1. ALEXANDER CALDER ARTIST of the WEEK

2. Background:  July 22, 1898 – November 11, 1976  Calder was born in Lawnton, PA.  Despite both his parent being artists (father was a sculptor and mother was a painter) Alexander first began his career as an Engineer.  On a ship from New York to San Francisco, Calder awoke on the deck to see both a brilliant sunrise and a full moon; each was visible on opposite horizons. The experience made a lasting impression on Calder: he would refer to it throughout his life. – This is when he took to the arts.  He went to NYC and began taking classes at the Art Students League.

3. Style/Type of Work Created:  American sculptor and artist famous for inventing the MOBILE. Red Mobile, 1956

4. Style/Type of Work Created:  Also known for his wire sculptures and monumental sculptures. Calvin Coolidge, 1927 La Spirale, 1958

5. Style/Type of Work Created:  Concerned with the Element of Art SHAPE: An enclosed space defined by another element of art, such as LINE. Aluminum Leaves, Red Post, 1941

6. Interesting Fact:  Calder’s grandfather, sculpted the colossal statue of William Penn on top of Philadelphia's City Hall tower.

7. Examples of Calder’s Work:  Red Mobile, 1956  Calvin Coolidge, 1927  La Spirale, 1958  Aluminum Leaves, Red Post, 1941