3D Maps & Clay Landmarks

Students embarked on a multistep project that will bring their neighborhoods and favorite landmarks to life! 

They began by drawing and painting a map of their surrounding community, then decided which landmarks they wanted to sculpt using air dry clay. 

This project incorporates memory, identity, point of view, and elements of mapping and design. 

We encouraged students to challenge conventions when creating their works. For example, how can they use symbolism to depict landmarks? For students, that meant using a sandwich to depict a bodega, a cake pop to represent Starbucks, and a dollar bill to represent Chase Bank. 

The best part of class is when students inspire each other. One student made a miniature garden with flowers. Once other students took note of the detail she was able to achieve using clay tools and wire, they began to make their own versions. Students are often more inspired by each other than they are by the teacher! 

Next, students painted their landmarks and affixed them to their maps to create a three-dimensional representation of their neighborhoods. The results were inspiring!

Noormah’s work at Children’s Workshop School is supported by the Emergency Arts Education Fund, which provides free arts education to NYC school communities whose art programs have been decimated by recent budget cuts.

Children’s Museum of the Arts’ three Residents Artists are currently implementing ambitious arts curriculum at each of our partner sites throughout New York City: Hudson Guild in Chelsea, Sid Miller Academy in Crown Heights, and Children’s Workshop School in the East Village. Come spring, our residents will showcase their students' work through exhibitions and installations across the city. Learn how you can support the work of our residents here.