This activity is developed for children ages 3 and above with some adult assistance. Download and print this activity guide for easy reference.
GET INSPIRED
Have you ever flown a kite? How about making one from scratch? There are ways to make one with just paper and string! But first, let’s take a look at a painting featuring some kites from Black Refractions: Highlights from The Studio Museum in Harlem, a special exhibition at the Frye Art Museum through August 15, 2021.
Jordan Casteel. Kevin the Kiteman, 2016. Oil on canvas. 78 x 78 in. The Studio Museum in Harlem; Museum purchase with funds provided by the Acquisition Committee 2016.37. Photo Credit: Adam Reich. © Jordan Casteel. Courtesy American Federation of Arts
Take a moment to look closely at this artwork.
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What is going on in this painting?
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Focus on the figure in this painting. What might he be doing?
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Look at his facial expression and pose. What might he be thinking? How might he be feeling?
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Describe the setting that this figure is in. Where might he be?
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In visual arts, pattern is a design created by repeated lines, shapes, and colors. How many different types of patterns can you find in this painting? Describe them.
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If you were to title this painting, what might it be?
This painting is titled Kevin the Kiteman and is by Jordan Casteel, who creates life-size portraits from photographs she takes of people she meets. A portrait is an image of a person. During her time in the Artist-in-Residence program at The Studio Museum in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City, she watched Kevin, the subject of this painting, fly kites from her studio window. She was drawn to his joy and ability to be in the present moment. Watch Kevin talk about flying kites and see if you can spot one of the kites from the painting!
MAKE SOME ART
Originating in China, a kite can be as large as a football field or so small that it fits in the palm of your hand. See some examples for yourself. Kites can be made of all sorts of materials, including paper, fabric, plastic bags, feathers, and even leaves! You can also learn more about the history of kites.
Now, let’s try making a simple kite using materials you have at home.
You will need:
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Construction paper, printer paper, or newspaper, approximately 9” x 12”
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Scissors
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Thread, yarn, or twine
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Drawing utensils, such as crayons or markers, or other materials to decorate your kite (optional)
Follow along using the video demonstration above or instructions below.
Let’s get started
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Fold the 9”x 12” paper in half, the hamburger way, creating a 9” x 6” rectangle.
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If you’d like, create some designs both on the inside and outside of the paper with your drawing materials or washi tape.
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Hold the paper with the folded edge pointing up towards you. Bring one corner from each side towards the folded edge to meet, without folding the paper down and making a crease.
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Staple or tape down the two corners at the folded edge.
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Make a small hole with scissors and attach the thread, yarn, or twine to your kite.
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Now, find a good spot to fly your kite!
Did you know there is more than one way to make a paper kite? Here is another paper kite you can make that is a bit more advanced, but uses the same materials. Follow along using the video demonstration below.
Want more kites? Listen to this Chinese story about kites!
Share Your Work
Once your kite is finished, be sure to test it out and see how high it can fly! Don’t forget to share a video or pictures of your kite with us on social media using the hashtag #FryefromHome.
Lynn Chou
Manager, Youth and School Programs