Fabulous Famous Americans

Harriet Tubman, Sacajawea, and George Washington striking poses.

Eleanor Roosevelt looking chic.

Second graders at Peter Woodbury School in Bedford, NH were studying famous Americans. I spent three weeks as an artist in residence helping them interpret their discoveries via papier-mâché.


Week one they made an armature and covered it with papier-mâché. Like this:

Week two they painted. (If you want to try this project, use acrylic. Tempera tends to crack.)

Me talking about paint.


Busy hands loving the painting part.

Week three was the week for final touches:

Adding hair.



...and clothes. That's Laura Ingalls Wilder...




...and Davy Crockett.



Amelia Earhart in progress.




Sojourner Truth and one of the Wright brothers.




Jackie Robinson, Paul Revere, and Rosa Parks.




Walt Disney in primary colors.




Another interpretation of Harriet Tubman.

All the second graders' sculptures were displayed in the school's spring art show, celebrating these young artists and historical figures--reminders that our nation breeds courage, perseverance, and innovation.