Craft in Schools Summer 2022

School is out, but Craft in Schools is active all summer long! Last week we had the pleasure of hosting Ms. Suzanna Hidalgo’s art history class from Eisenhower High School in Rialto, CA. During the field trip the students experienced the current Craft in America Center exhibitions Tibbie Dunbar: Assemble and Location Services: Jewelry Perspectives on Time and Place. Assemble artist Tibbie Dunbar spoke about her artworks, process, and career. The students posed thoughtful questions, which led to a rich discussion about the meaning of her art and the use of non-traditional materials such as plastic debris and car parts to make sculptures. Reflecting on the discussion, Ms. Hidalgo said that “being able to hear from an artist was the most meaningful part of the field trip experience.”

After the talk, the students explored Location Services. Through a facilitated art discussion using Visual Thinking Strategies, the students learned about the way the artists Motoko Furuhashi, Kerianne Quick, and Demitra Thomloudis investigate place through the lens of contemporary jewelry. The students were enthralled by the individual narratives associated with the Kerianne’s artworks and felt compelled to share their own personal stories and connections with the objects on display.

After the tour, the students made their own collages inspired by Tibbie Dunbar’s work and process. After the field trip, many of the students shared that the collage workshop was their favorite part of the day.

If you are interested in visiting the Craft in America Center during the summer with your class or summer camp, please email joan@craftinamerica.org to learn more!