May 4: Wind / Sound Sculptures out of upcycled materials

Lee Mingwei’s Sound sculpture at Lunuganga

Assigned Teachers: TBD

Intro

Today we are going to create art that moves or makes sound. You are invited to make either,

1. A sculpture that makes sound when touched or interacted with

2. A sculpture or mobile that moves in the wind

We’ll use leftover materials from the exhibition that was taken down last month to bring our ideas to life — turning what once was into something completely new and alive! You may do this in pairs or individually.

Key ideas: movement, balance, sound, upcycling, creativity.

You will need:

1. Materials from the taken-down exhibition (paper, string, wood scraps, fabric, etc.)

2. Scissors

3. Tape and/or glue

4. String or thread

5. Paper clips, wire, sticks, or rods (for structure)

6. Pencil and paper (for sketching ideas)

7. Optional: markers, paints to decorate

Guide

Step 1: What is a Mobile or Sound Sculpture? (5 minutes)

• Q&A: What is a mobile? What is a sound sculpture?

• Show examples:

  • Mobiles (like Alexander Calder's) — balance and movement in the air.

  • Sound sculptures — objects that create gentle sounds when touched or when the wind blows.

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Alexander Calder’s Mobiles move in the wind.

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Ruth Asawa’s Wire sculpture

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Awe Lewitt’s hanging sculpture

Step 2: Materials Challenge

• Introduce the special rule: you can only use materials from the old exhibition and a few basic tools.

• Look at the materials together — what textures, colors, or shapes do you notice?

• How can you reuse them to create movement or sound?

Step 3: Plan Your Art

• Look around and collect materials.

• make a quick sketch: will you create something that moves or makes sound?

Step 4: Build Your Mobile or Sound Sculpture

• Start building!

• Think about:

  • Balance: heavier objects should be closer to the center.

  • Movement: how will the wind or touch make your sculpture move?

  • Sound: how will parts tap, clang, or brush against each other?

  • Materials: What is available to use?

Step 5: Competition Time!

• After building, we’ll host a mini competition! We will each vote for the following categories:

Categories:

• Most Creative Sound

• Best Movement in the Wind

• Most Creative Use of Upcycled Materials

• Best Overall

Reflection

Talk about how reusing materials helps protect the planet and challenges us to see beauty where others see waste.
Mobiles and sound sculptures teach us about creativity, patience, and connection with our environment.