Collaboration, Imagination and Storytelling through Art 

For students entering grades 10-12

Our artists will explore a variety of historical art styles from persian royal manuscripts to pop art and concurrently learn about artists that worked in these different veins. For the first half of the 5 week course, students will work together to select a theme and create a mural made from individual tiles. Students will be tasked with choosing one art style we have discussed to depict within their artwork. By engaging their critical thinking and creative problem solving skills students will be challenged to plan a color scheme that suits the style of their individual pieces but also works in collaboration with their classmates to make a whole image from many small pieces. The second half of class will focus on personal storytelling, turning their thoughts and words into eccentric backdrops for a self portrait. Throughout history, humans have used art to express themselves when spoken word was not enough. After brainstorming, group discussions and sketching students will draw their portraits in pencil, utilizing marking- making techniques. Around their portraits will be bright colored paintings and mixed media collage of their “life-stories."