At Florence Middle School, Becky Guinn presented a brief background of Southeastern Woodland Indians, some of which lived and still live in Northern Alabama. Thousands of years ago, these Native Americans were some of the 1st metal workers. From metal these “mound builders” fashioned, spear points, decorations, tools and jewelry among other things. One piece was a pendant called a gorget. Becky Cairns explained the process chosen to represent these gorgets to the students. Copper tooling was the art form chosen for this Hooked on Art Program. Mrs. Cairns further instructed the students on how to use the things they had been given.
Copper Tooling at Florence Middle School
Florence Middle School Student tools copper into an image
Students had prepared molds of symbols under the direction of art educator, Pat Reaves and their science teachers. The Physical Education coaches and teachers assisted each group with distribution and management. This was greatly appreciated in that we saw 6 classes of approximately 80 students each in the gymnasium. Each student received their mold, a piece of copper, an instrument with which to tool the copper, an adhesive backing and a simulated leather cord from which to hang the pendant. The students were wonderful and cooperative. The most difficulty was in punching holes through the copper, forms and backing.
Becky Guinn shares background information with Florence Middle School Students