Moving Parts

For their final art project of the year, students created a moving artwork, a mobile. The sculptor Alexander Calder combined his engineering training with his talent in art to create the first art pieces ever called ‘mobiles’. Balancing creativity and the laws of physics was necessary in this project!

We were excited to have an amazing local opportunity to view a large-scale mobile by Alexander Calder. Fourth and fifth grade walked to Stevens Institute of Technology to view the three Alexander Calder artworks in the University’s collection. Calder studied mechanical engineering at Stevens before pursuing art as his career. 

Guided by the Dr. Linda Beninghove, Director of the Samuel C. Williams Library, students explored the “Calder Corner”.

Students spent time in observational drawing of the sculptures and eagerly completed a scavenger hunt about Calder and his art.

We can’t decide if the highlight of our visit was actually touching a Calder sculpture or when Dr Beninghove moved the mobile for us!