2016-17 Spotlight Selection

2016-17 Spotlight Selection

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Alexander Calder

Four Winds, 1963

Born in Lawnton, Pennsylvania in 1898, Alexander Calder was born into a family of artists. Called Sandy by his family and friends, he created his first sculpture when he was four years old and loved to invent, even his own toys. Calder carried that child-like sense of wonder and play through his entire career. His family tried to persuade him to not pursue art as a career and he even studied mechanical engineering in college. But he desire to create was too strong. Utilizing his engineering knowledge, Calder became the first artist to make art that moved, powered by air currents, cranks, or motors. He invented the mobile and his sculptures would grow to heights of 75 feet tall, works of art, but also feats of engineering. This year, students take on the mindset of Alexander Calder and are challenged to make art that moves literally and figuratively.


Spotlight Registration Deadline

Friday, March 24, 2017

Spotlight Celebration

Sunday, May 21, 2017, 1:00 pm


Teacher Resources

For more information on this program, visit the Spotlight page

Alexander Calder, Four Winds, 1963. Painted steel and aluminum. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Bequest of Robert H. Halff. ©2016 Calder Foundation, New York/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.