She focuses on a specific animal, or group of animals, and the motion she wants to
depict. Images are collected from the internet and photo reference books to help accurately represent the subject.
Then an armature is made and painted to match the color of the plastic. Holes are drilled into the plastic objects
and, using electrical wire, the objects are then tied onto the armature until the sculpture looks fully formed.
Sayaka Kajita Ganz, about her work: “Driven by a combination of my passion for fitting odd shapes together and a
strange sympathy toward discarded objects, I create organic forms with thrift store plastics.
I was born in Japan and spent my early childhood there. Japanese Shinto beliefs are such that all objects and
organisms have spirits, and objects that are discarded before their time weep at night inside the trash bin, or so they
teach children at many preschools. This became a vivid image in my mind. I grew up moving to several different
countries and the constant need to adjust to a new environment also gave me a strong desire to fit in, and to make
people and objects surrounding me fit together to create harmony.
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I use kitchen utensils, toys, metal objects and appliance wire among other things. I only select objects that have
been used and discarded. My goal is for each object to transcend its origins by being integrated into the form of an
animal or some other organism that seems alive and in motion. This process of reclamation and regeneration is
liberating to me as an artist.
By building these sculptures I try to understand the human situations and relationships that surround me. It is a way
for me to contemplate and remind myself that even if there is conflict right now, there is a way for all the pieces to
fit together. We do not have to fit together perfectly with the people we love. Even if you see a wide gap in some
places and small holes in others, when one steps back and sees the whole community from the distance there is still
great beauty and harmony there. Even if some people don’t feel at home here and now, there is a place where they
belong and they will eventually find it.”
Discussion Questions – Sayaka Kajita Ganz:
o
What kind of creature has the artist created in this sculpture?
o
Why do you think the artist chose the name “Forest” for this work of art?
o
Identify some of the materials and found objects used to create this sculpture.
o
Is this artwork monochromatic? What does that mean?
o
Does the animal appear to be still or in motion?
Activity Ideas – Sayaka Kajita Ganz:
o
Contour line drawings of animals: Students will select several related animals after doing research in the
school library (habitat, eco system, food chain, etc.). Students will complete a series of line drawings using
pencil or charcoal that illustrate this system.
o
Recycled Creatures: Collect a variety of objects that were going to be thrown away (such as plastic bottles,
Popsicle sticks, old shoes, utensils and other harm-free items). Before creating, the students should
brainstorm how the objects’ shapes can be utilized effectively, considering features important to the
animal’s structure. Use glue or other adhesive to build the creatures. Feel free to allow students to use paint
and markers (for small details) but make sure to stress the importance of using the objects to create the
majority of the form.
Additional Resources – Sayaka Kajita Ganz:
o
GMW Public Art: www.gmwpublicart.wordpress.com
Abe Geasland, Electrolyte #73 (DayJob), 2010.
Lamp base, gears, thermal housing, Crouse-Hinds
industrial fixture and reproduction of vintage bulb
www.abegeasland.com
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Abe Geasland is a designer and sculptor currently living in New Orleans, LA. In 1990, he graduated from Franklin and
Marshall College, in Lancaster, PA where he received a B.A. in Art and Philosophy with honors. While attending
college, Abe discovered a local dump which inspired him to utilize found materials in his work and to develop his
post-industrial primitive design style. He also attended workshops at and worked as a teaching assistant for Haystack
School of Crafts in Deer Isle, ME. Abe has exhibited significantly throughout Pennsylvania as well as New Orleans, LA.
From 2009-2011, he participated in an artist residency at Louisiana ArtWorks.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Abe visits metal scrap yards, abandoned industrial sites and antique stores in search of industrial materials to use for
his works. Electrolyte #73 (DayJob) is part of a series of lamps that he started in 1995. The series was constructed
from a collection of found objects that included industrial light fixtures and small parts. This particular Lyte is
constructed entirely from found objects. The stone base is a lamp base followed by a column of gears, a thermal
housing and a Crouse-Hinds industrial fixture. The bulb is a vintage style reproduction. All the components are
mechanically assembled. Abe spent close to half a year working on the design for the Lyte because of the
importance of exploring different compositions before committing to his work. The actual time spent on assembly
was only a few days.
Abe Geasland, about his work: “This work is not about furniture design. It is about furniture making. It is not about
the epitome of a functionalist ideal but the ability to realize function in the unobvious. In my case, making furniture
from the wealth of found objects that are a result of our highly inventive post-industrial culture. The bits of flotsam
and jetsam that have outlived their initial purpose I cull and assemble into lighting, tables and timepieces that retain
the raw beauty of the materials. The irony being that many of the objects I use were never intended to inhabit the
sacred space of a home’s interior. But our homes are the ideal space from which we can contemplate the meaning
of this furniture as we use it, day in and day out.”
Discussion Questions – Abe Geasland:
o
Can you identify any of the objects used to create this sculpture?
o
What does “functional” mean?
o
Why do you think the artist chose to call this an “electrolyte”?
o
Why do you think the “cage” surrounds the light bulb?
Activity Ideas – Abe Geasland:
o
Directed Light Still Life: Using the artist’s sculpture as inspiration, set up a small still life using objects that
can be recycled afterwards. With a spotlight, direct the light along one side of the still life, so that the
objects displayed cast a direct shadow. Using charcoal, have the students sketch out the still life, paying
close attention to the areas of light and shadow.
o
What’s Your Function?: Class will brainstorm ways to build functional objects from collected recycled
materials. This could be a helpful tool, accessory or article of clothing, or item beneficial to a favorite hobby
or sport. Designs will first be sketched onto paper and then students will construct their functional art piece.
When finished, they will discuss as a class the successes to their design and/or changes that would be made
if they rebuilt.
Additional Resources – Abe Geasland:
o
Louisiana ArtWorks: www.louisianaartworks.org
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Karen Hackenberg, Wise Old Sole, 2010.
Gouache on paper
www.karenhackenberg.com
Born in New Jersey in 1955, Karen Hackenberg currently lives and works near Port Townsend, WA. In 1978, she
received her B.F.A. degree in painting from Rhode Island School of Design and then migrated west to San Francisco,
CA, settling in the Pacific Northwest in 1992.
Karen developed her first connections with the natural world in the pastures, orchards, wooded hills and gentle
beaches of rural Connecticut. Her years living in San Francisco as an architectural model builder and textile designer
honed her environmental values and educated her eye to the juxtaposition of man-made shapes and natural forms.
Upon moving to the Pacific Northwest, her life experiences came full circle and she was again surrounded by the
natural landscape. These life experiences heightened her awareness of the Northwest’s struggle to find balance
between commercial development and the preservation of wild natural places.
