Animal Cloud Sculptures Part I: Creating the Frame

Artists embraced unconventional mediums as they looked to Mike Kelley’s famous hanging plush toy works. For their next project, they’ll create their own animal cloud sculptures inspired by Kelley’s work.

Topics of class discussion included: How can artists come up with new techniques and tools to solve problems? How can the same principles of sculpture be applied to unconventional materials? 

The discussion emphasized the importance of the base or “skeleton” of their sculptures. After creating their forms in paper, students wrapped their sculpture in aluminum foil. For the next step, they’ll cover their sculptures in plaster gauze and add detail. 

One student in particular has been refining the lessons at home and bringing in new works that she creates outside of class. 

Because the student speaks Russian, she and Noormah communicate through a translation device. Despite the additional layer of communication, she always stays behind after class to discuss future projects and how she can improve her art techniques. 

Further proof that art is magic – several students who have struggled with certain lessons in the past are now doing incredibly well and thoroughly enjoying 3D art projects. 

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.