PROJECTS
IN ACTION
The Public Art Initiative in Altgeld Gardens
CURRENT PROJECT, Aldridge Elementary School
The initiative stems from “A City Planning Project for Altgeld Gardens.” Aldridge Elementary eighth grade students wanted public art in Altgeld Gardens and saw it as a priority. They created community-centered designs for public art in their neighborhood. Collective Learning Lab created a curriculum based in the exploration of expression through the arts in order to inform the designs of the students.
ART CRITIQUE
Students looked at examples of public art from around the world focusing on description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation. They identified which “stories” spoke to them. We asked students to critique the presented examples and their original work using a shared vocabulary: feeling, texture, color, and light.
PUBLIC ART IN CHICAGO
We talked candidly about how public art gets made in Chicago. The students learned what procedures exist in order to propose a design to the Chicago Housing Authority and the Alderman of Altgeld Gardens.
Collage
The act of collaging allows students to experiment with different types of materials like newspaper, magazine, tissue paper, patterned paper and to play with color and design.
POETIC EXPRESSION
Award-winning poet, Rachel DeWoskin, taught students the poetry form Haiku. The students were guided to express themselves as best they can with few words. They were challenged to create poetry collaboratively with their class and individually. Their poetry would be installed in their future community gathering space.
ART INSTALLATION
Sculptor Jina Valentine presented the process of her current public art project and installation at the O'Hare Airport. She discussed the nuts and bolts of the process and the red tape that comes with making work in a city. Students got a glimpse into how to put theory into practice. Students were pushed to think about the longevity of public art, its importance and its purpose.
MOVEMENTS ARTS
Peter Gaona, professional dancer and educator, came to the classroom to immerse students into movement and dance. The students learned a routine and were able to experience a different way of expression through art.
WE ASKED OUR STUDENTS:
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR GRANDCHILDREN TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND THIS PUBLIC ART?
"I want to leave a positive
message behind and I want
to let everyone know that
I made my
community
better."
"They’ll remember me as a
creative person
who decided to make
change
for the better."
"I want them to know my
legacy
and what I left for them and
to show what I know."
"I want them to know that I was an
innovator
and a creator."
HEART PARK PROPOSAL
COMMUNITY ACTION
Through workshops and design sessions, students ultimately proposed an interactive heart sculpture to be prominently placed on top of a constructed grassy mound. The structure will be encompassed by a designed landscape featuring native plants and ample seating. The space is intended to be a welcoming, and meditative park, as well as an open laboratory for classrooms and children that inspires creative and free play. The poetry created by the eighth grade students will be accented throughout the garden on plaques.
PAST PROJECTS
3 Sisters Gardening: Ray Elementary
Teen Ambassador Training: Open House Chicago
Art Activation at the Democratic National Convention: Skyart
Reimagining Vacant Lots: Chicago Youth Centers
Urban Planning: Aldridge Elementary
Reimagining Vacant Lots: Laura Ward STEM
Art Institute Project Windows: Bronzeville Classical School
