VISUAL ARTS INTEGRATION

UTILIZING THE ARTS FOR ENHANCED LEARNING EXPERIENCES

NORTH AMERICA
Weaving in the tradition of Native American tribes, with students gathering natural materials to create primitive looms and one-of-a kind weavings.
Academic Links: 5th grade Social Science, Science, Math

African American Quilting is an art form rooted in the pre-Civil War era and still practiced today. Students learn how the struggle for freedom informed this tradition of self-expression and narrative through textile art, and use paint, ink, and sewing on fabric to learn techniques.
Academic Link: 5th grade Social Science, Underground Railroad & Slavery

Colonial Arts provides a deeper understanding of America’s Colonial times through the exploration of ceramics, creation of period candle-holders, bookmaking, map-making, sewing and clothing design.
Academic Links: 5th grade Social Science, Colonial Times, American History

LATIN AMERICA
Cartonería is the creation of painted sculptures from recycled paper and objects, combining Spanish art techniques with indigenous motifs and themes deeply rooted in ancient traditions and legends from Mexico.
Academic Links: Spanish, 6th grade Social Science, Mythology

Huichol Yarn Painting is a tradition of the indigenous people of North Central Mexico. Once used as ceremonial offerings to the Spirits to insure a bountiful harvest, paintings are filled with the vibrant colors and iconography of their organizing mythology.
Academic Links:  4th grade Social Science, Pre-Columbian

EUROPE
Illuminated Manuscript & Bookmaking in the Medieval tradition, using historical examples such as Bestiaries to help students create their own illuminated manuscripts articulating original stories.
Academic Links: Language Arts, European Middle Ages

Italian Street Painting, a tradition from 16th century European Madonnari, who reproduced works of art on public plazas. Through gridding and stenciling, students learn how to blend, shape and contour images into a final work of art on the ground.
Academic Links: Geometry, Algebra, European History

ASIA
Rangoli Design is a form of sandpainting decoration that uses finely ground white powder and colors. Students learn the symbolism and techniques of this ancient art form from India.
Academic Links: 6th grade Social Science, Early Civilizations of India, Geometry

Chinese Brush Painting is an ancient tradition of painting with watercolors and ink over 5,000 years old and still practiced today: students learn concepts and techniques.
Academic Links: 7th grade Social Science, China in the Middle Ages, Geography

AFRICA
African Mask Making is an ancient tradition practiced throughout the continent. Students learn the history, meaning and techniques of mask making and create masks using found and recycled materials.
Academic Links: 7TH grade Social Science, Medieval Africa

These are just a few of the recommended courses for arts integration.  Contact YIA staff for consultation on arts integration projects at (415)457-4878 or suzanne@youthinarts.org.