Poetry functions as an instructive tool across the curriculum. To use this extraordinary tool, we must engage in our own creative journey with poetry by reading it, writing poetry, and finding inspiration in a new approach. How do we read a poem? Is there a correct format to explain poetic imagery? Can young children be introduced to poetry and…

In teaching drawing and painting, the author encourages students' creative spirits. She also encourages creative writing to accompany their artwork. Colorful language in their written work and personal response to an artwork makes a complete, meaningful lesson. In this mixed-media exploration, using animals as a theme, third-grade artists explored…

Although the craft and art of bookmaking has a rich history, artworks about books are relatively new. The author teaches in a school that has an international population where a variety of languages and cultures flourish. He took this opportunity to develop a ceramic unit that combined sculptural design, the history of bookmaking, and traditional…

The "Heavenly Horse" is a work of art revered for its spirit, strength, and beauty. It is a symbol of military might and political power. The size of the object suggests that it was made for an important person. Impressive as he is, this horse was not created as an art object. He was found in the tomb of an influential person. Scholars do not know…

This article discusses how drawing closer to nature, two profoundly important and powerful qualities are experienced. First, the entire world takes on a new degree of poignancy, luminosity, preciousness, subtlety, mystery, and intimacy. Second, the author points out how we increasingly experience ourselves in just the same way: poignant, luminous,…

The author of this article is an art specialist at Whiteford Elementary School in Sylvania, Ohio. Following a visit to a Paul Klee exhibition, she cut out all the miniature examples from the exhibition flyer in order to make six art pins. She then wore a different pin each day at both her elementary and high school assignments with amazing…

NAEA began long-range planning in 1982, when a Long-Range Planning Commission was formed to make recommendations to improve the status of the art education profession five to ten years ahead. This commission made specific recommendations to improve the status of art in American education and to support professional growth for NAEA members. This…

Plainfield, New Jersey has been a pathway from the Hudson to the Delaware Rivers for Native Americans, a settlement for early settlers, a source for industrial workers, and a residence for homeowners of a wide variety of incomes. The town's architecture recalls its social history. A need was seen to build community through recognition of the…

A truly inspirational form of art is not always displayed on gallery walls. It can be found by looking out the window, down the street, at the edge of town, or even on the train tracks. This teacher finds it rare to hear people--except graffiti writers themselves--speak about graffiti as a form of art. Graffiti writing is usually equated with…

Easttown Township chose to celebrate its tercentenary to create a greater awareness of local history. In this article, the author discusses how she incorporated this celebration into her art classroom. With history and architecture as the theme, sixth-grade art students researched homes and buildings in the township dating back as early as the…

In painting and drawing classes, it is typical to ask students to work directly from a master. It is one way to study composition techniques, and to become familiar with classical style firsthand. In museums, easels are set up as artists work, not in an attempt to copy or plagiarize, but in an attempt to be part of history by participating in it.…

Boston Common at Twilight illustrates that despite the urbanization of late-nineteenth-century Boston, one can still find a sense of peace and serenity there. This article describes Frederick Childe Hassam's painting, "Boston Common at Twilight." It highlights notable cultural, historical, and artistic elements in the painting and provides details…

One way to increase awareness of endangered national heritage is to teach youth the importance of the land through the study of selected works of art. This article describes a lesson, in which students will study the work of Thomas Moran and create a mountain range collage. A short biography of Thomas Moran is included.

In this article, the author states that the aim of drawing closer to nature is to employ the artistic processes to draw our selves--mind, body, and spirit--closer to nature. When so repositioned, our thoughts and behaviors--artistic and otherwise take on depth, grace, and richness of expression--just what we want for our life and our art. Sections…

Did you ever wish that you could give students the experience of displaying their work in a gallery setting or attending a gallery opening? It can be done, and for an investment of about fifty dollars. Once organized, the gallery can continue to be maintained at minimal expense. As an elementary principal, the author believed that an art gallery…