Exhibiting extensively in the Washington region, in such diverse locations as Tieton, Seattle, Edison, Port Angeles and
Bellingham, Karen has received many awards for her work. She received the 2010 Best 2D Juror’s Award from Esther
Luttikhuizen for her Watershed gouache paintings included in the Anacortes biennial exhibition NEXT and an
Honorable Mention Award from juror Rock Hushka, curator of Tacoma Art Museum, for her work chosen for the
2010 Couplings exhibition at Gallery 110 in Seattle. Most recently, she won the Grand Prize Award for her work in
the Schack Arts Center’s Northwest biennial exhibition in Kirkland, WA.
In early 2010, Karen participated in her second Centrum for the Arts residency where she created a life size, walk in
Water Shed made from hundreds of single serving plastic water bottles which is installed in Art Outside, an ongoing
exhibition in Webster’s Woods at PAFAC in Port Angeles, WA.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Karen lives on a beach in Washington State which inspired her to create the Watershed series, which includes Wise
Old Sole. This particular piece took about 32 hours to complete. In this series, she paints images of discarded beachfound, manmade products standing proudly against an ocean backdrop, exploring the domination of shore pollution.
With her work, Karen also discusses consumers’ battle with social consciousness and the hard choices that must be
made when choosing between toxic, non-recyclable products versus green products. She utilizes clever titles to
explore the secret truths of the stranded objects.
Karen Hackenberg, about her work: “The tenuous boundary between living nature and human encroachment is the
primary unifying theme in my artwork. In the dislocated, discarded and mass-produced objects found littering the
edges, cracks and seams of our natural world, I see evidence of a collective post-consumer amnesia.
*…+ In my ongoing series of Watershed paintings, I present a humorous, ironic taxonomy of our new post-consumer
creatures of the sea. In these paintings of our castaways from grocery shelf life, synthetic products proudly and
cheerily proclaim their natural rights as they strand and break apart on inter-tidal coasts. As gyres of garbage swirl in
the Pacific, plastic becomes the new sand.”
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Discussion Questions – Karen Hackenberg:
o
Why do you think there is only one flip flop in this painting?
o
Where do you think the artist found the flip flop?
o
Would you consider this to be a “realistic” painting?
o
What message do you think the artist is projecting about beach pollution?
Activity Ideas – Karen Hackenberg:
o
Wish you were here postcards: Students will use colored pencils to draw one of their shoes in a settingmountains, beach, snow, etc. (have old calendar pictures for references). Students will then write a message
on the back of the postcard to the other shoe that is at home.
o
Painted Flip Flops: Using discarded or old flip flops as an alternative canvas, students will trace around the
outline of the flip flop, and create a drawing (possible themes could be: the beach, outer space, etc.) that
will be transferred directly onto the flip flop and subsequently painted with tempera paint.
Additional Resources – Karen Hackenberg:
o
Karen Hackenberg Art Blog: www.karenhackenberg.blogspot.com
o
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Marine Debris information:
water.epa.gov/type/oceb/marinedebris/index.cfm
Judith G. Klausner, Oreo Cameo #3,
2011.
Photograph (original artwork: Oreo
sandwich cookie)
Judith G. Klausner, Oreo Cameo #9,
2011.
Photograph (original artwork: Oreo
sandwich cookie)
www.jgklausner.com
Judith G. Klausner is a Somerville, MA artist with a love for small, intricate and overlooked things. She received her
degree in Studio Art from Wesleyan University in 2007 after constructing her thesis primarily out of insects, and has
since continued to search the details of her surroundings for inspiration. She enjoys playing with her food, both
recreationally and professionally.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
With her artwork, Judith re-imagines everyday common objects or experiences, which are often ignored, into
thought-provoking and unique statements. These profiles are reminiscent of ancient Roman cameos carved in glass,
utilizing a modern-day medium, an Oreo cookie. To create the cameos, Judith used toothpicks to work on the larger
portions, a straight pin for the finer details, and a small, sculpting tool for areas above the eye and near the mouth.
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To keep the filling from melting, the cookies were put in the refrigerator for a few minutes to re-solidify. Each cameo
took her about five hours to complete.
Judith G. Klausner, about her work: “The phrase, like grandma used to make, gets nearly 300,000 results in a Google
search. This nostalgia for the culinary past—before packaged foods and high-fructose corn syrup—fails to take into
consideration just how much time it takes to make three full meals a day from scratch. Indeed, what it takes is a
person in every household whose full-time job it is to cook for the family. We called these people women.
Like the production of food, a variety of handicrafts were a mundane requirement of the female gender. Today, as
we come to realize that something has been lost in the mechanization of everything around us, there is a return to
the idea that making something from its most basic parts has great value. Sewing, embroidery and knitting have
enjoyed resurgences, sometimes even within the realm of fine art. Home cooking is once again gaining popularity.
Within this atmosphere, the temptation to romanticize the past is strong. Yet, the availability of packaged foods is
what allows us the time to pursue careers, to develop new technologies and to create.
The food on our tables may not be as tasty as it once was. It may not even be as wholesome. But it is important to
take a step back and recognize the trade that has been made, and that what we have gained is not to be
undervalued.
My work is about choice. As a woman in the twenty-first century, I can choose to spend my day baking a loaf of
bread, or to grab a package off a grocery store shelf after a long day at work. I can choose to spend my evenings
embroidering. I can choose to combine these things and call it art.”
Discussion Questions – Judith G. Klausner:
o
What tools and materials do you think the artist used to sculpt these cameos?
o
What is a relief? How did the artist create relief in this work?
o
Why do you think the artist photographed these pieces, rather than present the actual work?
Activity Ideas – Judith G. Klausner:
o
Newsprint cameos: Students will learn about the history of cameos and shadow portraits. Using a desk lamp
or overhead projector, have one student sit with their profile cast in shadow onto a blank wall. Have another
student hang a piece of newsprint up and carefully trace their profile onto the paper. Students will cut out
and mount their finished shadow portraits on contrasting color or black paper.
o
What a relief!: Students will learn about various types of sculptural relief, such as high relief and bas-relief.
Using safe, age-appropriate tools they will experiment with carving into play dough, slabs of clay or soft soap
(i.e. Ivory soap) to create their very own relief sculpture.
Additional Resources – Judith G. Klausner:
o
Ivory Soap Carving Instructions and Tips: www.ivory.com/purefun_ivoryprojects_soapcarvingtips.htm
21
John Lefelhocz, Ms. Ing Links, 2004.
Cotton duck, glass Czech beads and hand painted
bicycle chain plates
www.juxtapassion.com
John Lefelhocz was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1967 and grew up in both Richmond, VA and Cleveland, OH. John
studied mixed media at Ohio University. After college, he has owned and operated a bicycle shop in Athens, OH with
his wife of 23 years while establishing himself as an artist.
John gained international recognition as a Quilt Artist in the late 1990s and has since shown works nationally and
internationally in this medium. John also creates works in many other media including sculpture, painting,
cartography and the graphic arts.
