CONCEPT
Students can learn about the history and culture of
an area by looking at the art it has inspired. Spirit will show students
how art has evolved in our state and will profile a number of art forms
and artists.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
After viewing Spirit, students will be able to:
- Understand that art forms reflect a culture.
- Appreciate the diversity of art forms found in Idaho.
- Recognize that art has value.
VIDEO SUMMARY
Spirit begins with the host, Phyllis Edmundson, at
the McCall Winter Carnival. She reminds students that art in Idaho goes
back as far as the rock art of the ancient Idahoans. The program reviews
various forms of Native American art and how artists use their medium
to express feelings and traditions.
The video discusses how Idahoans have always sought out
art but haven't always supported artists. The video reviews the historical
development of art, from the fiddler in Atlanta, to early "flowery"
poetry, to nationally recognized painter Joseph McMeekin and writer Carol
Ryrie Brink.
Spirit looks at the wide variety of artists found in Idaho.
It stresses that artists are still struggling to be appreciated. It also
shows that the definition of art isnt limited to traditional forms and
that anyone could be an artist.
PREPARATION EXERCISES
(Before Viewing)
- Have students list all the forms of art they think can
be found in Idaho.
- Discuss why art is important.
- Have students pick one item in the room and explain
why this object is or isn't "art."
QUESTIONS FROM VIDEO
(During Viewing)
- Can you think of something practical in your house that
is also a form of art?
- Have you ever read a Carol Ryrie Brink book?
- Can you see the art in buildings and chairs and the
like?
- Have you ever thought about acting on a stage, on TV
or in movies?
VOCABULARY
Architect - A person who designs buildings
Ceramic - Made of baked clay
Sculpture - The art of making figures or designs that
take up space or the figure or design that is made in that way
Vaudeville - A variety show of unrelated acts or a piece
that would appear in such a show
FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION AND QUESTIONS
(After Viewing)
- What is art?
- How does art play a role in our everyday lives?
- Why is art important?
- How have artists made a difference in the history of
Idaho?
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
- Create a story using Native American like rock art symbols.
- Using scraps of cloth or reeds, have students weave a mat.
- Have students write and perform a play re creating a moment in Idaho
history.
- Invite an author, actor, musician or other artist to visit the class.
- Set up an art fair. Have each student select a form of art and display
their selections. Invite parents and other guests to "opening night."
SPECIAL PROJECT
Make an Idaho Historical Quilt
Draw a scene from Idaho's history or copy one of the
traditional quilt patterns in the inner square below. Cut out the whole
pattern and glue your square to those of your classmates in order to make
a paper quilt.
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