Exploring History and Culture
Washougal High School
WHS Art Teacher Evan Rumble applied for and received a Washougal Schools Foundation mini grant to purchase and ship 150 whole, hollow coconut shells from Florida.
Students researched, designed and created a Zulu Coconut, using the project to study “the contentious history, cultural traditions and socioeconomic implications” of Mardi Gras.
The students are gaining an appreciation of beauty around them, and those who have never been exposed to anything beyond crayons are broadening their horizons. My hope is that they will build upon this experience to develop a life time appreciation for art.
Emma SlabbertKindergarten Teacher
The direct instruction technique and the new materials are giving the kids confidence in their abilities by expanding what they think they are capable of. They are surprising themselves by what is possible when they break a form into individual elements. They are so proud of the work they create!
Emma SlabbertKindergarten Teacher
The grant gave me the opportunity to expand my content to embody not only an unconventional art project that interested students, but also a culturally significant project.
Evan RumbleArt Teacher, WGS
This project is an example of the forethought of educators in Washougal to set kids up for success by exposing them to other cultures.
Paul GodinParent, Business Owner and Community Member
“I wanted this project to benefit students by developing an authentic perspective on the Mardi Gras celebration,” Rumble said. “They created an object that in all likelihood is different from anything they have ever associated with the holiday.”
Ultimately, in line with tradition, students will give their Zulu Coconut creations to another.
