Denton Artists Inspired by Love of Books

Second grade artists observed and discussed artwork by Red Grooms. Over several art classes the children applied what they learned by creating3-dimensional self-portraits showing themselves reading a variety of wonderful books. Red Grooms coined a technique called sculpto-pictorama, a synthesis of painting, sculpture, and panoramas constructed to resemble movie sets. To work in a style similar to Red Grooms, second graders experimented with using paper in new ways to create three-dimensional forms. Using mirrors, paper, scissors, and glue, the children became aware of spatial relationships created by the shape and placement of their facial features on their heads. In 1978, the Hudson River Museum commissioned Red Grooms to create a 200 square foot sculpto-pictorama. This work was called the Book Store and was inspired by the artist’s special love of libraries and bookstores. At the Denton Avenue library, the children found many beautifully illustrated books and featured them in
their self-portraits to visually celebrate the value of books and reading
in their own lives. Ms. Friedlander and all of our second grade artists thank Mrs. Allen for her collaboration in helping to find so many great book jackets to incorporate into our artwork.