Do you want to express yourself thru art using wood? This hard fibrous material that is the main substance of a tree trunk or branches can be used for fuel, timber and even art! Explore various ways one can use wood to create an original item. 

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Exploring 4-H

 Exploring 4-H Visual Arts - Wood 
Spark Activity: Wooden Wall Art 

 Do you have any small pieces of wood? Do you like wall art? Creating a wall of fish is one of many projects you can create in this project area. In order to create a wall of fish, gather several 1 inch thick board scraps or a 1 x 4 x 8 ft. piece of lumber. Use a pattern or draw the bodies of the fish on the board and with help from an adult, use a skill saw to cut out the fish bodies! Once you have the wood cut out, sand down the rough edges with sandpaper. After you have completed your sanding, use paint to create the perfect fish! Different grades and types of woods, paints and stains can be combined to create the perfect school of fish! What other types of art could you create? 
 

4-H Project Levels and Goals
Beginner
  • Identify different types of art created with wood 
  • Experiment with at least one technique for using wood as an art medium 
  • Identify tools needed to create art with wood 
  • Demonstrate at least the three elements of art and/or principles of design in your project work 
  • Develop a system for documenting your works created and related expenses 
     
Intermediate
  • Develop a budget for purchasing supplies and cost comparisons 
  • Learn to safely uses tools for working with wood 
  • Research famous artists who use wood as their main art medium 
  • Visit an art show, craft show and/ or art museum; visit with artists who specialize in wood 
  • Experiment with new techniques with wood as an artform; explore additional techniques for incorporating elements of art and principles of design 
Advanced
  • Develop a portfolio of the work you have created from wood each year; documenting techniques used and lessons learned 
  • Explore new techniques such as wood burning 
  • Interview an artist who specializes in wood as their art medium 
  • Research an artist famous for their work with wood; learn about various techniques that the artist specializes in 
  • Take a class to learn advanced techniques in working with wood 
Put Your Project Into Action

Show Your Skills 

  • Create a YouTube video showcasing what you learned and provide step by step instructions 
  • Display showcasing different types of tools used when working with wood 
  • Compare different types of wood or different types of finishes and the effect on art and design 

Service and Leadership 

  • Create and donate a piece of artwork to a local library, senior center or city building 
  • Create and donate a piece of artwork to a fundraising event 
  • teach your club members to create a piece of art using wood or how to use artists’ tools 

Entrepreneurship 

  • Design and sell wood items online 
  • Design and sell ornaments or keychains featuring your school or organization logo (with permission) 

Technology Connection 

  • Laser cutting technology with wood 
  • Wood burning tools 

Connecting with a Mentor 

  • Local school / community college art teachers 
  • Specialty stores featuring art made from wood 
  • Hobby / craft / hardware stores

Events 

  • 4-H show / state fair exhibit opportunities 
  • Community art / craft shows; visit with artists showcasing wood products 

Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements

  • Getting Started in Art

Purchase manuals on the Shop Illinois 4-H Store. 

View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.

Careers
wood carving
  •  Wood Carver
  • Wood Designer
  • Interior Designer
  • Art Show Manager
  • Museum Director
  • Sculptor 
     
Start a Conversation

 What support do you need from an adult? How can you use this new knowledge you gained from this activity? What will you now try as a result of trying visual arts wood? 

Credits

4-H Spark Sheets are a collaborative effort of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni and teens from across Illinois. A big thanks to the many contributors and reviewers! 
 

Resources
Getting Started in Art