What does an introduction to and engagement in performance art offer K-12 students? In this article, we respond to this question by proposing a lesson inspired by the artmaking practices of the contemporary artist Erwin Wurm. Performance art can be defined as any form of work that combines the artist's body and a live-action event with or…

Presents a lesson in which students created three-dimensional self-portraits, using papier-mache, clay, and plaster, designed to develop their modeling skills as they learn about art history. Discusses how the students created their sculptures, offering detailed directions on creating the three-dimensional heads. (CMK)

Discusses art work that uses exotic decoration, and the problems with viewing examples of these types of art work due to the types of materials used. Offers examples of exotic decoration to help students create their own works of art. (CMK)

Provides background information on the art movement called "Minimalism" discussing why it started and its characteristics. Includes learning activities and information on the artist, Donald Judd. Includes a reproduction of one of his art works and discusses its content. (CMK)

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)

Provides background information on Zimbabwean art and sculpture and Harry Chingono, a Zimbabwean sculptor. Includes reproductions of Chingono's sculpture "The King's Secret" and describes it in detail. Offers four ideas for learning activities. (CMK)

Provides background information on constructivism. Focuses on Alexander Calder and includes teaching activities. Offers a reproduction of Alexander Calder's work "Flamingo," information on Calder's life and career as an artist, and details of the featured sculpture. (CMK)

Presents a three-dimensional art project for middle-school students in which they create sculptures of plaster cloth and wire. The introduction explains that they learn about Alexander Calder, a master of using wire in art. Discusses how to make the sculptures. (CMK)

Discusses how homage has been the subject of works of art throughout history. Provides examples of artists who used homage as inspiration for artworks, such as Raoul Dufy's "Homage to Mozart," Herbert Ferber's "Homage to Piranesi, I," and Jose de Rivera's "Homage to the World of Minkowski." (CMK)