This week's post features artist Gowri Savoor and the work she did with our 2nd - 4th graders during a 4 day residency.
She taught us about the ephemeral art of rangoli from India. Large circular designs are created in colored sand or chalk outside of homes to celebrate a variety of festivals and celebrations. The art is temporary and washes or blows away over time. The creative expression is through the bright colors and the process of laying out the shapes and sharing the experience with family and friends.
She worked with the 2nd through 4th graders to create large rangoli designs. The 2nd graders dyed rice with food coloring to be used in place of sand or chalk. When we are done, the extra rice will be used in the pre-K sensory tables and then in the end composted.
The second graders glued the colorful rice onto tiles, together their tiles will make one large rangoli design. The group rangoli will be displayed at the Vermont statehouse in March for Youth Art Month.
The 3rd and 4th graders worked together to create 3 temporary rangolis that were each swept away. The students experienced working together in a mindful and respectful way to lay down the loose rice. They learned that the beauty and significance of art doesn't always have to be permanent.
Sweeping off the rice to make room for the next project.
Gowri's personal art focuses on geometry and the environment. She shared with the Georgia students her own work with natural materials and shapes in nature. She taught the students about focus and being mindful through art making.
In addition to participating in the rangoli project, each student had the opportunity to create their own symmetrical designs and explore mindful doodling.
We give a big thanks to Gowri for an awesome residency! The work we did with Gowri will be greatly enjoyed by many in our school and community this year!
