Find inspiration in the work and process of artist Dr. Charles Smith. Take a moment to learn more about him by downloading his artist overview. Then, use materials and objects from your home to complete the Try it! activity or email education@jmkac.org for a free material packet.
Dr. Charles Smith Artist Overview
Try it!
What you will need
Paper, a wooden skewer or stick, a pencil, a pair of scissors, and tape (or some way to attach your paper to the skewer/stick)
Step 1
Look at examples of Dr. Charles Smith’s work online at jmkac.org/collections or explore his JMKAC exhibition Dr. Charles Smith: Aurora digitally. Choose a sculpture, a shape in one of the sculptures (such as a camera, a shoe, or a hat), or create your own shape inspired by his work.
Sketch your shape on a piece of paper.
Step 2
Fill in the shape with words or designs that express your reactions to Dr. Charles Smith’s work. You can also write a poem. A few poetry prompts are listed below.
- See, think, wonder
Complete the following sentences to create a poem.
I see…
I think…
I wonder… - Haiku
Write a poem with three lines. Line 1 should have five syllables, line 2 should have seven syllables, and line 3 should have five syllables…
The man and woman
Hug and dance in the daylight
What happens at night? - Descriptive word
In as many lines as you like, write a simple description of what you see.
A man plays the trumpet
He wears a white shirt
He plays for the others
They smile in return - Prose Poem
Write with poetic qualities but without using line breaks. This makes it look like prose (non-poetry). Some poetic qualities include imagery, rhyme, rhythm, metaphors, or similes.
How did they endure the hardships of slavery, segregation, and strife? How did an artist emerge from war? I want to shout out a message of peace. I want my voice to ring like a bell. The dark, stony statues are warnings. Do not let history repeat.
Step 3
Cut out your shape poem, tape it to a skewer, and display it, for example, in your home, classroom, or garden.
Step 4
If you are working with friends, family, or in a group, discuss your responses together and create
a collaborative display of all of your shapes.
Additional Resources and Extensions
– Read anti-racist books. Find suggested children’s books at embracerace.org/resources/childrens-books
– Research online or at your library to learn about the history of the people Dr. Charles Smith
represents in his work, including Louis Armstrong, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
– Watch Dr. Charles Smith tour his Hammond, Louisiana, environment at vimeo.com/270386320
We want to hear from you! Share a photo of your finished piece by email to studio@jmkac.org or share your words in the comment area below.