First and Second Grade Cardboard and Wire Figures Inspired by Calder's Circus

Students watched "Cirque de Calder" and were inspired to use cardboard and wire to create some circus characters of their own.  These sad and happy clowns were created by our first and second graders.  The grouchy clown is wearing boxing gloves, red shoes, and a grouch hat.  See the rest of the gang on display in the lobby.  Stop back often and watch the circus grow! Our students really enjoyed watching "Cirque de Calder" in it's entirety.  You can check out a clip here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWS96nzFUks

Sandy's Circus

 

 

 

I'm a great fan of Alexander Calder's work, and so I learned, is our librarian.  When our librarian mentioned that she was reading the Red Clover Book nominee "Sandy's Circus", by Tanya Lee Stone, to our students this week; I was thrilled.  "Sandy's Circus" is a children's picture book about Calder's fantastic cork and wire creation. 
Now, can you guess what we're doing in the art room this week?  Our kids have watched "Cirque de Calder"  and a power point presentation on mobiles, stabiles, and wire sculpture, and we've moved on to building cardboard and wire figures, and desktop mobiles. 
Grades 3 and 4 built the mobiles shown above.  Wonderful and whimsical!  I'll post the figures after the break.

 
If you'd like to learn more about Red Clover Book Awards and this year's nominees, check this link:  http://www.underhillid.k12.vt.us/Max/RedClover.html

Calder's wire circus is on display at the Whitney Museum in NYC.  Maybe we'll get down there to see it during the break.