Second graders have just finished a unit on Oaxacan alebrijes…a Mexican folk art of carved animal sculptures in brightly painted patterns. The project began with tangrams, combining shapes into 2D animals, monsters, and alebrijes. The drawings were then transformed from 2D to 3D using random wood pieces glued together into imaginary creatures. The sculptures were finished with bright colors and patterns, similar to the Oaxacan folk art.
In honor of finishing the sculptures, Mr. Gutierrez’s class dressed up as live alebrijes. They came to school in mismatched colors and patterns: stripes, plaid, polka dots, different socks and shoes. They looked fantastic!
A couple photos of the finished alebrijes from both Ms. Riley’s class and Mr. Gutierrez’s class, as well as today’s dress up day with Mr. Gutierrez’s class:
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