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Using the life and techniques of Alexander Calder as inspiration, students will create a wire sculpture.

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Learn about the life and techniques of American artist, Alexander Calder
Learn about balance in art
Use various mediums to create a wire sculpture

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For each student, prepare:

Materials like wood blocks
Styrofoam
Rocks
Clay

For the class, prepare:

Small boxes
Heavier cardboard
Wire (variations will work)
Pipe cleaners
Wire cutters or scissors
Pliers
Drill
Wood glue
Toilet paper or paper towel tubes (optional)
Dowels (optional)
Decorative items

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All students will need a base, wire, decorative items, and scratch paper to start.

Students will want to decide if they will be making a realistic-looking wire picture or an abstract one

If you will be using a wood base that requires holes; might want them drilled before beginning project

Encourage different size projects within your group…some may want to do a smaller wire picture, while others may want to work together to build a larger free-standing wire sculpture with many additional pieces

Calder Wire only Sculpture Freestanding

Calder Wire Sculpture Example Freestanding

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Seat students i a group for discussion
They will need a base of some kind to affix their wire sculpture to, have them choose one first.
They will need wire of some kind, which will the kind will depend on which of the pictured projects you want them to create
If they are creating an all wire project, have them first draw the shape or picture on paper.
Build with wire around the lines of their picture.
Place the wire on a base and shape it to balance up-right on the base.
If they are adding beads, paper shapes, balls, etc. then have students plan where to place and affix them to the wire.
Be sure to have students put their name and grade on the bottom of their sculptures
After you have completed the activity: What would you do differently the next time (or recommend to someone else), what different materials, order of instructions, etc.?

Calder Sculpture example

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Hanging picture with wire

Hanging Wire Sculpture Example

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Alexander Calder - Wire Sculpture

Alexander Calder - Wire Sculpture

Alexander Calder - Wire Sculpture

Overview