The term juxtapassion, a combination of the words juxtapose and passion, is attributed to John, which he describes
as placing the things one feels very strongly about side by side for creative purposes.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
To create Ms. Ing Links, John removed chain links from bicycle chains, degreased the links and sprayed them with
primer beforehand painting each individual chain link plate with acrylic paint. During this meticulous process, a large
amount of time was spent moving in close enough to paint, stepping back far enough to see the result and then
repeating the process until all of the links were painted. John spent several years off and on to finish the work, and
took around 100 – 200 hours to complete.
John Lefelhocz, about his work: “I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting things to use in my art. I visit a
few places that specialize specifically in recycled materials, but recently I seem to find materials right under my nose
that I've overlooked. You can find amazing things in plain sight if you just look at them through fresh eyes. For
example, sugar packets, cut up credit cards, pennies, bicycle hubs, bicycle spokes, bicycle chains, inner tubes, shirt
buttons, the backs of television sets, computer keyboard keys, junk mail, chop sticks and the list goes on.”
Discussion Questions – John Lefelhocz:
o
What do you see in this composition? And, is it easy or difficult to view the subject?
o
What materials did the artist use to create this composition?
o
How do you think the artist attached the bike chain plates to the quilt?
o
Why do you think the artist chose the subject of a bike race for his composition?
Activity Ideas – John Lefelhocz:
o
Grid drawings: Students will use Photoshop to manipulate an image of their favorite activity using curves,
levels and the threshold features to reduce the image down to black and white areas only. The edited
images will be printed out, and students will draw a grid on their print out as well as on a larger piece of
thick paper. Students will follow their grid to draw the shapes onto their bigger paper using pencil. Finally,
students will use India ink to fill in their large shapes.
o
Magazine Photo Mosaics: Using brightly colored magazine pictures as source material, students will create a
mosaic by cutting the image into thin strips or 1” squares; pieces will then be assembled and glued onto
22
poster board, creating a mosaic-like composition. Creations can be spontaneous or, for more advanced
grades, have students sketch out their plan first on the poster board and label where each color will fill.
Christopher Locke, Scissor Spider, 2011.
Stainless steel
www.heartlessmachine.com
Christopher Locke is originally from Fairfax, VA. While growing up, he had an insatiable need to draw, build,
disassemble, create and make, which he favored over other interests such as sports, games or movies. He constantly
got in trouble for bringing home junk or making a mess.
In middle school and high school, Christopher knew he wanted to be an artist but was discouraged by everyone who
said it wasn't a real career. For years, he tried other professions and spent all of his free time making art. Eventually
deciding to pursue his true calling, Christopher returned to school and earned a degree in Fine Art, graduating from
the George Washington University in 2005.
A year and a half later, Christopher moved to Austin, Texas. His wife (who he met in his 3D design class in college)
and he bought a house and settled in. Since then, his work has been featured in books and magazines all over the
world. He is pursuing a career in teaching art and still spends all of his free time making innovative art.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
All of the scissors used for the spider series originally belonged to airline passengers and were confiscated by the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Christopher acquires the scissors through auction or from the state
surplus store, where airport items are donated. The concept and first spider took about two weeks to come to
fruition, while the actual fabrication of his spiders takes only a few hours or less since his skill for creating them has
increased.
Christopher Locke, on why he uses recycled materials: “Mainly, I use recycled materials because they contribute so
much more to the depth and meaning of the piece. For instance, a spider made out of scissors is cool. It's like
something from a nightmare. But when the scissors are all taken from airport security checkpoints, all of a sudden,
you have layers of meaning and depth within the piece. It's not just something that looks cool, it brings up issues like
terrorism, predation, unfair reputations and security. There is nothing wrong with art made from fresh materials,
but I think recycled materials allow the art to tell a much better story.
There is also a sense of a snapshot of history with these scissors. Before 9/11, none of these scissors would have
been confiscated, and I would never have made these spiders. But in the past few years, the general public has
started to change its habits, and leave the scissors at home. As a result, the scissors are getting harder to come by.
So there was a definite point in history where these spiders became relevant, and a point where they will no longer
be possible to make. That makes them a sort of temporary segment of history.”
Christopher Locke, about his work: “As an artist, I have attempted to comment on aspects of our society that
represent larger problems, both presently and in the future. By using modern objects and pieces as a metaphor for
the natural world, I have created a host of specimens which serve to redefine the subjects' role in the universe.
23
Whether it is the heightened fear and subsequent power struggle over our national security, the disposable nature
of consumer goods or the ever-growing need for progress, my work strives to make the viewer ponder the issues
that personally resonate with me. Though relatively small in scale, I have attempted to create pieces that are
accessible to the common person, because I believe that in this way, I can achieve the highest impact and reach the
widest audience.”
Discussion Questions – Christopher Locke:
o
Why do you think the artist chose to create a spider out of scissors?
o
Do you expect these sculptures to be large or small?
o
How many legs does a spider have?
o
How many pairs of scissors do you think the artist would need to create one spider sculpture?
Activity Ideas – Christopher Locke:
o
There’s a monster in the art room!: Students will use their imaginations to create a series of colored pencil
drawings of art materials (scissors, bottles, paint tubes, pencils, markers, etc.) into monstrous creatures.
Students will then write a short story about how these creatures came to life and what happened when they
did.
o
That’s not garbage – it’s a _______!: Collect old pencils, pens, paintbrushes, rulers and/or some other kind
of material that can be collected in multiples. Using these collected materials, have the students design an
insect or imaginary creature by gluing these materials together. Another alternative could be to supplement
the materials with play dough, which can be used for creating the insect’s/creature’s body and/or for
connecting the materials together to create the sculpture.
Additional Resources – Christopher Locke:
o
Transportation Security Administration – Prohibited Items:
www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
Sally Mankus, Untitled (shout-out),
1997.
Mixed media on metal
Sally Mankus, Untitled (calm,
texture), 2001.
Mixed media on metal
Sally Mankus, Untitled (earrings,
carbon), 2006.
Mixed media on metal
www.sallymankus.com
Sally Mankus was born in Augusta, GA. Moving often while growing up, she has called many places home in the U.S.
and overseas. After living for many years in Colorado, she moved to Florida in 1991. She now lives and works in
24
Shalimar, Florida. Sally received a B.A. from Baylor University in Waco, TX, and a B.S. from the University of Southern
Colorado in Pueblo. She also attended the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs from 1987-89.
Sally has received numerous awards, including a Florida Individual Artist Fellowship. Her work was published in New
American Paintings, June 1998 and July 2001 issues, and can be found in numerous private and public collections.
Sally’s work includes mixed media, photography, painting and sculpture.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Sally’s portraits made from pot lids are created by an image transfer process. The artist’s photographs are first laser
printed or photocopied, covered with a polymer acrylic medium, pressure is then applied to the paper face down on
the metal surface and, once dried, the ink is lifted from the (re-moistened) paper.
