“Tree of Dreams” brought an art workshop taught by Sofiya Inger of Young Audiences to Marionne Fort’s art classes at Northview Middle School February 22nd thru 27th, 2012. The program teaches students how other cultures “speak” a visual language of colors and symbols on cloth, exposing them to Sadsa resist of Africa, painted shawls of Russia, Indonesian batiks and Indian block prints. Students then use these concepts to communicate who they are on a fabric leaf.

Seventh and eighth grade students drew masks (8th grade) or animals (7th grade) of their own personal characters by observing an African mask, added different animal textures and adrinka symbols in pencil, then went over pencil lines with black resist. To add texture, they worked with crayons in warm and cool colors using rubbing plates under their fabric, then painted over their textures. Sixth grade students drew several different adrinka symbols and patterns, then enlarged and transferred them on Styrofoam. They also cut geometric or irregular shapes out of paper to make a stencil and printed them. All students also wrote a personal profile explaining why they chose that mask, as well as a  reflective writing piece. Some students who finished the projects early did batik painting with the guest artist.

The International Baccalaureate mission of Washington Township Schools includes the goal of developing globally-minded citizens by fostering the academic, creative and social skills needed to achieve excellence in a multi-cultural environment. This art program makes a connection both to that mission and to several cultural and academic areas within the Indiana State Art Standards.

“Tree of Dreams” was funded by WTSF in the Spring 2012 grant cycle.

For more info:

Indiana Academic Standards for Visual Arts

Artist Sofiya Inger