Folk Art Lesson Plans

Students work in small groups to interpret a piece of folk art.  Students first interpret the art without reading the background information, then they investigate the background information of the art.  Last, students present their piece of artwork to the class and look for common themes and diversity among folk art objects presented.

Young scholars examine a "Bird of Paradise Quilt Top" to discover what the themes and patterns tell about mid-nineteenth-century America.  In this American Folk Art lesson, students discuss the possible creator of the quilt and the symbols that appear in the quilt.  Young scholars speculate on the reason that the male figure is not included with the female figure on the quilt.  Students create their own version of the quilt, using images that reflect their modern world.

Students explore Indian folk art. In this Indian mask art lesson, students view a PowerPoint presentation about the history of Indian folk art. Students use a digital camera to take pictures of classmates and use a computer drawing program to create an original Indian mask to add to each face.

Learners investigate folk art. In this visual arts  lesson, students discuss two art pieces, "Counting Quilts" and "Mr. Imagination." Learners discuss the similarities between the two works of art.

Students respond to folk art. In this art instructional activity, students analyze an object of folk art. Students consider the difference between fact and opinion when responding to art. They then write a poem inspired by their observation and reflection of the art.

Learners gain appreciation and knowledge of art history, specifically the African American contributions to folk art made in the South Carolina region.

Students investigate the concepts related to the Appalachian area and the movement of Folk Art. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the samples as inspiration for creating their own works of art. Students could construct a portfolio as an extension.

Students complete an American folk art analysis activity. For this art analysis lesson, students analyze Ralph Fasanella's American Heritage painting using the careful looking questions, discussion questions, context questions, and related activities.

Students create replicas of Folk Art Weather Vanes using farm animal outlines, cardboard or wood, paints, and staining techniques. Emphasis is placed on the appreciation of folk art, the history of the weather vane, and creativity.

Students investigate folk art. In this folk art lesson, students view the painting, "Faces of Africa II" and use wood putty and glitter to decorate their own painting. Students display their art piece.