Sally Mankus, about her work: “I became interested in pot lids and pans while browsing through items at garage
sales. The more I looked at old pans and pot lids the more I saw there. I began to see the uniqueness of the surfaces
and eventually to select items because of their patina and handles. I came up with a number of unsuccessful works
before I found a way to use these items in the way that I use them now. Much had to do with accidents and
experimentation. The original pot lid piece, that I never used, was an arrangement without images. I first thought I
would use the pot lids as they were found and placed them in a grid. I even set up a piece in my studio like this and
left it for a while. I did like it, but then I had the thought of putting half faces on the lids. I have always been
fascinated with faces so it was a natural choice, and if one picks up a pot lid from a pot they just might see their
reflection on half of the lid. I have one pot lid without an image on my website, the yellow one. This yellow pot lid
was one of the first and favorites of my collection. It felt like a screaming pot lid to me. It still hangs in my studio.
I use these materials because I am drawn to many characteristics of old objects: the patinas, worn look, signs of use,
signs of care or abuse and the history they suggest.
*…+The faces here are those of people known to me but symbolic of many. They can be read in diverse, sometimes
opposite ways. The pot lids have their own history and beauty.”
Discussion Questions – Sally Mankus:
o
What challenges do you think the artist faced when creating a work of art on a pot lid?
o
Why do you think the artist chooses to place the portraits only on one side of the pot lid?
o
Do you think the image changes at all once it’s transferred? If yes, how?
o
What expressions do the subjects appear to have? Do they look happy, sad, etc.?
Activity Ideas – Sally Mankus:
o
Story Jars: Students will collect clean glass jars or bottles, with labels removed, from home. Using recycled
magazines and catalogues, students will carefully cut out people and objects and create a circular story
across the surface of the bottle. Students will use Mod Podge or a watered down white glue to attach and
seal these objects on. They will write a paragraph about their story on colored paper, rolled up and
presented inside of their bottle or jar.
o
Experiment with image transfer: Students will bring in a favorite photograph, or will take photographs in
class – using a digital camera will allow the photos to be easily uploaded and edited to increase the contrast.
Print images on a laser printer or photocopy (multiple copies of image). Class can experiment with flat
surfaces (reclaimed wood, cardboard, plastic, glass or even metal) to see which the image adheres to best.
To transfer, apply a coat of acrylic gel medium to the face of the image, press face down onto the surface
25
you are transferring to, use a tool (burnishing, bone folder or brayer) and apply pressure to image moving in
circular motions to help transfer image to new surface. Be careful that the image does not move or rip while
pressing down (a piece of paper or thin plastic on top of image may help). Leave the paper with image face
down on surface overnight to dry, or for quick drying use a hair dryer on low. Once dry, moisten the paper
and slowly rub to remove paper – image will remain on new surface.
Additional Resources – Sally Mankus:
o
Sally Mankus Art Blog: www.sallymankus.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Morisette, Creep, 2011.
Sewn zippers
Elizabeth Morisette, Leap, 2011.
Sewn zippers
www.elmorisette.com
Elizabeth Lundberg Morisette is a 1994 graduate of North Carolina State University School of Design. In the years
since graduation, she has had many shows and honors. In 1996, she was a finalist in the North Carolina Artist exhibit
at the North Carolina Museum of Art. In 2007, she received an Individual Artists grant from the Prince George’s
(Maryland) Arts council. Elizabeth has been a participant in many group shows, the most recent being LOOSE ENDS
at the Lincoln Center, Fort Collins, CO. Her series, Re/Collections, has shown in several venues including exhibits at
The Peninsula Fine Arts center in Virginia, and The Delaware Center for Contemporary Art in Wilmington, DE. She
was awarded the prestigious Juror’s Award for her piece, Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice, at Bead International
2008 at the Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, OH. Her work was also featured in the April/May 2008 issue of
American Craft Magazine and an April 2009 article in The New York Times.
Recently, Elizabeth received a Master’s degree in Community Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art. During
the program she was the Artist in Residence at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore. Now living in
Fort Collins, Colorado, she continues to work with the community through intergenerational arts projects. Elizabeth
is currently working as the Artist in Residence at Elderhaus Adult Day Care.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Elizabeth’s work focuses on everyday objects. Utilizing items gathered throughout lifetimes, these pieces are
whimsical in nature including objects such as jar lids, curlers, zippers and combs. This work is highly tactile and has
many layers of stories and meaning.
The zipper vessels grew from Elizabeth’s interest in radiating lines. She has been making coiled baskets and other
coiled pieces for a long time and enjoys the way the works evolve before her eyes. All of the zippers used to make
the vessels are from old articles of clothing and thrift store finds. Each work takes her 10 – 25 hours depending on
the size.
Elizabeth Lundberg Morisette, on why she uses recycled materials: “I started using recycled materials in college
because of the convenience and also because recycled materials were inexpensive. As I developed as an artist, I
26
began to see how the use of recycled materials has become a major part of the work and the social consciousness of
each piece is derived from the materials I choose to use.”
Discussion Questions – Elizabeth Morisette:
o
What do these sculptures look like?
o
If you could imagine the sculptures being an imaginary creature, what would you call it?
o
What materials did the artist use in her work?
o
How does she attach the zippers to one another to create her work?
Activity Ideas – Elizabeth Morisette:
o
Sock Creatures: Students will learn simple sewing skills needed to attach bits of fabric, buttons and zippers
using a sock as a base to create a creature. Teacher can supply recycled clothes and fabrics, while students
can bring in the sock (unless students wish, with parents’ permission, to bring in favorite old clothes items).
These creatures can be stuffed and displayed as sculptures, or kept flat and two dimensional.
o
Pipe Cleaner Vessels: Using a variety of colored pipe cleaners, yarn and tapestry needles, students will create
a basic coiled vessel that can easily be sewn together. These vessels, when completed, will be colorful coil
pots.
Additional Resources – Elizabeth Morisette:
o
Elizabeth Morisette Re/collections Blog: www.elmorisette.blogspot.com
Leo Sewell, Blast, 2000.
Reclaimed brass instrument bells
www.leosewell.net
Leo Sewell was born in 1945 in Annapolis, MD. He attended the University of Delaware where he received a M.A. in
Art History with a concentration in 20th century art. In 1968, he committed himself to creating junk sculpture. Since
then, Leo has created more than 4000 sculptures. Many of his works are featured in national collections including
Ripley‘s Believe it or Not Museums in 23 cities; the Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia, PA; American Visionary Art
Museum, Baltimore, MD; Nike Headquarters, OR; NBC Corporate Headquarters, NY; as well as internationally in
Japan and Spain. Additionally, his work has been commissioned by entertainers George Carlin, Hal Linden, Neil
Sedaka, Sylvester Stallone, and notable figures John Delorean and Nelson Rockefeller.
