Folding the Circle: A Hands-on Exploration of Connection

We are mostly familiar with drawing circles but folding circles moves that experience from flat and representational into 3-D form. Circlefolding is a technology with which to explore the natural rhythms and structural pattern expressed throughout life and observed in the arts, sciences, geometry, math, philosophy, and social and inner wellbeing. The circle is timeless and universal, literal, metaphorical, spatial, and a social expression of human experience that demonstrates diversity is unity.

Students sequentially and proportionally fold paper circles to reveal form in space through relationship and movement. Without adding or taking anything away from the circle – no cutting, measuring or formulas – multiple folded circles can be joined to form endless systems of increasing complexity, possibility, and application. Beginning with forming the sphere, this exploration of circles unfolds creative directions that are as individual as the folder.

Students may work individually and/or together; informal group sharing gently supports the learning process throughout as students notice, interpret and reflect on how the circle informs their experiences and resonates with or differs from others. Students utilize spatial visualization, processing of mental representations of shapes and relationships as well as strengthening observational and critical thinking, creative problem solving, community building, social-emotional development, fine motor control and hand-eye coordination.

Circlefolding is a comprehensive manipulative tool new to everyone and can be useful beyond the teaching residency for teachers and students alike. For more information about folding circles, please visit: Radicalcirclearts.com

This program offered by: Ash R Smith

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Details

Program Model: In Class

Art Form: Visual Art

Curriculum Connections: Character Education, Community Building, Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Justice, Social Studies, Social-Emotional Learning, World Cultures

Grades: 1, 10, 11, 12, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Adult

Program Requirements: Between sessions, folded circle models are meant to be displayed in the classroom for ongoing reference throughout the residency in order for students to build upon their experience. Ash can work from one classroom or travel to each classroom. A dedicated shelf/wheeled cart for storing and transportation of materials is helpful. Everything needed for circle folding will be provided. Specific materials for different curriculum and projects are TBD. Many students find using a notebook for tracking information, recording thoughts and observations or access to mark-making materials at some point in the process is helpful. This can help to clarify and remember what they do. They can use their math or daily journals.

Instruction Language(s): English

Min. Residency Sessions/Classroom: 4

Ash R Smith

About the Artist

Ash R Smith

A visual storyteller-artist-designer-explorer-artmaker sort of being, Ash folds circles - a hands-on exploration of nature, art, design, geometry, math, science and philosophy as reflections of one another. Ash's lifelong need to make sense of the world through her hands has shaped her way as theatre designer, teaching artist, and creative director. She collaborates with all ages, abilities, and life experiences to foster curiosity, awe and connection both internally and in collective. Ash's current creative practice expands on traditional methods of art and design by re-framing her creative process using the circle. Her choice of materials and techniques varies as a means for exploration and observation to what is present, integrating attention awareness as part of the exploration.and response Presently residing in Portland, Oregon, on Chinook speaking tribes' ancestral lands, Ash received an MFA in Stage & Costume Design from Northwestern University, a BS in Environmental Design from University of California-Davis and enjoyed a One-Year Immersive at the University of Leeds, England in Textile Design.

"Ash embodies that there is no right way and that we are all creators while also giving clear and supportive direction. Her open-ended curiosity and enjoyment of experimentation encouraged MY curiosity and experimentation." Student- Circlebook Workshop

Learn More about Ash R Smith

Program Costs

Please note that the cost of a program is determined based on a variety of different factors including number of sessions, planning hours needed and material costs. Please contact Arts for Learning NW for help determining the actual cost of your programs. Email us at [email protected] or call 503-225-5900, ext 705

Delivery MethodTypeCostDescription
In ClassPrep Hours154.00Time spent on activities in support of the program (e.g. setting up/cleaning a classroom, research, curriculum development, etc.) One hour per classroom
In ClassPlanning Meeting154.00An in person planning meeting with partnering teachers is required for residencies.
In ClassAdditional Planning154.00Additional planning time with teachers or volunteers, etc.
In ClassSupplies2.50 per student
In ClassMileage/Travel Costs$15 hour drive time from SW Portland. This program is available within 25 miles of Portland.
In ClassWait TimeTime between sessions greater than 1 hour per day.
In Class50 min Workshop Session154.00A one session program with students- 50 minutes.
In ClassFamily Arts Night Workshop257.00A 90 minute workshop for students and families, typically in the evening or on weekends.
In ClassResidency Session154.00Residency session prices are based on a 50 minute session. Some artists may prefer different session lengths and will pro-rate the cost.
In ClassTeacher Workshop257.00A 90 minute workshop for teachers.
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