Sculpture

Supplies:

broken, old toys

old radios, turn tables, office supplies, etc. (disassembled)

hot glue

wooden board (optional)

spray paint

making tape and paper scraps (optional)

Instructions:

1. Challenge each child to build a sculpture from given materials.

2. Spray paint sculpture

Tips:

* Low heat glue guns work well for young kids because they can't burn themselves. High heat glue guns are good for adults to have for these because some items need it to adhere to each other.

* When you are displaying these for the art show, make sure you have a glue gun on hand.

* Cheap wooden boards to cut are a few cents at home stores in the scrap bend section.

* These don't need a wooden board but I find young students need a base to build on.
* The wood base also makes transporting these sculptures easier.
* The artist inspiration for these sculptures is Louise Nevelson.
* Spray paint outside. I allow older children to spray paint under supervision. “Older” means you are physically capable to operate the spray can and responsible enough to do what you are told.

* Left over spray paint from neighbors is the best. You can get cheap cans of spray paint for about $3 a can.

* If they want their sculpture multiple colors, use masking tape and newspaper to block off areas you do not want painted.

*Gold, silver and black are the best colors to purchase. They make every sculpture look 'artsy.'

* Some children want to build something abstract, while other children want to build a scene. If you want to challenge a child, get out a flashlight and ask them to make the shadow a specific shape (a mouse, a candle, or a person standing with his hands on his hips).
*I LOVE this project and so does every kid I have ever met. This project should cost you basically nothing to make.





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I really like THESE. What instructions do you give the students? Do you use nails or hot glue? Are they adhered to a wooden board? What type of paint is used that adheres to all the items? Where do you get all the items?

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UPDATE April 2011

We took apart an old radio and a broken firetruck toy. Fun.
We gave the kids wooden boards (note: cut boards smaller next time to get desired results.)
We gave the kids hot glue guns (not as dangerous as it sounds).
Glue.
Spray painted gold.
They looked cool!