P S Art 2016 Exhibition Schedule www.nyc.gov/schools/artseducation

Toucan on a Tree
Vasilia Maniotis
Grade: 5
School:
Art Teacher:
PS 22, Queens
Vivian Choi
Mixed-media sculpture
STUDENT: This artwork is
creative and fun, kind of
like me! I love that I can
express myself through
something creative and I
love that an artwork can
be whatever you want it
to be. My artwork was
inspired by the Pablo
Picasso sculptures I saw
at the Museum of Modern
Art during a field trip.
Like Picasso, I used many
different materials. For
example, I used beads for
the eyes of my toucan and
buttons for the leaves of
the tree. In the beginning
I was overwhelmed trying
to decide where to start, but the
pieces started to come together and
flow and I became more confident and
creative. This was a very challenging
piece but in the end, it turned out to
be the most creative, detailed and
rewarding artwork I have ever done.
TEACHER: During our museum visit,
the students made sketches of
their favorite Picasso sculptures, to
later use as the motivation for their
artwork. It was no surprise they
gravitated to sculptures of animals,
in particular, those in which Picasso
incorporated ready-made objects.
They were fascinated by the toy cars
repurposed in Baboon and Young.
Back in the artroom, armatures
were constructed from newspaper,
cardboard, and masking tape.
Structures were reinforced with
papier mâché, and then painted.
Finally, inspired by Picasso, students
used ready-made objects to embellish
the work.
Over the school year, Vasilia has been
transformed from someone unsure
of her work to a proud artist. She has
realized her vision can be fulfilled
given hard work and tenacity. Her
positive spirit and initiative drives her
to success, and motivates her peers.
I am inspired by and grateful for
students like her.
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