Flags of Healing
High School
Lesson Overview
This unit began with field trip to the Lynden Sculpture Garden to view a show titled "Healing Coats" and to talk with artist Rosemary Ollison about her process and artwork. Through discussion with Rosemary, students discovered that she began her career as an artist in order to heal from traumas and anger. When she was creating, sewing or painting or sculpting, she felt a sense of calm. Rosemary is most well known for her fiber art created from recycled fabrics. In the exhibit "Healing Coats" Rosemary along with many other artists used the prompt "If you were the messenger of healing, what would you want to do or say? What does it mean to learn about healing from each other?" to begin making their artwork.
Back in the classroom students began to explore how artists use color and symbol to communicate messages as well as learn how to sew and embroider by hand. Students then brainstormed ideas for messages they would like to communicate. After sketching ideas students used recycled fabrics to create their "Flags of Healing"
After completing their artwork students wrote an artist statement to explain their ideas, challenges, and visual strategies for conveying their message.
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During our field trip Rosemary Ollison and students model her healing coat.
Students use embroidery and sewing techniques in their artwork.
Student work in-progress
Student artwork
Display of student artwork at the Latino Arts Center in Milwaukee for the annual Bid Idea art show.
Key Concepts
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Artists use recycled materials to create art.
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Artists use the process of creating art as self care. Sewing and embroidery is one strategy artists use to create a sense of calm.
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Color and symbols can be used to communicate messages.
Essential Questions
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In what ways can the process of creating be healing for yourself?
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What activities create a sense of calm for you?
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How do artists use symbols and colors to communicate messages?