with students at Kenwood Academy, Chicago
Challenge:Students write and embellish obituaries or break-up letters for old drawings they no longer enjoy.
Materials: old sketchbook artworks, samples of break-up letters, sample obituaries, paper, pens/pencils, drawing materials, copy machine or printer.
Process:
• Day before: students submit an old artwork that they no longer enjoy (but perhaps still respect or have memories attached to) so that the teacher can photocopy/scan artworks and print small versions (about 3” x 5”) before class.
• Day of class: students read sample obituaries and break-up letters and discuss the language used.
• Students receive the small versions of their old artworks and write obituaries or break-up letters to them. They may want to use unique fonts, doodles, or borders.
Lesson Expansion:
• Have funerals, eulogies, or seances for artwork
• Lead wrap-up discussion on the value of documenting the learning and growth process of art making
