VAIL'S CIRCULAR TAPESTRY PROJECT

Current affiliate artist Andrea Vail worked with the entire fourth grade at Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School on a Circular Tapestry Project designed to focus on personal pride. The students began the project with an introduction to fiber art and artists, including alumni Knight Artist-in-Residence, Sonya Clark, and her work in the Converge exhibition (Jan-April 2012) which investigated ideas about art, identity, inclusion, and history.

Andrea Vail said the project’s success started on day one, saying “I showed a slideshow of artists who work in fibers and use uncommon materials and techniques. Sonya Clark’s Braille Emancipation Proclamation is a great example. There were enthusiastic gasps when I announced that the image they were looking at was made of human hairballs! From that interaction forward, the students were eager to learn and create art.”

Over the course of several more weeks, the students explored what being proud means to them through journaling exercises and with the creation of individual tapestries that incorporated their ideas. The project culminated with the formation of a large tapestry composed of the students individual pieces that will remain on display at the school.

Elizabeth Traditional student, Sophie Rubenson: “I really liked this activity. It was cool to see how it all came together. Thank you for coming to our school and helping us with this project.”

This project is made possible with support from the Arts & Science Council.