Building Community with Paper — “We are all in this together!”

Tom Miller

Starting with a 12” square piece of cardboard “land,” students will learn a range of paper-building techniques to design their own, three-dimensional home space, that will be connected to the rest of the class in a vibrant community grid. This giant, collaborative sculptural work becomes a visual metaphor for the interconnectedness and strength of our diverse community. Through this process, students will explore the question: “How can artists create a sense of community by building with paper?” This residency experience allows students to map out their places literally and figuratively in their immediate world and confirms that, “We are all in this together!”

*Storage of multiple 12” cardboard squares, with minor sculptural attachments should be factored into the residency.

Final Product

When your school finishes displaying the installation as desired, students will take their low-relief sculptures home as a reminder of their belonging to a nurturing community.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will learn a range of building techniques to make three-dimensional solids and natural forms with paper.
• Students will create low-relief sculpture.
• Students will draw, cut out, glue, and decorate with various color tools.
• Students will conceptualize how they build and become a part of a community.
• Students will work collaboratively using “design thinking” to solve technical and conceptual problems.

Suggested Grades

• K-12th (can be adapted for students of all ages)

Pricing Breakdown

• 4 visits at 45 minutes each
• Prep hours: 2 hours per classroom
• Materials: $1.50 per student
• Travel from Cottage Grove

This residency can be offered to up to 4 classes per day.

Testimonials

“Tom was fantastic. Tom had above average for student management and student engagement. His teaching abilities are a major strength.” –Holt Elementary Principal