Louise Nevelson, who is called the "architect of shadow," was a "dumpster diver" of her time, collecting found objects in the wee hours of the morning before trash pickup. Recognition evaded Nevelson until she created "Mood Garden + One" (1958), when she was almost 60 years old. In this article, students create their own assemblage using…

As art teachers, it is in their nature to collect everything they get their hands on. They teach their students how to find beauty in the resources they have. Students can improve their portfolios by using innovative materials that allow them to tell a story that is also beneficial to the planet. Most art teachers are experienced in scavenging,…

The last two sections (EJ1039315 and EJ1039319) presented stories about specific moments or lessons. Also, situations infused with complexity where the writers had to toggle back and forth between providing the larger context and the details that support readers' understanding of that big picture were presented. In this section each story is…

Ed Ruscha's exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco presented a fantastic and challenging teaching approach not just to art creation, but also to the whole definition of art. Ruscha painted with pastels and drew with pencils, but he also made art using Pepto Bismol, carrots, and spinach. In this article, the author describes an art…

When the glass artist Dale Chihuly exhibited his work at the Missouri Botanical Garden, the author took a class of fourth-grade students to view the artist's extraordinary sculptures. Just as the author predicted, the students were in awe of Chihuly's organic three-dimensional sculptures. Before taking the field trip to the Missouri Botanical…

Describes an art project that taught students about the work of two different artists: (1) Edgar Degas; and (2) Alexander Calder. Explains that students created drawings of ballerinas, created sculptures in the style of Calder, and created sculptures of ballerinas. (CMK)

Describes an art project used with eleventh-grade students called, "Close to Mosaic Drawings." Explains that the students learned about Chuck Close and Robert Silvers. States that the students selected a photograph to use in the project and discusses in detail how they created their artworks. (CMK)

Presents a block printmaking lesson in which students learn about Pop Art and artists in the movement. Students create artwork using something from popular culture for the subject matter. Describes how to create the prints. Lists the objectives and materials. (CMK)

Discusses an art project in which students created drawings of mop heads. Explains that the approach of drawing was more important than the subject. States that the students used the chiaroscuro technique, used by Rembrandt and Caravaggio, in which light appears out of the darkness. (CMK)

Describes an art project in which fifth-grade students create abstracts and collages after exploring artwork of various artists. Explains that this project is perfect as a final activity for the school year and also helps to use up any leftover paint supplies. (CMK)

Discusses the Annual Chalk Mural project done by the members of the National Art Honor Society at the Sacramento County Day School. Discusses the tradition of the annual project and the planning and research involved. Focuses on the 7th Annual Chalk Mural featuring Wayne Thiebaud. (CMK)

Presents an art lesson used with sixth-grade students in which they painted their school mascot (a tiger) in the style of a famous artist. Explains that students selected an artist, such as Andrew Wyeth or Edvard Munch. Describes how the students created their tigers. (CMK)

Describes a four-week art project for middle school students in which they gain an understanding of the sculptural process and how to carve wood in the Oaxacan (Mexico) folk art style. Explains that an artist-in-residence visited the students to demonstrate tools and types of wood cutting. (CMK)

Provides information on Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Honore Daumier's "Rue Transonian." Describes an art activity in which students in an advanced drawing class reproduce a famous drawing in the same medium as the original, make the composition contemporary, and include themselves in the composition. (CMK)

Presents an art activity inspired by a workshop "Surrounded by Silk" given by Susan Skvoe in which the students create silk paintings. Explains that the students first sketch their floral design on paper, trace the design on the silk's surface, and apply liquid dye for color. Provides an easier activity for younger students. (CMK)