Art educators are concerned with exposing their students to contemporary art making practices. They aim to create fresh lessons that expand their understandings of art in today's world while highlighting the importance of imagination. With a personal interest in performance and street art (art forms that have gained popularity in recent years),…

Horse drawings by female children are analyzed. The construction of meaning in children's drawing frequently remains as much in the child's mind as it is graphically expressed. Educators must develop an appreciation for children's fantasy worlds and the ways these worlds both mirror and transform their lives. (RM)

An art activity introduces intermediate grade and middle school students to optical illusions. Students practice drawing geometric shapes such as cubes, cylinders, cones, and pyramids, then combine these shapes to create the illusion of their choice. Graphic outlines for each shape are provided. This document is one of a collection of materials…

Playing make believe (metaphoric play) with elementary students can promote very real conversations about art. The paper explains how metaphoric play can help teach art. After collecting familiar art (posters, storybook art, etc.), the teacher creates reality-based scenarios to promote talk, then encourages students on to more far-fetched…

Imagination is central to our ability to understand reality. Parents and teachers should foster creative processes which facilitate the development of imagination in children. Expensive equipment or artistic expertise is not necessary to help children develop their imaginations. Instead, it is more important for teachers to allow children the time…

Offers a lesson that introduces students in grades seven-nine to a contemporary object which questions the definitions of furniture, painting, and sculpture. Shows how Rodney Alan Greenblat draws upon childhood memories for creative inspiration. Calls for students to produce an art piece that works as painting, furniture, and sculpture. (LS)