If you happened to visit the Museum’s galleries last week, you might have spotted something unusual: lions, tigers—and 160 enthusiastic Wausau School District students! While it’s not every day that such a large group fills our spaces, this bustling scene signals the return of a vibrant collaboration between the Wausau School District’s Gifted and Talented program and the Museum.
Each January, 160 students—eighty fourth graders and eighty fifth graders—are selected to participate in Art Cluster, a dynamic program that invites young artists to explore the world of art making. Students are chosen to participate through a combination of applications, teacher nominations, and a demonstrated passion for the creative process. This winter, students were immersed in Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four, finding inspiration from the array of animal artworks displayed throughout the galleries. Wildlife artworks and stories of artists traveling across the world sparked students’ imaginations, preparing them for projects of epic proportions.
Fifth grade students gather with Wausau School District teachers and administrators and Museum staff.
Students touring “Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four.”
On the first day, fifth graders kicked things off with a hands-on exploration of assemblage art. Armed with fabric scraps, cardboard, paper bits, and various found objects, students set out to replicate animals they observed in the galleries. They studied textures and shapes before transforming materials into their own three-dimensional wildlife creations. While the messiness of assemblage filled the air, students were lucky enough to create while surrounded by artworks in the south and lower-level gallery spaces, a treat most regular visitors don’t get to experience.
Fifth grade students hands-on exploration of assemblage art.
On day two, fourth graders created colorful painted-paper animal face collages. They experimented with non-traditional tools while designing textured papers in the Glass Box Studio with paint. Then, they combed through stacks of magazines to find the perfect shades and patterns to represent their animal collage. Students were encouraged to let their imaginations run wild, creating rare and never-seen species like the blue giraffe or purple elephant. A green lion anyone?
Fourth grade students creating colorful painted-paper collages.
While the flurry of Art Cluster has ended, you can explore their imaginative takes on Survival of the Fittest at the Marathon County Public Library, during the Art Cluster Exhibition from February 4 – 20. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how young artists from central Wisconsin brought the animal kingdom to life!
