We like to experiment with a lot of random materials at Wee Warhols art classes. If I can repurpose and reuse something, even better! What do I have a lot of? Wine Corks. I save them to use for sorting, building, sink/ float experimentation, and free form sculpture. We started out on a cork hunt, which led to a twig hunt in the yard. When back in the studio, I fired up the low temp hot glue gun and we began building. E used a strong paper plate as a base for his sculpture. He started out by gluing the corks down where he wanted them. I suggested he make a strong base.
(I forgot to mention that I had some pre-spray-primed corks.) He built up, added some twigs, and a wooden knob that he found around the studio.
I took the magnificent sculpture outside and spray painted it with flat white spray primer. (I use this stuff to make EVERYTHING a canvas.)
Once dry, E painted his sculpture. He then decided that it would be fun to paint a plate, focusing intently on the color mixing. I said,”Go for it!” My art classes are very child led. I want the kids to feel passionate about what they are doing. E took that plate home with him and was very proud of it and the sculpture that he made. This was E’s first time to use a hot glue gun. I am a big advocate to giving kids real tools that will get the job done (under close supervision and guidance). No telling what he will make with a glue gun next time.
More process art activities: