Hodge student works

The works of David Hodge's students are as diverse as the students themselves. As his student, Magda Krance, said, "We were exceptionally lucky to have David Hodge as our art teacher. His art classes were pure creative play and discovery of our expressive abilities. We felt fully supported, loved, and seen in that magical space." In 1970, artworks by Hodge students were displayed in the Milwaukee Art Center. David F. Wagner of the Appleton Post-Crescent, in his article, “Graphics, Decoys, Children’s Art Share Milwaukee Art Center Stage,” wrote: “The incredible energy and natural talent of these youngsters has been brought out beautifully, which is a tribute to the excellent teaching of David Hodge, their mentor.” Wagner continues, “Frankly, their work would put many an adult art community to shame. It is a show which could hang in almost any gallery and look good. Most are astounded at the quality and impressed by the students’ boldness. It may be a little side trip for the Art Center, but for many viewers it is a reassuring exhibit. At least in one place and on one level, the future of student art is in competent hands.” Indeed, David designed an artful play space with great intention as the springboard for inspired assignments that often integrated the students themselves as subject matter. Here is just a small sampling of the works created by the students of David Hodge.

(below) The Hodge classroom's still life 'collage,' composed of a wild array of objects, made its way into many different student projects.

(below) David Hodge's blue bus became the basis for student gatherings and for a variety of artistic interpretations.

Cathy Hodge, David's daughter, said, "There was real freedom in the art room. Freedom to be as curious and creative as we wanted to be. Art professors and visitors were often astonished by the beauty and the skill demonstrated in our work. They would incredulously ask, “You did reduction printmaking with junior high students? That is difficult to teach at the university level!”

My dad believed that children’s art was Art with a capital A and he proved that daily."

(below) Walking tours of nearby Oshkosh streets helped students see their surroundings anew. Back in the classroom, they were encouraged to use various materials and artistic techniques to interpret what they had seen and experienced.

(below) Hodge students learned to observe the reality of their surroundings. Yet there were also many opportunities to use one's imagination and different media to create abstract works.

(below) Students often drew or painted each other to become familiar with the human form and its expressiveness. David Hodge's teaching encouraged such sensitive depictions of personalities and moods that one may forget that these works were created by 6- to 15-year-olds.

(below) Plants and animals gave the students opportunities to closely observe nature's incredible beauty and quirkiness, through a myriad of creative visual techniques.

The Rose C. Swart Campus School Children’s Art Collection, absconded with, and curated by, David Hodge, is permanently housed at Concordia College in Mequon, Wisconsin. To arrange a visit, contact Galand Stone, professor of Art.

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