The focus
of the visual arts component of Reaching Beyond is
"symbolism": global symbols, in general, and Afro-American symbols
in particular.
Students rotate into the art class in groups of 24. On the floor, they
would find a four foot by eight foot (4'x8') design comprised of 160
, six by six inch (6"x6") tiles for a Wall Mural. The design serves as a
"hook" into our discussion of symbolism. Class discussion centered
on the significance of symbolism in their lives and the world today!
Students brainstorm global symbols including the dove for peace, the heart
shape for love, etc., and the discussion evolved into the examination of
more specific symbols attributed to various cultures and religions.
The students recognized that the mural symbols represented not only the
Afro-American heritage but the representation of life on our earth.
The Mural: Reading the objects and symbols from the bottom to the top:
-
Colorful fish with wave shapes and enlarged ferns represent man's
reference and dependence on water and food from the sea.
-
Colorful drums, masks, and goad instruments represent man's existence on
land.
-
Blue sky, clouds, and white dove shaped birds represent man's relation
to nature
and the heavens.
Every student took pride in his or her tile as they carefully glazed it.
They realized the importance of how each individual tile became an
important part of the whole design…just as one culture is a part of the
world community.
Today the mural hangs in the central corridor of Helen Keller Middle
School and each student proudly remembers their tile.
Roberta Cioppa is a practicing artist as well as an art educator.
She was a free lance artist for several years before she became an art
teacher. This experience provided her with a foundation for teaching
that goes beyond her academic degrees. She has taught at both the
high school and middle school levels for the past twenty-four years and
takes much pride in her returning students who affirm her belief that she
makes a difference in youngsters' lives.
Roberta has paintings and sculptures in both public and private
collections throughout Fairfield County and the tri-state area. She
has a deep appreciation for the importance of understanding cultures
different than our own, as is reflected in her designs and interaction
with students. |