Over time, Leo has developed his own assemblage technique composing his sculpture of recognizable objects made
of plastic, metal and wood. These objects are chosen for their patina, durability, color, shape and texture. He
secures the pieces together using nails, bolts and screws. Outdoor sculptures are constructed of stainless steel, brass
or aluminum found objects that are welded together. When working on commission, he will often incorporate
27
objects from the patron‘s past in the work. Over the duration of his professional career, Leo has created 4000 works
of art.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Leo works with reclaimed materials because of his love of manufactured objects. He uses recognizable products
made of plastic, metal and wood in his sculptures to create crowd-pleasing and inventive works, such as the brass
horns used in the musically-inspired work, Blast. The featured assemblage was a concept that Leo initiated 40 years
ago and took him two days to complete once the plan was established and the instruments were collected.
Leo Sewell, about his work: “My work is made up entirely of what Philadelphia throws away, assembled into shapes
and forms that intrigue and give me pleasure. I grew up near a dump and began collecting objects very early. My
father had a large shop and taught me to use tools to shape and assemble those industrial discards that I treasured. I
had little awareness of what art was or its relevance to my work until I met art history. For years, I read all I could on
the subject ultimately receiving a Master’s in the field from the University of Delaware. I never had a studio course
but still my naiveté had been removed and I related my work to that of such 20th century masters as Rauschenberg,
Duchamp and Cornell.
I soon realized that this academic inquiry was a pursuit not to be allowed to interfere with whatever individual
statement I had to make. I traded my Art in America for Scientific American and my MOMA membership [to join] the
Dumpster Divers.
For the last [45] years, I have been a high culture hermit, steeping myself deeply into my trash and TV. I scavenge
trash nearly every day and use it for fuel, clothes, furnishings, amusement and assemblages, that are my life work.”
Discussion Questions – Leo Sewell:
o
What kind of instruments do you think the artist used to create his artwork?
o
How do you think the artist attached the brass bells together?
o
If this sculpture could make a sound, do you think it would be soft, or loud? Why?
o
Do you think the instruments the artist used were old or new? Why?
Activity Ideas – Leo Sewell:
o
Musical Collages: Students will select an instrument out of a hat. Each student will have a different
instrument and will be supplied with images of that instrument. Students will create a collage drawing of at
least 6 different sizes or angled drawings of their instrument. Students will then use a marker to outline their
drawings and color in the overlapping shapes using watercolor.
o
Design Your Own Instrument: Using a variety of recycled materials which have been collected over the
course of the school year, students will design and create their own musical instrument. Working with the
music teacher, have the students compose a piece of music that can subsequently be performed once all
sculptures have been completed.
Additional Resources – Leo Sewell:
o
Dumpster Divers of Philadelphia: www.dumpsterdivers.org
o
Bash the Trash – Instrument Building Zone:
web.mac.com/bashthetrash/Instruments_Intro/Instruments.html
28
Annie Morris Simcoe, Eddy Line, 2011.
Handmade paper and thread
www.annabellepetuniahead.com
Annie Morris Simcoe lives in Western Maryland with her husband, Jeff; and dogs, Elzie and Bo. All of her handmade
paper is created by using materials that she gathers near her home. She began making paper about 10 years ago
while she was a student at West Virginia University (WVU). Until making the leap to full time artist in the summer of
2009, she worked as a research hydrologist at WVU. Annie’s former job required her to spend a lot of time outdoors
where she was constantly amazed by the natural landscape of the Appalachian Mountains. Over the last 15 years
while living in this region, she has spent time hiking, cross-country skiing and exploring the rivers. It is from all of
these experiences that Annie draws inspiration for her artworks, as well as finding many of the raw materials she
uses for her creations.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Annie makes all of the paper used in her artwork. The first step in her papermaking process is to boil plant fibers
such as banana peels, corn husks or cattails in a solution of caustic soda to break down the cellulose fibers. Next, the
fibers are beaten to form a pulp. Sheets of paper are then hand dipped from the pulp, pressed and dried. The
handmade papers may take up to two days to dry depending on humidity. Once the paper is dry, Annie uses a
sewing machine to create patterns on the paper inspired by the landscape of the Appalachian region and favorite art
quilts. Eddy Line was completed in a few hours, not including the time it took to make the paper.
Annie Morris Simcoe, on why she uses recycled materials: “I make my paper out of plants instead of purchasing
papers for several reasons. First, the different plants I use give really beautiful texture to the papers. Each plant fiber
also takes dye differently allowing me to get many shades of every color. Being gentle on the earth is also very
important to me. I try to use all plants that either I have grown or collected, or were grown on a nearby farm. Many
of the plants I use are considered waste products, such as banana peels, corn husks and onion skins, and would
otherwise end up in a landfill.”
Annie Morris Simcoe, about her process and the work: “This piece was inspired by a whitewater river near where I
live. When water flows past a rock it swirls behind the rock. This is called an eddy line. In the fall when the leaves fall
into the river they get swirled in the eddy lines. Looking down into the blue green water and watching the orange
and red leaves dance is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.”
Discussion Questions – Annie Morris Simcoe:
o
What colors can you identify on this work of art?
o
What shapes can you identify on this work of art?
o
Would you consider this piece to be realistic, or abstract? Why?
o
Why does the artist call this piece, Eddy Line?
o
This work of art can be described as a triptych – why?
Activity Ideas – Annie Morris Simcoe:
o
Organic Collages: Students will learn about color relationships and combining colors. Students will create
small organic collages using magazine images (focused on color and not pictures) and newsprint. Students
will collage onto a piece of cardstock. If available, students will use the family and consumer sciences’
29
department sewing machines and add texture to the top of their collages. If unavailable, students can
alternately glue pieces of string in patterns on the top of their collages, or sew by hand.
o
Triptych Collage: Students will learn about triptychs and the continuation of a composition. Students will
create a triptych on a piece of poster board (7” x 14”), using magazine pictures that will allow them to create
a design that is primarily organic or earthy in appearance. Once the collage has been completed and dry, the
students will then fold their design into thirds and cut along the folds. Finished pieces will be arranged so
that the design is cohesive, but separate. Glue each piece onto colored cardboard for display.
Additional Resources – Annie Morris Simcoe:
o
Annie Morris Simcoe, You make paper out of WHAT?: www.annabellepetuniahead.com/paper.html
o
Annie Morris Simcoe, Make Paper at Home!:
www.annabellepetuniahead.com/images/Make_Paper_at_Home.pdf
Michelle Stitzlein, Blue Diamond Moth, 2008.
Piano keys, adding machine rolls, hair curlers, tin can
lids, bottle caps, plastic lids, broken plate, antique toy
top, plastic toy chisel and pen caps
www.artgrange.com/michellesculpture.html
A graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design, in Columbus, OH, Michelle Stitzlein’s sculptural work, created
from recycled materials, has been exhibited in galleries and museums nationwide. Traveling to developing countries
(South Africa, Guatemala and Mexico) and meeting artists that are resourceful and imaginative has continually
inspired her to work with recycled materials. Michelle has been awarded a residency with the Millay Colony of Arts
in Austerlitz, NY, was featured on HGTV’s That’s Clever and was awarded an Individual Excellence Grant from the
Ohio Arts Council. She currently teaches workshops for children and adults.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
Michelle obtains her recycled materials from friends and family who donate items from their garages, barns, attics
and basements. She also visits a nearby farm dump that has been closed for about 50 years, where she finds
wonderful aged and rusty objects to be included in her artworks. Blue Diamond Moth is one of 17 pieces from her
Moth series of wall hung sculptures ranging in size from 3 feet wide to 11 feet wide. This particular work took
Michelle two weeks to complete.
