Week #8: Visual Signs of Gratitude with FTH Teaching Artist Suzanne DeMarco

This week’s lessons introduce you to Visual Signs of Gratitude with FTH Teaching Artist Suzanne DeMarco. Suzanne is an educator and visual artist. You may have seen her teaching art to our ELL families in schools, but we will join her at her apartment in Brooklyn as we practice safe distancing. Suzanne will share with you how to turn household objects into creative appreciation signs. Through art, let’s thank all of the dedicated first responders and essential workers who are protecting and serving our communities.

>>Click HERE for a pre-lessons family activity sheet

Day 1 

Messages have been slipped into bottles and shipped on mysterious voyages at least since 310 BC, when Greek philosopher Theophrastus employed the tactic to test his theory that the Atlantic flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Ship-wrecked sailors would attempt to reach other sailors through this method as well. In today’s lesson, Suzanne invites you to create your own Message in a Bottle as a way of expressing your appreciation to the frontline heroes and sending a message as we isolate, not on a desert island, but in our homes. What would your message in a bottle say? And who do you hope will be the person to receive the message?

>>Click HERE for a post-lesson family activity sheet

Day 2 

“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” ― Frida Kahlo

Inspired by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), today’s lesson introduces you to a fun and inspiring Mask Making project. This lesson also explores how to better understand ourselves while building sincere connections with the world, especially with those who are risking themselves for our safety at home.

>>Click HERE for a post-lesson family activity sheet

Day 3

Have you ever noticed the small color dots in the comic book or at a newspaper? American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997) was well-known for using this technique, named Ben-Day dots, in his paintings and sculptures. Small colored dots are closely spaced, widely spaced or overlapping to create optical illusion. Apply this technique to make a special Pop Art thank-you card!  

>>Click HERE for a post-lesson family activity sheet

Day 4 

In this lesson, Suzanne will share with you how to create a Cubism Face Portrait in the style of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). You can improvise with all the recycled materials that you find at home such as toilet paper rolls, paper bags and newspapers. And most importantly, don't forget to display the portrait with your thank-you speech bubble on the window or the door! 

>>Click HERE for a post-lesson family activity sheet

Day 5 

Enjoy the mask making project inspired by Frida Kahlo’s art? Let’s take a virtual walking tour of Casa Azul (The Blue House), which was Frida’s lifelong home in Mexico City. You can skip the line and closely look at Frida’ house and life, her artistic journey and the Mexican heritage!