<p>People from different times and places have created human figures in clay. Look at some of these figures and consider:</p> <p></p> <ul><li>What do you know about the figure? What do you see that makes you think that?</li><li>How did the artist show the interests of the figure?</li><li>What did the artist do to make the figure visually interesting?</li><li>For whom might this artwork be special?</li></ul> <p>If you were to create a self-portrait in clay, what clues would you add to tell others about yourself? What special object might you include?</p> <p></p>

<p>Memories can evoke strong feelings and  inspire artists to tell stories in their art. Look at a selected image with a partner or table group and discuss:</p> <p></p> <ul><li>What is the story?</li><li>How do you think the person or people feel about this experience?</li><li>What do you see that makes you think they feel that way?</li><li>Have you ever had the same feeling?</li></ul><p></p>

<p>Look at some of these super heroes and discuss:<br /></p><p></p><ul><li>Physical traits/personality traits</li><li>Pose or gesture of the hero</li><li>How did the artist exaggerate something to symbolize the hero's traits or abilities?</li></ul><p>If you could be a super hero, what talent or ability would you use in a SUPER way? How would you show it in a drawing? <br /></p><p></p><p></p>

<p>Work with a partner or partners to analyze each object:</p> <ul><li>What do you think the symbols mean?</li><li>Are there words that help describe it?</li><li>What patterns can you find?</li><li>Does the design show bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry, or is it asymmetrical?</li></ul><p>ART MAKING CHALLENGE: Design a medallion to commemorate something important to you. Some possibilities:</p><p></p><ul><li>An accomplishment</li><li>A special event you participated in</li><li>A family tradition</li><li>A personal interest</li></ul><p>The final artwork could be a drawing, painting, collage, clay slab, or foil repousse.</p><p></p>

<p>Images support discussion of art portfolios and collections with elementary students. </p> <p>See - Think - Wonder</p> <p>1.  What do you see?</p> <p>2. What does it make you think of?</p> <p>3. What do you wonder about them, or what would you like to know more about these artworks?</p> <p>Further discussion questions:</p> <ul><li>What do these artworks have in common?</li><li>Do you think they were created by the same artist?</li><li>Why might an artist develop a collection or portfolio of their work?</li><li>If you collect or make things, how would you like to share it with others?</li></ul>

<p>Molas are made by indigenous peoples in Panama. They are colorful fabrics with appliqued designs. These molas depict people.  </p><ul><li>What colors do you see?</li><li>What shapes can you find?</li><li>What  kinds of patterns do you see?</li></ul><ul><li>What do you think the people are doing?</li></ul>

<p>Images support learning in primary grade textile lessons.</p>

<p>How does the past influence the present and future? Compare forms in contemporary architecture with those of buildings from ancient and Renaissance times. What similarities can you find? </p>

<p>First, sort the images by type of art/artist. Teacher should make index card headings for the following categories: Painting/Painter, Textile/Weaver, Clothing/Fashion Designer, Architecture/Architect, Prints/Printmaker, Sculpture/Sculptor, Functional Ceramics/Potter or Ceramist. Sometimes an image may cross categories (painting of a house might be categorized in architecture or painting); either answer would be acceptable if the student can justify why.</p><p>Second, make an educated guess about culture represented in selected images. Students can "guess and check" with teacher. Online research option: students work in pairs to access this collection and click on the info button for an image to learn about the maker, time period, and culture. They can record their findings to help answer the reflection questions below.</p><p>After the sorting activities, ask students to choose an image and answer: <em> Why is/was this object of value (or useful)? How do you think it expresses something important to the people of that culture? </em></p>

<p>Everyone enjoys a festival or celebration! Let's look at some. . . </p><ul><li>Observe  images and guess which culture each represents.</li><li>Play "I Spy Juxtaposition." Work with a small group to examine an image and find where the artist has juxtaposed symbols or text with the image to create meaning. </li><li>What might you include in an artwork about a festival or celebration?  Would there be dances, special music, food, clothing, or activities?</li></ul><p>Art making challenge:  Collaborate in a small group to create a design for a booth, stage, or other area for a cultural tradition at a festival. Designs will be combined into a festival mural.</p>