Drawing in the Visual Arts Classrom
with Triada Samaras, Artist and Art Educator LINK
and Young Audiences of New Jersey LINK
and Michelle Marigliano, Senior Director of Education and Equity
and Trenton Public School School District LINK
and Elizabeth Rose Zwierzynski,
Acting Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts and Partnerships
Session 2
May 1, 2024
In this second coaching/professional development workshop for high school art teachers at Trenton Central High School, New Jersey, YANJ/PA Teaching Artist, Triada Samaras,
introduced a new drawing material: water soluble graphite and a new concept for the day, using a grid to enlarge a photograph. The grid has been used extensively by artist, Chuck Close, who had several learning disabilities he spoke about often, saying his disabilities were at the heart of his work. LINK
The water soluble graphite was added to the charcoal from Session 1 where some home made charcoal was introduced to the teachers.
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Triada chose a photograph of a dark cloud symbolizing the clouds before a tornado. Central High School has the Tornado as its school theme. A large striking tornado sculpture hangs in the front lobby.
In the future teachers might choose this topic for a photograph or many others, based on the interests and needs of their students. For example, students may wish to photograph their local bodega, a familiar neighborhood location. Or students might enjoy finding a Trenton landmark to photograph such as the Yardley-Wilburtha Bridge. Or a shared common food such as a slice of pepperoni pizza. This project is flexible. In addition teachers might use clay tiles or canvases for the individual squares instead of paper if they wish.
Culturally responsive teaching engages students with subject matter they can relate well to. This leads to higher success for students in other academic areas too, not just the arts classroom.
"Culturally responsive teaching (CRT) attempts to bridge the gap between teacher and student by helping the teacher understand the cultural nuances that may cause a relationship to break down—which ultimately causes student achievement to break down as well." LINK
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Other possible uses of a grid from Triada Samaras:
A cube made from a six square grid
A long wall hanging grid that extends onto the floor (relief grid)
Grid squares attached to a public object or place in the building for example: The Tornado Sculpture! (only kidding, teachers); A chain link fence outdoors? (Laminated grid square pieces attached with wires?
A bench indoors?
Where else? How else?
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