Submitted by Patricia Weiner, Foley Middle School
Madison County
6-8 Grade Visual Art
“It’s alive, it’s ALIVE…!” This fall, sixth grade students in Mrs. Weiner’s Visual Art class at Foley Middle School were having a spooktacular time sculpting Candy Corn Monsters with plaster strips. Students started with a cardboard shape they wrapped loosely with newspaper (allowing air inside the paper) and tape to form an armature. After cutting plaster strips to an inch by four inches, students applied two layers to their form. They learned how the wet plaster gauze needed to be worked with quickly and smoothed out before it began to dry to have a clean presentation. Spooky facial features were added by layering and folding the plaster strips. Once dry, the plaster sculptures were painted with acrylics. It was a frightfully great experience. Working with plaster guaze tips: Cut plaster strips beforehand. One inch by four inches is good for structural support and be certain to overlap strips. Cover your tables to help with cleaning up. Each student needs their own cup of water. Lay out small amounts of plaster strips at a time to prevent unused strips from getting wet (accidently wetting the strips activates the plaster and are practically unusable once that happens). Do NOT pour plaster water down your drains (save your pipes from clogging), it is best to empty the water in a bucket and wipe the plaster residue from the cups into the bucket. Dispose safely outside. Save your hands and your cuticles! Helping each student and cleaning out water cups is rough on your hands. Be aware that the plaster wants to harden and dry your skin. Apply some Aquaphor, vaseline, or lotion beforehand as a barrier and afterwards. Help your wet forms dry by using a fan after school hours (do not use fans with people in the room). Trivia: Mary Shelley’s Dr. Frankenstein never said “It’s alive, it’s alive.” The famous quote comes from the 1931 Frankenstein film.