Michelle Stitzlein, about her work: “As an artist, I enjoy the challenge of looking at things differently in all aspects of
life. Studying a set of bicycle handle bars, a box of piano keys and an assorted group of bottle caps for a few hours
and contemplating the many uses they could potentially have in a visual format is, to me, a great exercise. I also like
that the materials I use have a history and a natural patina of being weathered and/or used. Plus, most of my
materials are free and there is very little fear of ruining a project. As an inhabitant of our beautiful planet, I feel that
it is resourceful and very important to use as many materials as possible over and over and over again.”
Discussion Questions – Michelle Stitzlein:
o
What materials did the artist use to create this work of art?
30
o
How do you think she assembled this piece?
o
This piece is considered to be monochromatic – why?
o
Is a butterfly symmetrical or asymmetrical? Why?
Activity Ideas – Michelle Stitzlein:
o
Recycled Butterflies: Students will use recycled paper (memos, flyers, magazines, newspaper) to construct
their large butterflies/moths. Students will cut two large rectangles of construction paper (about 20”x18”)
and use these as a base to collage other materials onto – one large paper will represent the top of the wings,
the other large paper will represent the bottom of the wings. Students will accordion fold the pages once
dry (folding the long way – top to bottom). Using two twisted together pipe cleaners to create a longer stick,
students will bend the pipe cleaner in half. The two sets of accordion-folded paper will be secured in the
middle between the pipe cleaners, twisting a loop at the bottom the paper for the butterfly’s body and
twisting above the top paper so the ends of the pipe cleaner can be used as the antennae. The folded papers
can then be fanned out to display the wings.
o
Learning Symmetry: Using butterflies as inspiration, students will learn the basics of symmetry while
creating their own butterfly design on heavy cardboard where they will select and glue found objects onto
the surface, creating an interesting bas relief work of art.
Additional Resources – Michelle Stitzlein:
o
The Children’s Butterfly Site – Photograph Gallery: www.kidsbutterfly.org/photos
Nadya Volicer, Stumped, 2008.
Handmade and recycled paper
www.nadyavolicer.com
Nadya Volicer builds large installations and small sculptures using scrap wood and other reclaimed material. She
received a B.F.A. in Sculpture from the Massachusetts College of Art. She has created site-specific works for many
spaces, including the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, Massachusetts and Real Art Ways, Connecticut, and
permanent installations at Sheridan College, Wyoming and the Revolving Museum, Massachusetts, for which she
received a Lowell Cultural Council Grant. Nadya has been awarded several residencies including the Bemis Center for
Contemporary Arts, Nebraska and the McColl Center for Visual Art, North Carolina, and, in 2007, received a PollackKrasner Foundation award.
About the Work, from the Artist’s Voice:
The environmental issues inherent in the materials Nadya uses have become more central to the theme of her
present-day works. Stumped is part of a series called, Nesting, which explores themes of materiality. This particular
artwork focuses on the source and creation of paper. A cut tree stump emerges from a stack of paper reminding the
viewer of the damage to nature that occurs to create paper products. Recycled and scrap paper were used to build
31
this sculpture, in keeping with the environmentally-aware message. The artwork took Nadya a week to complete,
including the papermaking and drying time.
Nadya Volicer, about her work: “I am a sculptor and installation artist from New England and my work is very much a
reflection of that place, as I use primarily recycled wood from suburban trash piles, renovation dumpsters, and
basements of friends and neighbors. The fragments I assemble are pieces of many pasts, function implied by a rusty
hinge or screw hole, yesterday’s color preferences revealed beneath flaking layers of paint. I am attracted to these
rich patinas, and to the notion that the discarded can be reused. Most recently, this interest in recycling led me to
incorporate other salvaged materials into my work, such as used paper and cardboard. I am interested both visually
and conceptually in piecing together many small parts to make up a whole. Themes of home, memory, movement
and architecture run throughout my work. Some of my pieces look like giant jigsaw puzzles, some like colorful brick
walls or curious landscapes, and others resemble energetic currents of water. Many of my pieces are designed for
site-specific installation. Generally, the final form of a piece is determined by observations made on-site: what kind
of space it is, traffic flow and architectural particulars. Most of my installations allow viewers to walk across, under
and/or through the work. This stems from a desire for viewers to be surrounded by the material, as I am when
working in my studio or on-site.”
Discussion Questions – Nadya Volicer:
o
What materials did the artist use to create this work of art?
o
Why does the artist call this piece “Stumped”?
o
How can you tell the age of a tree?
o
What colors can you identify in this piece?
Activity Ideas – Nadya Volicer:
o
Paper Bag Trees: Students will learn how to create a paper bag tree, using brown paper bags and colored
tissue paper to create the leaves. Open the bag so that it can stand by itself. Carefully hold the bottom of
the bag and twist just above the seam/fold several times. Use scissors to cut strips from the top of the bag
to the section that is twisted. Gather three strips at a time, twist together to form the branches. Continue
until you run out of strips to twist. Tear or cut small pieces of colored tissue paper and glue a few on to
create leaves for the branches.
o
Recycled Book Journals: In response to paper production/waste, students will reuse old books (which may
have lost pages, are falling apart or are difficult to read due to wear) and repurpose them as journals or
sketchbooks using a variety of recycled materials from magazines, newspapers, etc. to personalize, as well
as using adhesive to repair. In class, students will begin to fill pages with their thoughts, interests and
artworks and take home to continue to work on. Teachers can decide whether they wish for the books to be
returned for review/grading or if they will remain a personal and private experience for the students.
32
Exhibit Vocabulary
Use the following list to assist in building your student’s vocabulary. This list is not comprehensive, but
provides many terms that will assist in understanding ideas and concepts in this year’s exhibit. Resources
used to build this vocabulary list include www.artlex.com and www.dictionary.com.
Armature: a skeletal framework built as a support on which an object of clay, wax, plaster or other materials
is constructed.
Assemblage: a three-dimensional composition made of various materials such as found objects, paper, wood and
textiles.
Asymmetrical: when one side of a composition does not reflect the design of the other.
Bas-relief: relief sculpture in which the forms project slightly from the background (also called low relief).
Cameo: a small-scale low relief, usually carved from a gemstone, shell or glass, in which the background is
one color and the figure in relief is typically another color.
Coil: a long, rope of clay, fabric, etc. arranged in a series of loops that when combined together can be
used to make a vessel.
Collage: a picture or design created by adhering flat elements such as newspaper, photographs, cloth, string, etc.,
to a flat surface.
Collection: an accumulation of objects.
Composition: the plan, placement or arrangement of the elements of art in a work.
