The Fremont Troll, an enigmatic and whimsical work of public art, has been captivating the heart and soul of Seattle since its unveiling in 1990. This eye-catching sculpture is located under the Aurora Avenue Bridge in the quirky neighborhood of Fremont. For educators looking to create engaging lesson plans, incorporating the story and significance of the Fremont Troll can be a fantastic way to foster curiosity and critical thinking among students. This article will discuss various approaches to teaching students about the Fremont Troll, as well as its history, meaning, and impact.
History of the Fremont Troll
To accurately teach students about the Fremont Troll, it’s crucial to provide context with a brief history lesson. The Aurora Bridge, constructed in 1932, was notorious for illegal dumping and criminal activity, so the area beneath it needed revitalization. In 1989, The Fremont Arts Council held a city-wide competition to create a piece of public art that would deter such negative activities – enter local artists Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead. Their creation, the 18-foot-tall concrete giant affectionately known as the “Fremont Troll,” swiftly became a beloved symbol of creativity.
The Story Behind the Statue
The design team behind the Troll was inspired by Scandinavian folklore – specifically, trolls who lived under bridges demanding tolls from passersby. That connection is evident in one of its distinct features: clutching an actual Volkswagen Beetle in its left hand as if it were contemplating devouring its next meal.
Teaching Strategies: Discussing Art Elements
Art analysis is an effective approach when teaching students about sculptures like the Fremont Troll. Encourage discussions about form, color, texture, and scale. By describing specific aspects such as its menacing grin, the one good eye, and the hubcap buttons, students can better appreciate the details while also learning how to hone their observation skills.
Interactive Activities
1. Creative Writing: Assign a short fictional story for students to explore the perspective of the Fremont Troll or other creatures lurking in Seattle’s urban landscape. This activity can help foster adolescent imagination and promote writing proficiency.
2. Art Projects: Let students create their own troll sculptures using recycled materials or other materials found in the classroom. This encourages creativity and forces them to think about their work’s environmental impact.
3. Field Trip (if local): Visit the Fremont Troll in person, allowing students to document their findings through sketches or photographs. This first-hand experience can foster a deeper understanding of the sculpture’s scale and its relationship to the surrounding environment.
The Fremont Troll as a Symbol of Community
Finally, teachers should discuss how community efforts led to the transformation of a once-neglected space into a site celebrating public art. Such discussions can lead to broader conversations on the impact of art on society and community spaces.
Overall, using a versatile teaching approach when introducing students to iconic works like the Fremont Troll fosters analytical skills and appreciation for public art – an invaluable learning opportunity that can only widen their horizons as they continue exploring their world.
