Sculpt your own pumpkin pinch pot inspired by the “princess of polka dots” Yayoi Kusama. In this lesson, look closely at Pumpkin then create and paint your own pumpkin planter inspired by Yayoi Kusama. What to learn more about the artist? Get to know Yayoi Kusama here.

Time: 1 hour, plus drying time

Grade Levels: K-4

Topics: pattern, repetition, sculpture, clay

Materials List:

• clay or dough (we recommend air-dry clay)

• sculpting tools (pencil, toothpick)

• paint

• painting tools (palette, brush, toothpick, dry spaghetti)

Teacher Tips:

• Experiment with clay! Let students first explore the properties of clay by squishing it with the palm of their hands then their fingers before having them roll it into a ball. Have students pretend to have crab “pinchers” while creating their pinch pots.

• Be generous with dry time. Give as much time as possible for the clay and paint to dry. We suggest allowing the clay to dry overnight at a minimum.

• Choose your own colors. We painted our pumpkin pinch-pot orange with black polka dots-but don’t be limited in your color palette! We recommend using two contrasting colors and allowing 20-30 minutes of dry time between paint colors. While waiting, explore more of Kusama’s art and biography with your students!

• Explore pattern and repetition. Invite students to alternate several paint tools to create a pattern of different sized dots

Classroom Extension: use this student project as a planter for a plant life cycle lesson.

We want to see your creations! Share on social media @hirshhorn with #HirshhornInsideOut