Contour line: lines representing the outline and other visible edges of a mass, figure or object.
Craft: an art requiring special skill, especially manual skill.
Curator: the person in charge of a museum, art collection, etc.
Form: three-dimensional quality or volume, as of a represented object or anatomical part.
Found object: an item not originally designated as having an artistic purpose but is transformed by the artist.
Functional: performs a specific action or has a beneficial purpose, beyond decorative.
Gouache: a heavy, opaque watercolor paint producing a less wet-appearing and more strongly colored picture than
ordinary watercolor.
Green: tending to preserve environmental quality, by being recyclable, biodegradable or nonpolluting.
Grid: a framework or pattern of criss-crossed or parallel lines.
33
High relief: relief sculpture in which forms are strongly projected, at least half their depth, from the
background.
Image transfer: the act of removing an image (typically the image’s ink) from one surface and adhering it to another.
Medium (plural form: Media): the material or technique with which an artist works: the medium of watercolor.
Mixed media: a technique involving the use of two or more artistic media, such as ink and pastel or painting and
collage that are combined in a single composition.
Monochromatic: consisting of only a single color or hue, may include its tints and shades.
Mosaic: a picture or design typically made of tiny pieces of glass, stone, tile or paper that are bonded to a surface.
Museum: a place where objects of interest or value are collected, conserved, exhibited and interpreted.
Palette: the range of colors used by a particular artist.
Paper pulp: a fibrous material prepared by chemically or mechanically separating cellulose fibers from waste paper
to create recycled paper.
Patina: a film, usually green, produced by oxidation on the surface of copper or old bronze and often seen as having
ornamental value.
Pattern: a design system based on the planned relationship of parts.
Photographer: an artist who creates works of art using a camera.
Photography: the art, craft and science of producing permanent images of objects on light-sensitive surfaces.
Pigment: finely powdered color material which produces the color of any medium, such as ink or paint.
Portrait: a work of art that represents a specific person, a group of people or an animal - portraits usually
show what a person looks like as well as revealing something about their personality.
Post-industrial: characteristic of an era following industrialization, importance of manufacturing lessens and services,
information and research grows.
Quilling: a type of ornamental handicraft involving the shaping of paper into delicate pleats or folds.
Realistic: representing people, places or things in art as they really appear.
Recycle: to undergo reuse or renewal; be subject to or suitable for further use, activity, etc.
Refuse: something that is discarded as worthless or useless, that may be found and turned into art.
Relief: a type of sculpture in which forms project from a background (See: bas-relief and high relief).
34
Repurpose: to convert a broken, unused or discarded object into a new, atypical format or product, increasing the
worth of the object.
Sculptor: an artist who creates sculpture (three dimensional works).
Subject: that which is represented in and is the focus of an artwork.
Symbolism: using an object to stand for another object or idea.
Symmetrical: the parts of an image or object organized so that one side duplicates, or mirrors, the other.
Texture: the way something would feel if you could touch it.
Three-dimensional: having height, width and depth.
Triptych: a set of three panels or compartments side by side, bearing pictures, carvings or the like.
Two-dimensional: having height and width; flat.
Vessel: a hollow container, such as a cup, bowl or vase, for holding something.
35
Museum on Wheels
201-201 Exhibit
From Ordinary to Extraordinary:
The Art of Being Green
My Favorite Work of Art
Today I visited the VanGo! Museum on Wheels exhibit
called _____________________________________.
Here is what my favorite work of art looked like…
1RUWK7KLUG6WUHHW+DUULVEXUJ3$ 17101 www.sqart.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x7
36
Museum on Wheels
201-201 Exhibit
From Ordinary to Extraordinary:
The Art of Being Green
Did you have a favorite piece of art
from the VanGo! exhibit?
Tell the artist how much you liked their artwork!
Draw your favorite piece of art here
Dear _______________,
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________
_________________
15 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.sqart.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x7
37
Museum on Wheels
201-201 Exhibit
From Ordinary to Extraordinary:
The Art of Being Green
VanGo! Creative Writings
Working in groups of 3 or 4, select one work of art to write about. As you tour the exhibit in the
VanGo!, examine the work closely and read the information provided on the gallery card next to the
work. Using this information, along with what you learned during the assembly, write a short story,
poem, song or drama that interprets the meaning of the work of art. When finished, share your
creations with your class!
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
15 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.sqart.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x7
38
BINGO!
This artist enjoys
playing with their
food
This artwork is
inspired by oldfashioned store
signs
An object found
in this artwork
could help you
win the game
This artist
illustrates the
idea of beach
pollution in their
work
The title of this
year’s exhibit
Parts of this
artwork were
taken from a
bicycle
You might find this
artwork flying
around at night
This artist enjoys
working with
industrial items
that will brighten
a room
You might find
this artwork
climbing up the
wall
This artist creates
dolls and masks
from found
objects
This artist
transfers portraits
onto unusual
surfaces
This artwork shows
the effects of
paper production
on nature
VANGO!
FREE
SPACE
This artist
manipulates
books and
catalogues to
create her work
The artwork is
made out of items
you might find on
your clothes
You might find
this artwork’s
object on your
feet in warm
weather
This artist creates
paper out of
banana peels, corn
husks and onion
skins
This artwork was
inspired by
Roman cameos
This artwork
could be
dangerous to
handle
This artist creates
untraditional
quilts
This artist creates
vessels out of
unique materials
This artist uses
plastic objects to
create animals in
motion
This artist creates
larger than life
insects from
found objects
This artwork
could be found in
an orchestra or
band
You might see
double when
viewing this work
DIRECTIONS: How many items can you find during your visit?
Write the name of the artwork or artist that fits each in the space below each description.
When you identify 5 items in a row (diagonally, horizontally or vertically) you have VanGo!
Some works of art may be used in more than one question.
39
BINGO!
This artist enjoys
playing with their
food
Judith G.
Klausner
Parts of this
artwork were
taken from a
bicycle
This artwork is
inspired by oldfashioned store
signs
An object found
in this artwork
could help you
win the game
Bread and
Water, 1999 A.D.
PLAY BLUE!
You might find this
artwork flying
around at night
This artist enjoys
working with
industrial items
that will brighten
a room
This artist
illustrates the
idea of beach
pollution in their
work
Karen
Hackenberg
From Ordinary
to
Extraordinary:
The Art of Being
Green
You might find
this artwork
climbing up the
wall
This artist creates
dolls and masks
from found
objects
Forest
Ellen Benson
This artist
manipulates
books and
catalogues to
create her work
The artwork is
made out of items
you might find on
your clothes
Ms. Ing Links
Blue Diamond
Moth
This artist
transfers portraits
onto unusual
surfaces
This artwork shows
the effects of
paper production
on nature
Sally Mankus
Stumped
You might find
this artwork’s
object on your
feet in warm
weather
This artist creates
paper out of
banana peels, corn
husks and onion
skins
Oreo Cameo #3
Wise Old Sole
or
Annie Simcoe
Oreo Cameo #9
Scissor Spider
This artist creates
vessels out of
unique materials
This artist uses
plastic objects to
create animals in
motion
This artist creates
larger than life
insects from
found objects
This artwork
could be found in
an orchestra or
band
Sayaka Kajita
Ganz
Michelle
Stitzlein
Blast
Elizabeth
Morisette
Abe Geasland
VANGO!
