Learning Through the Arts - Carrie Strope & Riley Elementary

Posted by: Lincoln Arts Council

On January 25, Carrie Strope began her artist-in-residency session at Riley Elementary. During this residency, the second- and third-grade students are learning about the basic history and process of glass fusing. The students are working together to create an abstract fused glass window installation. The installation will be a compilation of 4"x4" glass tiles that are designed and handcrafted by each student.

Students prepared for the residency by creating and making sketches in Making Learning Visible (MLV) journals. These journals will document the entire residency process. After a brief lesson in glass cutting and fusing, Carrie worked with each student on their designs, using their sketches as inspiration. Next, the class analyzed their sketches, taking a viewfinder to select the part of the design they would recreate in their individual glass piece. Then, colors are chosen to paint onto cut glass pieces. Placement of fiber paper onto the cut glass pieces is the last step before firing them in a kiln. At the end, students from all five classes will work together to assemble a collaborative piece. The final piece will be installed for permanent display overlooking the courtyard at Riley Elementary.

There will be a public reception following the residency during parent teacher conferences on February 23. At the reception, students will have an opportunity to share their experiences from the residency with family, friends, and teachers. Photos and video that chronicle Carrie Strope's residency will be posted to artscene.org, so be sure to check for updates throughout the month of February.

Thank you to the Nebraska Arts Council and the AmeriCorps program for making this residency possible. This is the third year the Lincoln Arts Council has received funding for residency programming. These opportunities inspire young minds, ignite the learning process, and strengthen our arts community. Thank you NAC and AmeriCorps!