Fabric sculpture and the Manitoba art curriculum

The purpose of this studio based thesis is to discover what potential fabrics could offer as a sculptural medium and to examine whether fabric sculpture could be incorporated into the Manitoba Secondary School Art Curriculum. As an Art teacher, I am aware of the demands that the current art curriculum dictates, and the problems and concerns that art teachers face in trying to adhere to its standards. By reviewing the historical development of Manitoba art curricula and highlighting the major developments that have occurred, one can put the current guide into perspective. Contemplating the role that fabrics have played as historical and cultural artifacts gives us a better sense of how fabrics have been developed to meet the specific requirements that we as human beings have demanded of them. The sculptures that were produced for this study attempt to address the principal objectives of the current art curriculum and explore ideas and topics that reflect personal interests. I have endeavoured to create sculptures that not only stand as pieces of art, but which will also serve as examples to show art teachers how different fabrics and techniques can be used in senior high art classrooms. To support my thesis that fabric sculpture should be included in our art programmes, I have provided short reviews on sculptors who have worked with fabrics. Wherever possible I have tried to indicate how my students have reacted to this work, and where information concerning these artists may be obtained. I have included a sample unit that already exists in the current curriculum and discuss how fabric sculpture could be introduced though this unit. The recommendations that conclude this report suggest ways to encourage the teaching of sculpture and the introduction of fabric sculpture into the Manitoba Secondary School Art Curriculum.Education, Faculty ofGraduat