WORDS AND TRUCKS

The Fantastic Voyagers

Remote Art Class

WORDS AND TRUCKS

First Grade Drawings and Other Works Inspired by the Art of Jenny Holzer

During art class, first graders were introduced to the notion that some artists, like Jenny Holzer, use words or messages to make their art. We discussed the importance of where the message is seen and how the viewer's reaction to it becomes part of the art. Visual artists who use words in their work often want to draw attention very directly to social issues, such as how people treat each other or care for the environment. Many artists feel that messages of hope and kindness are what is needed.

I showed the children examples of Jenny’s LED trucks with messages that light up. Many people see these messages as the trucks move though the streets. We focused on a truck with the message YOU BE MY ALLY on the back of the truck.

As a way to understand the meaning behind the words YOU BE MY ALLY, I read to the children the book Intersection Allies - We Make Room for All by Chelsea Johnson and Carolyn Choi, Illustrations by Ashley Seil Smith. I chose this book to help define the word "ally" for first graders, and deepen the understanding of what it means to be an ally.

After looking at Jenny’s trucks for inspiration and making connections to words such as justice, empathy, resiliency and more--which are part of ongoing homeroom discussions--I asked the children to make a drawing of a vehicle of their choice with a message on it. By not limiting everyone to a truck, each child had the freedom to dream of the best mode of transportation for their message.

Illia Mazurek, 1st Grade Art