Alexander Calder Stabile Sculpture
Using only pipe cleaners, a rock (or other base like a chunk of Styrofoam), build a "stabile". Add whatever you have on hand. We had buttons and paper scraps and beads to add to ours. Any kind of wire will work, including the new plastic-coated wires in craft stores (in colors).
This idea is found in "Great American Artists for Kids" by Kohl and Solga.
I love this simple yet effective way to teach about Calder! My girls would love to do this project (we will do a Calder project soon because he is on our inspired list)
Interestingly enough, we just read a book called Sandy's Circus which turned out to be about Alexander Calder, I had no idea he was called Sandy. We really enjoyed reading about him :)
Thanks for sharing MaryAnn!
*** TO Aleacia: The kids might enjoy making wire circus art... I've seen some on the internet that kids have made. They are very fun!! Thank you for the note. I love knowing that art is making its way to children's lives, and that you are having FUN!
Aleacia @ Dilly-Dali Art
Posted by: Aleacia Hitchcock | Monday, January 23, 2012 at 10:58 AM
Oh, Melissa, I bow to you! You have such a magnificent blog! Thank you so much for checking in. By the way, this project is in the Great American Artists for Kids book. is that the one you have? There's also "Discovering Great Artists" and I have a different Calder project in that one. Anyway!!! So glad to hear from you.
Posted by: MaryAnn F. Kohl, art book author | Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 07:50 PM
Love this MaryAnn. We own your Great Artists Book!
Posted by: Melissa @ the chocolate muffin tree | Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 05:07 PM