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Clean Lines

Create a striking sculpture by folding and refolding cardstock and decorating it with patterns and lines.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Cardstock
  • Tape

Steps

  • Step 1

    Introduce students to some of Sol LeWitt's Complex Forms, such as "Complex Form 16," a painted aluminum sculpture that he donated to FAPE (Foundation for Art & Preservation in Embassies) and installed in the US Embassy in Tunisia. You might also show examples by Alexander Calder, a sculptor known for his colorful metalic works such as "Homage to Jerusalem" in Israel and "Flamingo" in Chicago.

  • Step 2

    Introduce students to the term "metallurgy," the science of metal, and the characteristics of metal - how it can be an element such as iron or an alloy such as stainless steel. It can be magnetic, and it can conduct heat and electricity.

  • Step 3

    Have students cut and fold cardstock or heavy paper into pieces that will create a three-dimensional structure. Ask them to decorate the sections using metallic markers and glitter markers, focusing on patterns and repetitive lines. Then have them assemble the sculptures using tape.

Standards

ARTS: Analyze how art exhibited in schools, museums, galleries, virtual spaces, and other places contributes to communities.

ARTS: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

ARTS: Speculate on the processes an artist uses to create a work of art.

SCI: Design pictorial or graphic representations/models that are useful in communicating ideas.

SCI: Ask questions about the features of phenomena observed and conclusions drawn from investigations or models.

Adaptations

Invite students to create holiday sculptures in the same manner, but they can decorate the sides with images appropriate to the holiday they chose.

Alexander Calder was known for his colorful mobiles. Challenge students to create hanging, moveable sculptures in the style of Calder.