Hojalata! A Lotta Joy and Learning for Young Artists.
Nance Jones
ID-3236
School Name:Laurel Oak Elementary
Grant Request Grade:K-5
Grant Request Subject:Art
Additional Details
Hojalata is a traditional Mexican Folk art that is centuries old. It involves embossing metal sheets and adding bright color, to create a beautiful, shiny, colorful piece of art. The goal of this project is to give 4th and 5th grade students a joyful experience in connecting historical and global perspectives with art. Students will learn to identify art as part of culture. They will understand the significance of utilitarian objects in the community~ Hojalata is used for making picture frames, mirrors, sacred hearts, lanterns and ornaments in the Mexican culture. Another goal is to enhance students understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through experiencing the use of various interesting materials and tools.
Students will use a sequential process and follow procedures to achieve the artist goal of creating an original piece of tin art. Students will create a design on a 5" x 5" piece of paper. Using a pen as a stylus they will transfer Carve the design onto a 5" square piece of metal~this is an embossing technique called repousse. Students will then add color using sharpies enhancing the shiny metal.
The number one benefit is the pure pride and joy students feel when they admire their final product. They come to understand that beautiful things can result from patience and effort in following step by step procedures. This project is always successful for ALL students and each piece of art is unique ~ a true expression of individual creativity. Another benefit is that students get to use diverse resources and media to inspire expression and achieve varied results. Working with tin also enhances students enhances students scientific understanding of solids. students, first hand experience that the tin can be changed by adding pressure and color. They learn about texture and relief. A benefit for students and the world is that by exploring Hojalata students are introduced to the a rich Mexican heritage beyond the Social Studies textbook.
The schools budget covers basic art supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons and colors pencils. This project requires important high quality materials beyond the basic budget provided. The purpose of funding is to give students the experience of working with varied and diverse materials and media in art. The purpose of funding is also, to support a meaningful, rich experience in art that connects to history, culture and science.
