Community Art
From cave art to contemporary art, an assembly of participants work together to create a work of art. School children, adults might share their creativity for mutual benefit. I will discuss the possibilities.
The earliest example of community art may be cave art of Paleolithic Europe (40,000-14,000 years ago). This 'first person' account of the world portrayed the animals of their time in art using charcoal, adding saliva with pigment, and using water or plant oil as a medium mixed with color.
Techniques were drawing or applying the color directly from an instrument, by hand prints, stenciling, or blowing out of a reed.
A prime example is the 600+ wall paintings of the Lascaux caves in Montignac, France. Dating to 19,000 years ago, the caves were discovered in 1940 and were covered with depictions of large animals and fauna.
The Uffington White Horse is a prehistoric hill figure in Oxfordshire, England. It dates from either the Iron Age (800 BC-AD 100) or late Bronze Age (1000-100 BC).
This minimalist art measures 360 feet long, having deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk. Traditionally, people from all surrounding villages would work together to replace the chalk that had washed away, using hammers to smash the chalk to paste. The project continues to this day.
Ask your local museum if they offer any community art programs. Most do.
Fun community or school activity could include a time capsule that would consist of current objects to be unearthed and opened at a designated date in the future.
Today, painted rocks have become a popular activity for all ages. Painting Easter eggs are a creative way to express your inner artist.
Street art and wall murals as well as sidewalk chalk art can be a fun community activity.
Contemporary artist Damien Hirst is known to have created work that was executed by others. Best known for his many 'spots' paintings, they are actually produced by multiple artists in his workshop.
His $78 million diamond encrusted skull was made by royal Jewelers Bentley and Skinner. His stuffed shark? Yes, it was produced by the theatrical company MDM Props of London.
Tap into your inner child by wrapping a tree (trunk or branches) with string, yarn, or other available material. Some wonderful examples can be found in works by artists Christo and Jeanne Claude.
Standing in front of a wall painted with wings has become an Instagrammable hit! Anyone can be an angel.
Lascaux Cave Paintings print from Art.com
The earliest example of community art may be cave art of Paleolithic Europe (40,000-14,000 years ago). This 'first person' account of the world portrayed the animals of their time in art using charcoal, adding saliva with pigment, and using water or plant oil as a medium mixed with color.
Techniques were drawing or applying the color directly from an instrument, by hand prints, stenciling, or blowing out of a reed.
A prime example is the 600+ wall paintings of the Lascaux caves in Montignac, France. Dating to 19,000 years ago, the caves were discovered in 1940 and were covered with depictions of large animals and fauna.
The Uffington White Horse is a prehistoric hill figure in Oxfordshire, England. It dates from either the Iron Age (800 BC-AD 100) or late Bronze Age (1000-100 BC).
This minimalist art measures 360 feet long, having deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk. Traditionally, people from all surrounding villages would work together to replace the chalk that had washed away, using hammers to smash the chalk to paste. The project continues to this day.
Ask your local museum if they offer any community art programs. Most do.
Fun community or school activity could include a time capsule that would consist of current objects to be unearthed and opened at a designated date in the future.
Today, painted rocks have become a popular activity for all ages. Painting Easter eggs are a creative way to express your inner artist.
Street art and wall murals as well as sidewalk chalk art can be a fun community activity.
Contemporary artist Damien Hirst is known to have created work that was executed by others. Best known for his many 'spots' paintings, they are actually produced by multiple artists in his workshop.
His $78 million diamond encrusted skull was made by royal Jewelers Bentley and Skinner. His stuffed shark? Yes, it was produced by the theatrical company MDM Props of London.
Tap into your inner child by wrapping a tree (trunk or branches) with string, yarn, or other available material. Some wonderful examples can be found in works by artists Christo and Jeanne Claude.
Standing in front of a wall painted with wings has become an Instagrammable hit! Anyone can be an angel.
Lascaux Cave Paintings print from Art.com
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