At the beginning of February 2005, one group of Dalton School 4th graders began documenting a remarkable art installation in Central Park by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. After all, we were only a block away from the Park! It was a perfect opportunity to witness history firsthand.

After learning about the artists, some of their earlier installations, and their vision for The Gates, the documenting began. Each child was given a Gates booklet in which to note observations. On February 2nd we took our first walk to the Park to see the bases with each child selecting one of his/her "own".

The second visit took place on February 8th, shortly after workers began installing the gates themselves. The children were very excited to see them. Noticing some discarded orange markers we asked if they could take them. The answer was yes and so children took one and we photographed the class holding them. However, shortly thereafter a more senior worker told the children they could not keep the markers, as they were to be recycled.

Our third visit took place on February 15th, after the gates had been unfurled. It was a sunny, warm day and the children found their "own" gates and were photographed next to them. They also had fun playing tag among the gates on the Great Lawn.

On February 18th we made a trip to the 24th floor of a building overlooking the park. Seeing them such a different perspective made a deep impression on the children.

Our final class trip was on February 22nd when we headed to the northern part of Central Park. We climbed the Great Hill and wandered along the Harlem Meer.

After each visit the children wrote responses in their booklets and added photographs. At the end, they pulled everything together into culminating collages. These were shared at a Gates Celebration where cupcakes decorated with pipe cleaner and tissue paper mini-gates were consumed, "Pin the Fabric on the Gate" was played, and a good time had by all!

February 2, 2005

February 8, 2005

February 15, 2005

February 18, 2005

February 22, 2005

Culminating Projects