Making Art That Matters

Introduce your class to the seven elements of art through a presentation and related project. Before beginning the project, class members take notes on the presentation, writing down the underlined items and adding drawings into their...

Students plan and execute a relief print that attempts to protest or persuade. They focus on effective definition of shape, use of symbols, and impact on their intended viewers.

Before the class makes abstract art, they see contemporary examples and analyze them. They look at art made by abstract artists under the age of 33 then use similar techniques to create an interesting collection of their own. The lesson...

Is having more choices always a good thing? Sheena Iyengar offers a thought-provoking presentation on the American predisposition toward more choices. A presentation with engaging anecdotes and real-world examples: from a simple study on...

Examine American Indian art and culture by observing contemporary art and creating original pieces. Class members discuss artwork included in the plan and use these images to help inspire their own work, which should represent their...

Why was the prominent figure of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in medieval paintings commonly painted out of proportion? Discover the deep religious roots connected to European medieval art beginning in the sixth century. This video offers a...

Analysis consists of an understanding and interpretation of evidence and elements found in any number of expressive mediums. Upper graders critique the work of American Realist Wayne Thiebaud through a series of excellent guided...

Seven major abstract art movements are analyzed by learners in groups. Each group analyzes various works by determining which work belongs to which movement. They then read Flatland, engage in an art and literary analysis discussion,...

Young analysts write a comparative essay, but about what? They compose a paper based on several critical discussion about reality and illusion, and how both are blurred in art. They analyze several theatre pieces that exemplify Brechtian...

After an overview of Islamic traditions and art, young artists create their own geometric shapes and patterns using only a straightedge and a compass.