National Endowment for the Humanities
History in Quilts
Learners investigate the use of cloth-based art forms intended to pass down traditions and history. They research types of quilts, quilt characteristics and then identify how Freedom Quilts were historically used in the US.
Curated OER
Mexican Folk Art: Sugar Skulls
Scholars use their knowledge of color to create vibrant skulls for Día de los Muertos. A thoughtful discussion brings forth information about the special holiday. A review of cool colors and warm colors prepares learners for the creation...
Curated OER
Rotational Hex Designs
Learn about the Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, Rotational Hex Design. This image-rich presentation provides a comprehensive description of the origin and meaning behind these interesting totems. Instructions to create these symmetrical...
Curated OER
Mexican Metal Tooling
Metal work can be a wonderful way to expose learners to Mexican folk art. This resource provides all the necessary steps for creating Mexican metal tooling with your art class. Images, web links, recommended books and products make...
Curated OER
Folk-Art Weathervanes
Students research the history of American Folk Art, as evidenced in weathervanes and whirligigs. They compare and contrast the traditional examples they find with their more modern drawings. They then recognize and apply math terms such...
Curated OER
Huichol Indian Yarn Painting
Create to understand the cultural significance and beauty of Huichol Yarn Painting. Elementary learners use glue and bright yarn to create images similar to those made by the native Mexican Huichol Tribe. Note: Images of this art form...
Curated OER
Oaxacan Animal Art
Kids of any age can experience the beauty, color, and patterns of Oaxacan art. They view, discuss, and then make their own versions of Oaxacan animal sculptures using sulphite paper. This would be a good follow-up activity to accompany a...
Curated OER
Shoe Shine
Young artists use Paintstik colors on paper, canvas, metal, fabric or another surface to create a work of art to be presented in a gallery. Students research the origins of the "Snakebasket" they are creating. These art lessons produce...
Curated OER
Ojo De Dios
Spanish learners will follow directions given in Spanish (provided here) to craft an "ojo de dios". Learners will also discuss where it originated from and what its purpose is.
Curated OER
ART IN COLONIAL AMERICA: PAINTINGS AND CRAFTS
Fourth graders examine art critically and discuss art they have made, art made by their peers, and art made by recognized artists. They add to their art vocabulary and use it accurately to discuss art.
Curated OER
Symmetry and Symbols
Students identify symmetrical and congruent elements in folk art. In this art and geometry instructional activity, students examine pictures of Masonic Plaque in the Form of a Royal Arch Tracing Board for evidence of congruent and...
Curated OER
Folk Art: Bird of Paradise Quilt Top
Students examine a "Bird of Paradise Quilt Top" to discover what the themes and patterns tell about mid-nineteenth-century America. For this American Folk Art lesson, students discuss the possible creator of the quilt and the symbols...
Curated OER
Many Ways of Seeing
Investigate themes and issues in art such as the concept of originality, interpretation of visual language, symbolism, and examination of the categories of fine art and folk art.
Curated OER
Create, Design, and Invent with Plastic
Students explore creative ways to reuse materials. In this ecology/art lesson, students create artwork using trash. Students view examples of folk art from around the world that used waste products as a main component.
Curated OER
Questions for Traditional Artists
In this classroom applications and fieldwork basics worksheet, students utilize the 20 interview questions once they locate someone in their community who creates traditional art. An oral release is included.
National First Ladies' Library
Designing an Appalachian Folk Art Museum
Learners investigate the concepts related to the Appalachian area and the movement of Folk Art. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the samples as inspiration for creating their own works of art. They could...
Curated OER
In the Eye of the Beholder
Students view, examine and analyze the artwork of Howard Finster along with other various visionary artists. They create and design an original piece of artwork and personalize creative spaces in the spirit of Finster's Paradise Gardens.
Curated OER
Creating and Preserving a Tradition
Students explore folk art and tradition. They work in small groups and produce an essay about folk art or traditions practiced in their community. Students discuss the creation and preservation of a tradition. They discuss various...
Curated OER
Fiber of Life
Students examine the importance of plants to individuals and society through a multi-discipline set of activities. They observe and draw different leaf structures and then create a book about trees and photosynthesis. They explore ways...
Curated OER
Retablo-Style Self-Portraits
Students design tinfoil self-portraits based on the work of Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican painter. They study the style of this Mexican artist before making their own portraits.
Curated OER
Folk Art Weather Vane
Students observe weather vanes and explore their purpose and history and create a miniature weather vane from cardboard or wood.
Curated OER
Checkerboard
Students explore the game of checkers and the folk art that has been used to create checkerboards. They create their own checkerboards that reflect current culture.
Curated OER
Secret Number Painting
In this art worksheet, students make a folk-art style painting of a room in their home. Students select a room. They choose a secret number and draw items in sets of the number they selected. Students are directed to keep their painting...
Curated OER
Family Quilts Keep Us Warm
Students discuss and describe the differences and similarities in families. After reciting finger plays about families, they draw pictures of their own families. Next, they incorporate their family pictures into a paper quilt.