Thursday, May 23, 2024

Tyrannosaurus Rex Sculpture: Project-Based Studio Centers

Riley and many of her classmates were instrumental in the development of our sculpture.

Teaching for Artistic Behavior studio centers are not limited to material or technique-based learning centers. Mini-centers and ephemeral centers can bolster learning opportunities within a base set of studio centers. If I wanted to pair a beading and jewelry-center with a drawing, painting, collage and cardboard construction center, I have a dynamic TAB studio setup that can accommodate all kinds of student-directed art ideas and collaborative processes. Of course I could set up daily art traps and introduce artistic concepts within a center to enhance my TAB curriculum.
Another use of a studio learning center we have discovered over the years was to dedicate participation into the development of a singular, specific work of art. The conception and development of a project-based TAB studio center is greatly dependent on the teacher or other creative individuals in leadership positions.


In November of 2022 students in our introductory high school art class disassembled a guitar box and began to transform the material into a T-Rex skull. “I Was A Teenage T-Rex” became a curiosity in the school. 

We also used paper smashe!
The paper smashe dries to the consistency of fossilized bone.



Once we had the head completed we could concentrate on the body.


The 27 foot juvenile TRex was completed and transported in 5 separate pieces to the 2024 Hancock County Art Educators Exhibition on May 1, 2024.
Art teachers from four K12 school districts in Hancock County exhibit art at the annual county art show. This year’s show was held at Greenfield Central High School.

Everyone wanted to check out the sculpture!



Whole families wanted to take a photograph with our special project!
Everybody wanted to get a closer look!
The sculpture even has a marble run built inside of it!


The sculpture returned to the art room at New Palestine High School after the show was over. 

We are now looking for a good home for our Teen-Age T-Rex.






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