SELECTING ARTWORKS
FOR A UNIT


Once you have chosen an enduring idea for a unit, choose from 1-3 artworks that express it. Consider including artworks from different cultures, times, genders, media, and techniques. List titles, artist names, cultures, and dates and resource information for ordering reproductions or viewing images online. Every artwork you include must be available as a poster, slide, color transparency, or online image. A teacher using your unit should be able to obtain all the visual resources needed to teach it.

Become an Expert on Your Unit Artworks

After you have chosen your artworks/artists, secure a color reproduction of each artwork. If you can't immediately get your hands on a reproduction of it, use online images, books, or slides. Next, conduct research on the Internet and in written materials to find more information. Look for important facts and ideas, as well as items that may be of particular interest. Carefully examine and think about the work, then write a description and an interpretation of its meaning. Also, research the artist or maker and then write background information about him or her. You must cite your sources if you use any material written by someone else. Write or compile the background information you need on the artists and artworks before you plan the activities for the lessons. Keep in mind that the background information you provide for teachers will probably be all they will use in teaching the unit, so it needs to be accurate and complete. After compiling your collected information, rewrite your initial description and interpretation for inclusion in your unit. Your written material is also useful for adaptation for student readings and instructional activities as you develop your unit.

Recommended Reproduction Resources

  • Shorewood Fine Art Reproductions, 800-494-3824



ART - O - GRAM


Mural Hunt


With a partner or small group, conduct research in books, newspapers, and online sources to discover murals and other public art in your city or community. Choose one mural and answer the following questions about it on another piece of paper:

1. What is the title of the mural or public art?
2. Describe the mural as completely as possible.
3. What is the message? Does the mural inform, instruct, or entertain?
4. Why is this an important message?
5. What are the dominant colors?
6. How do these colors support the message?
7. Who is the artist? What interesting facts did you discover about the artist?
8. What questions would you like to ask the artist if it were possible to do so?
9. What did you learn from the mural?

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