Professional Developement at MAD

June 22nd, 2010 at 04:28pm BarbaraD

On Thursday, June 10th MAD held a Professional Development program for teachers in conjunction with the current exhibition Dead or Alive. Professional Development Seminars are led by artists, curators and education professionals to assist teachers in utilizing art, craft and design in the classroom.

Following a guided tour of Dead or Alive with an artist-educator, participants listened to a discussion of the exhibition by museum curator Lowery Stokes Sims. She provided an insightful analysis of the exhibition explaining that the artists in this show transformed organic and once-living materials into intricately crafted sculpture and installations.

Next participants took part in a hands-on workshop using clay and organic materials. They were directed through a series of steps that ultimately lead to the creation of their very own work of art. First participants were asked to sketch an animal of their choice. They then wrote down five adjectives that described this animal and then circled  the three words that best embodied their animal’s essence. Next participants used clay to sculpt their animal in its most basic form while keeping their clay in one piece. Lastly participants used organic materials such as plants, moss, feathers, seashells etc. to transform their animals into fantastic imaginary creatures.

Following the workshop the professionals discussed the ways in which this project could be integrated into their school’s curriculum and used in the classroom. Participants also discussed creative new ways of using art, craft, and design as a tools for teaching.

For more information click here.

Entry Filed under: in the studio,teachers' lounge