ART325: Art & Place Project
By: Madison Johnson, Bethany Houston, Sophie Smith, & Sydney Pefferman
Meaningful Play Exploration/Research
Our group aims to create an experience that fosters learning through prompts, in an interactive environment that resembles a sturdy tree for students to relax beneath.
Our learning tree will have some aspects of its decoration change with the seasons.
-Children can ask themselves, “What will the tree look like as winter approaches?” “How does this learning tree relate to real trees we see in nature?”
Other parts of the tree that remain largely unchanged, will be made of interesting, inviting textures, materials, and painted surfaces to inspire them to think about nature, as well as their own art projects.
The tree trunk will be made of weatherproof material like a tarp, but formed to resemble it’s natural inspiration.
-A few of the branches will be made of sturdy construction material like plaster or old recycled materials like tires, but shaped and painted to resemble real tree branches.
-There will be more 2D painted branches on the wall itself and to help fill in the “tree canopy.”
-There will be a small trellis in the corner to add to the tree canopy look, and it will be eventually filled in with real ivy vines (or similar vine plants)
-The ground beneath and surrounding the tree will still have some rocks for rainwater drainage, but also an area for fake grass
Our tree will be a place that encourages creativity by replicating something in our courtyard that all children love: large, beautiful trees! It will be a stimulating piece of artwork that encourages kids to touch it! There will be parts that students can have direct effects on: like the changeable decorations, and handprints painted around the tree, and it will show them that they can make decisions about their environments. It is an example of Emergent Learning by showing students that they are part of a community of learners!
Inspiration & Our Place
-Kindness Tree!
-“Here we grow!” Safe space where we encourage growth in a multitude of ways (mental, physical, emotional, etc.)
- Community that inspires kindness through positive and uplifting language
-Garden!
-Teaches students responsibility, attentiveness, and encourages students to work as a collective unit
-Grass!
- Wanted to increase comfort by getting rid of the concrete and making the environment feel more natural!
(fake grass instead of real grass to conserve water, ease maintenance, and avoid toxic pesticides!)
Handprint Wall!
- Adds color! Makes students feel like they have made their mark on the school! Creates a community!
Interactive Elements!
- Keeps space new and exciting! Changes with the seasons! Keeps students involved!
Corner Space #4 Sketch
Materials & Budget
Materials & Costs:
What The Materials Will Be Used For:
TOTAL SPENT= $599