Art Projects for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania was officially settled in 1643, one of the first 13 colonies, and maintained the nation's capital during the Revolutionary War. The Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, and the Gettysburg Address were all written in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has a rich historical and political history, but it also has a rich art history.
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Mosaics, Murals, and Gravestones
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Have children research a particular event in Pennsylvanian history and ask them to create a scene from the event as a drawing, mural, or as a mosaic using the medium of your choice. You might even consider incorporating other colonial art, such as gravestone carving, into the activity by asking children to carve their design into a piece of drywall, creating a miniature gravestone.
Models
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Challenge children to create a model that represents Pennsylvania, such as a model of a state bird, state flower, or even a railroad that operated in Pennsylvania. State bird and flower models can be made out of paper, paper mache, clay, or whichever art medium best suits the class. Model railroads kits are available at most hobby shops and can be customized to focus on Pennsylvanian railroads.
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The Dutch Hex
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Research the history and symbolism behind the Dutch Hex, a six-segmented design often displayed in homes and barns. Allow children to try their hand at creating a Dutch Hex, or a common 6 segmented decoration most often hung on barns. Use markers and paint to create a Dutch Hex out of clear plastic or poster board, or create a Dutch Hex symbol using colored construction paper.
Paper Quilling
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Create designs using the paper quilling method. Roll strips of paper into tight circles or ovals, then use those shapes to create a three dimensional representation of the State of Pennsylvania, such as a representation of the state bird, the state flower, the state flag, or even a map of the state. Use a piece of tape or drop of glue to secure paper rings. Experiment by making mobiles or sculptures out of quilled paper.
Dyeing
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Have older children experiment with different natural dyes, replicating the methods used in colonial Pennsylvania as closely as possible. Muslim fabric holds dye well, and can be purchased at a craft shop. Adult supervision should be present at all times during this project, as certain dyes are potentially harmful if handled improperly. The dyeing project can also be a bit messy. For a challenge, have students dye a piece of fabric to represent the Pennsylvania flag.
Crocheting and Cross-Stitching
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Ask children to create a Pennsylvanian flag, or a traditional design from Pennsylvania, by crocheting or cross-stitching. Children could also fashion a state map, a state bird or flower, or even create an image to represent a location or event important to Pennsylvania. Explain to students the importance of crocheting and cross-stitching, as well as other colonial arts, in Pennsylvanian history.
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References
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