Current discussions regarding the notion of visual culture in art educational practice center the actions of the viewer as participant within the networks of visuality common in many contemporary societies. Surveillance technologies and techniques shift this notion of participation from active to passive, from seeing to being seen. This article…

Based on Joshua Johnson's 1897 oil-on-canvas painting called "The Westwood Children," this article offers a full-color reproduction and lesson plan designed to introduce students in the primary grades to early American portraiture. (JDH)

The author's art instruction for young Egyptian children focuses on design, creative expression, and appreciation of Egypt's unique artistic tradition. This article is one of several in this issue on art education in other countries. (SJL)

Provides historical information on the artistic movement, surrealism, and discusses influential artists. Presents art activities, information on the life and career of Joseph Cornell, and an analysis of his Surrealist box, "Medici Slot Machine." Includes a reproduction of the "Medici Slot Machine." (CMK)

Presents four classroom lessons designed for elementary and secondary students based on paintings in the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Provides an overall goal, specific objectives, background of the painting, and suggestions for discussion and activities for each painting. Includes full-page color prints of each painting. (CFR)

Provides background information on the life and career of Nancy Graves focuses on her use of materials for her sculptures. Includes a list of learning activities and a reproduction of her artwork "Cantileve." Offers a discussion about the sculpture. (CMK)

Presents a lesson plan based on John Singleton Copley's 1795 oil painting, "Portrait of Nathaniel Hurd." The goal of the lesson is to give students in grades four through six an awareness of portraiture and how portraits record not only character but historical times and customs. (JDH)

"At the Piano," an oil-on-canvas painting completed in 1859 by James Abbot McNeill Whistler, is used as the basis of a lesson designed to help junior high school students analyze the painting's mood, subject matter, and composition. (JDH)

Focuses on the facial expression in the "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci. Offers background information on da Vinci as well as learning activities for students. Includes a reproduction of the "Mona Lisa" and information about the painting. (CMK)

Provides historical background on the art of blacksmithing focusing on various artists, such as Victor Horta and Hector Guimard. Includes working definitions of terms and equipment. Suggests activities to help students gain awareness of ironwork and the scope of the artist-blacksmith output. (CMK)

Provides background information on the artist Marsden Hartley and includes a reproduction of his artwork called "New Mexico Landscape." Provides ideas for teaching activities that focus on the painting and the artist. Examines the content and style of the painting. (CMK)

Presents an instructional resource on Haitian art and provides historical information on Haiti. Features four artists: (1) Hector Hyppolite; (2) Edouard Duval-Carrie; (3) Paul Claude Gardere; and (4) Bien-Aime Sylvain. Includes background information on each artist, learning activities, and reproductions of their artwork. (CMK)

Ivan Albright's 1929 oil-on-canvas painting called "Into the World There Came a Soul Called Ida" is used as the vehicle for a senior high school art lesson designed to introduce students to symbolism, aesthetic issues, and the formal elements of painting. (JDH)

Presents background information about the life and work of the artist Ivan Albright. Includes learning activities and a reproduction of his painting "Into the World There Came a Soul Called Ida." Provides information on the content of the painting. (CMK)

Focuses on the art movement, called Regionalism, discussing the painters involved and describing the characteristics of the art movement. Provides a set of learning activities and background information on John Steuart Curry. Includes a discussion of Curry's painting, "Tornado Over Kansas," and a reproduction of the painting. (CMK)