By now the students at Charles White Elementary School are well-versed in the work of Shinique Smith.  They are extremely articulate when describing her creative process too, namely how she transforms everyday materials to make art.  It makes sense; they’ve had unlimited access to her work through the Shinique Smith: Firsthand exhibition at LACMA’s satellite gallery within the school.  Shinique still threw the students for a loop though when she pitched them the idea of making a collaborative sculpture composed entirely of socks.

Installation view, Shinique Smith: Firsthand, Charles White Elementary School

It’s not an object many of them gave much thought to previously, in general and especially as a material with which to make art!  But they were game and imaginatively cut, tied, rolled, and stuffed multi-colored socks to create miniature bundles.  Shinique then combined the students’ work into one large, hanging sculpture now on view in the space.  Click on the video below to learn more about the inspiration behind this collective project, and see the sculpture for yourself this Saturday at our monthly free Family Day at Charles White

[youtube=http://youtu.be/3lQplU8qLiY]

Sarah Jesse, Associate Vice President of Education