Describes a cultural arts program of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (PTA) that encourages K-12 students to explore their thoughts and express them through the arts. The 1988-89 theme was "Proud Experiences," around which students created artwork that depicted feelings of accomplishment as well as national and family pride.…

Describes a U.S.-Soviet mural project where citizens from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and citizens from Leningrad created two peace murals--one in the United States and the other in the Soviet Union. The murals were exchanged. Participants made their own clay using dry clay and water before creating their impressions of peace and friendship. (KM)

Describes how artist Betye Saar collects technological debris that she manipulates to create her artwork. Compares her work with African art which has a long history of transforming materials from the environment into symbols and objects. Suggests activities for students to create art with debris from their environment. (KM)

Describes the origins of the Peruvian Nazca Indians double-spouted jugs. Provides a lesson plan so students can create their own double-spouted jugs. (KM)

Describes a game designed to motivate students to conduct art historical research. Required students to find artists who created art in four different ways, realistically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Students chose ways to take collected data and work cooperatively to create a mural. (KM)

Outlines the steps involved in constructing an art gallery in an arts magnet school for middle school students. The work in the classrooms echoes the themes selected for exhibitions. Describes how teachers, parents, and students are actively involved in the creation and maintenance of the gallery. (KM)

Describes Lucy Lewis' ceramic work which is inspired by the ancient pottery of her Acoma Pueblo artistic heritage. Discusses concepts of tradition, artistic heritage, and change over time. Outlines related ceramic and discussion activities for elementary and secondary students. (KM)

Discusses an international art exchange project designed to teach fifth-grade students that the culture of a country is reflected in its art and that art is a universal language. Describes the contributions from Scotland, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Japan, and India. Points out ways to use materials in schools. (KO)

Describes an African maskmaking project completed by seventh grade that gave students insight into tribal cultures. Discusses materials and methods students used to make the masks along with a backdrop painting to complement their masks. Displays several examples of student art. (DB)

Portrays the spiritual and natural content of Haitian art, illustrates a characteristic cut-metal sculpture, and lists highlights of Haitian art history. Suggests activities for elementary and secondary students designed to help them understand art forms that provide insights into the myths and mysteries of other cultures. (KM)