SUMMIT HIGH SCHOOL COLLABORATIVE ART PROJECT

Dedicated; 2005 home coming week
Ceramic, log, metal I was introduced to the Harriet Hoffman, the art teacher at Summit County High School where we mutually expressed an interest to work together in a project.
It began by me leading a carving class and spent the winter semester teaching stone and wood carving. This allowed Harriet and myself time to explore the shape and nature of the larger project.
The Summit County Arts Council program program became involved and gave some funding through their 'Focus on the Child' programme.
From day one we decided that the project needs to be student driven as much as possible and we were open to allow the students as much latitude within the project as our energy levels allowed.
Four teams were set up, each team having different tasks, each student to choose one team.
24 students were divided into four groups.
Owls began the design while the other teams go on with various preparations.
a month had gone by with not much to show for it, the owls consisting largely of seniors were goofing off until team wolf called their bluff. Harriet and myself mediated and arranged for the teams to meet.
Peer verses peer debated and we all had a design by the end of the week.
Excitement rekindled as the project now had a theme and a design.

SCAC Focus on the Child program Proposal
A sculpture project involving The Summit County High School Art dept
Concept:
To expose and guide the students through the process of design, build and installation of a large out door sculpture.
Idea:
To have the students participate in every phase of the proposed project. Each student will choose a team; their team membership will require them to perform the team's duties. In addition to this responsibility each student will be required to create and make an individual sculpture that will be added to the larger installed sculpture.
Teams:
Peacock: responsibilities include, overall sculpture concept, create individual sculpture portion. Make drawings and models for presentation and display. Present project to various boards, i.e. School board of Directors, SCAC board, School Principal and superintendent.
Wolf: responsibilities include, engineer the design, demonstrate understanding of material properties, plan for weather and safety in longevity. To make the sculpture, includes carving, drilling assembly.
Owls: responsibilities include, material procurement, permission seeking, advertising within school system and local communities. Newspaper, television, radio. Project documentation for record and display.
Lion: responsibilities include, foundation work, make and assembly of sculpture, moving of materials, site safety, and structural integrity of finished sculpture, site installation.
Individual:
In addition to participating in one of the 4 teams, each student in responsible to make an individual sculpture which will be part of the large work. This will allow for a more personal and creative contribution.
Instructors:
The project will be overseen, guided and instructed through by Mrs Harriet Hoffman and Chaz della Porta. They will be responsible for the academic and practical instruction, overall installation and finish of the sculpture.