FREE
SPACE
Cara Baker
This artwork was
inspired by
Roman cameos
This artwork
could be
dangerous to
handle
The title of this
year’s exhibit
Creep or Leap
This artist creates
untraditional
quilts
John Lefelhocz
You might see
double when
viewing this work
The Twins
DIRECTIONS: How many items can you find during your visit?
Write the name of the artwork or artist that fits each in the space below each description.
When you identify 5 items in a row (diagonally, horizontally or vertically) you have VanGo!
Some works of art may be used in more than one question.
40
Susquehanna Art Museum
15 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x 7
www.sqart.org
For Immediate Release
August 24, 2011
Contact: Wendy S. Sweigart, Director of Outreach Education
717-233-8668 x 7
[email protected]
The Susquehanna Art Museum’s VanGo! Museum on Wheels hits the road for its 19th season
with a new exhibit, From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Art of Being Green, September 2011 –
July 2012.
The Susquehanna Art Museum is pleased to announce that the exhibition, From Ordinary to
Extraordinary: The Art of Being Green, will be featured on its award-winning VanGo! Museum on Wheels
for the 2011-12 school year. From Ordinary to Extraordinary showcases prominent contemporary artists
working in a variety of artistic media and utilizing a wide range of recycled, re-used and repurposed
objects and/or materials to create innovative works of art.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary examines the relationships between artists and how they value and
respond artistically to the environment they live in. Recycled Art is defined as art that uses discarded,
broken and/or unwanted materials to create objects that are brand-new, attractive and often times,
useful. These artists help our environment by recycling trash and transforming it into art, revealing the
extraordinary from the ordinary.
Featuring paintings, photography, collage, sculpture and more, From Ordinary to Extraordinary is
designed to suggest insight into the working methods and ideas applied by environmentally-aware artists.
Through the exhibit, students will acquire an increased appreciation for what constitutes artistic materials
and develop important skills in creative problem solving and critical analysis that will serve them in future
learning. From Ordinary to Extraordinary addresses the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Arts &
Humanities; Environment & Ecology; History; Career Education & Work and more.
Featured artists include: Ellen Benson, a Philadelphia, PA artist who seeks quirkiness and humor in found
materials to craft a playful portrait made from a baseball glove; Carol Cole, a Philadelphia, PA sculpture
artist who recreates old-fashioned storefront signs out of modern-day plastic waste evoking a bygone era
of frugality; Sayaka Kajita Ganz, a Fort Wayne, IN sculptor who utilizes discarded plastic objects to
construct a vibrant and awe-inspiring reptile in motion; Abe Geasland, a sculptor and designer from New
Orleans, LA who masters found object functionality by assembling industrial materials into inventive
lighting fixtures; John Lefelhocz, an Athens, OH-based artist who reinvents the traditional quilt utilizing
painted bicycle chains to depict an exhilarating bicycle race scene; Christopher Locke, a Austin, TX artist
whose chilling yet captivating spider sculpture is assembled from a collection of TSA-confiscated scissors;
Sally Mankus, a Shalimar, FL artist who employs a unique canvas for her artwork by transferring
expressive portraits onto the surface of pot lids; Elizabeth Morisette, an artist from Fort Collins, CO who
builds whimsical, rainbow-hued vessels from the zippers of thrift store finds; Leo Sewell, a renowned
sculptor from Philadelphia, PA whose assemblage made from the bells of various brass instruments
carries a loud and impressive voice; Michelle Stitzlein, a Baltimore, OH artist who transforms familiar,
household items into large-scale moths and butterflies of exceptional beauty; and more.
Wendy S. Sweigart, Director of Outreach Education for SAM states that "this exhibit is designed to
showcase the innovative ways artists use and re-use recycled materials to create exciting works of art.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary will inspire viewers to rethink what can be used as artistic media, and to
appreciate the efforts some artists go to in order to lessen the human impact on the environment. The
exhibit is designed to invoke discussion and dialogue among viewers – each student, parent, teacher and
administrator will learn how the visual arts connect with academics and environmental issues. We look
forward to inspiring both students and teachers to think creatively and develop their own methods of
recycling in the classroom and beyond.”
VanGo! is an innovative cultural arts program that showcases original works of art in a mobile setting that
visits areas where a quality art museum might be hours away. By viewing works of art up close, nuances
of texture, light qualities such as color, spatial arrangements, size and ambiance enhance learning and
provide understanding into the artistic process. Educational components of the VanGo! program include:
an interactive assembly program, an educator’s manual that includes detailed background information on
the exhibit, as well as creative activities and experiments that can be adapted to a variety of learning
levels.
Underwriting support for this year’s exhibit is generously provided by: Capital BlueCross, the Marion C.
Alexander Fund, Target, Highmark Blue Shield, Irene C. Baird, D.Ed. and Penn National Insurance
Company. All exhibitions and programs are supported by the members of the Susquehanna Art Museum,
the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Cultural Enrichment Fund, the capital region’s united arts
fund.
Visit www.sqart.org for more information about the various programs and exhibitions at The
Susquehanna Art Museum.
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The Susquehanna Art Museum’s staff offices are located at 15 North Third Street in downtown Harrisburg. Office hours are: Monday
through Friday from 9am-5pm. During the museum’s transition into a new state-of-the-art museum space, DOSHI exhibitions will be
held at a variety of off-site locations in Harrisburg. For details and more information, visit www.sqart.org or SAM’s FB page.
Additional information is available at 717-233-8668.
PROGRAM EVALUATION FORM
Museum on Wheels
The Susquehanna Art Museum considers the VanGo! program a partnership with our participating
institutions. Your comments will contribute to the enhancement of this program, and the formation of
new programs at SAM.
Please complete this evaluation - return to your principal, mail directly or fax to:
Wendy Sweigart, Director of Outreach Education
Susquehanna Art Museum
P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
(phone) 717-233-8668 x7 (fax) 717-233-8155 www.sqart.org
School: ______________________________________________________________
Date of Visit: _________________ Subject/Grade: ___________________________
Please rate your VanGo! experience
Exceptional
Favorable
Acceptable
Presenter’s Information
Exhibit Content
Student Response
Overall VanGo! experience
Did the online educator’s manual help you provide background information on the exhibition?
Why or why not?
Did you do any pre-visit activities with your students? Please describe:
Do you plan on doing any post-visit activities with your students? Please describe:
What was the most useful part of the educator materials?
Please add additional comments/suggestions on the back of this page.
15 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 www.sqart.org
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11818, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1818
For information on Education programs, contact us at (717) 233-8668 x7
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