Classroom Projects
I was introduced to quiltmaking as a child by my
grandmother and love recreating that experience for today’s children.
Quiltmaking lends itself beautifully to creating applications for
several other areas of the school curriculum. My basic approach
when teaching about my art form is to provide experiences in the
elements of art and principles of design and in making cross curricular
connections with the quilt and related needle arts.
I introduce the culture and tradition of the American quilt
tracing the development of patterns as the population moved West and
pointing out developments and contributions to the art form introduced
by ethnic groups as they melted into the American fabric. The art of
the quilt today and it’s importance, past and present, in the lives of
women is an important discussion topic which provides an opportunity to
explore women’s roles in history. As my interest in African textile
traditions has developed, I have made those traditions a part of the
activities I enjoy sharing with students. I am currently doing
projects with children based on the flags of the Asafo militias of
Ghana which are appliqued by men, inspired by the flags of European
sailing vessels and designed to instruct through proverb.
Because I enjoy working with teachers to develop projects that
enhance the concepts they are teaching, projects can take on various
forms. Quilts can be created to work with the design aspects of
patchwork which involve geometric concepts or pictorial narrative.
Work can be done in paper for short term projects or in fabric if the
residency length permits. Children relish exposure to needle and
thread. The concentration needed for exercising their fine motor
skills has a calming effect on them and many find working with their
hands to be an area of accomplishment that they were unaware of before.
Sewing provides children with exposure to a life skill that often gets
overlooked in our daily lives in the 21st Century.