An activity inspired by the work of GVSU's 2020 ArtPrize artist Scott Froschauer from his series The Word on the Street, taking the form of street signs but communicating messages of hope and positivity, rather than municipal warnings. In this activity, students will look closely at and think critically about the visual language of municipal street signs and other ‘official’ signs in their environments. They’ll question the impact of these signs in their day-to-day lives. They’ll re-imagine and create their own signs with alternative messages.

Rethinking Street Signs Activity
 

One of the most iconic sculptures in the collection is Deborah Butterfield’s Char, a 7-foot-tall bronze sculpture installed on the rooftop of the DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, home to GVSU’s Kirkhof College of Nursing and other health sciences programs. Deborah Butterfield is known for her life-size, abstracted horse sculptures that evoke both the animal’s form and spirit. In this lesson, students will take a close look at Butterfield’s work, learn more about her approach to sculpting, and use air-dry clay to create their own animal.

Char Sculpture Activity

A painting activity and discussion all about responding intuitively, embracing accidents, and going with the flow, inspired by the work of local Grand Rapids artist Reb Roberts. Created for 6th - 12th grade students.

Intuitive Painting Activity

Make your own poster inspired by the Celebrate People's History poster series. Created for 9th - 12th grade and university students.

DIY Poster Making Activity

A soap carving activity and discussion about contemporary Indigenous artists in West Michigan, inspired by the work of local Grand Rapids artist Jason Quigno. Created for 3rd - 6th grade students. 

Subtractive Sculpting Activity

Inspired by Armand Merizon's Grid of Color (Abstracted Rainbow), students will explore how to create an abstract landscape. This activity can be adapted for all levels. 

Abstract Landscape Activity