African Masks- Nov. 15th

• When researching African Masks and looking at all the vast and unique designs I found it interesting how old these masks are. There are many different tribes and beliefs in Africa and each tribe has different characteristics. Although each tribe is different many are alike in that they use masks. They may use them for spiritual beliefs and ceremonies. They use different colors, patterns, symbols, and designs to represent different things in their culture. 
• Masks are usually worn in three different ways: vertically covering the face: as helmets, encasing the entire head, and as crest, resting upon the head, which was commonly covered by material as part of the disguise. African masks often represent spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the wearer.
• During celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, war preparation, peace and trouble times, African masks are worn by a chosen or initiated dancer. 

This information was found on: (http://www.rebirth.co.za/African_mask_history_and_meaning.htm)

Here are some masks that I found to be really interesting and neat:

Reflection #9: Using technology in the Art Classroom

“Many people warn of the possible harmful effects of using technology in the classroom. Will children lose their ability to relate to other human being? Will they become dependent on technology to learn? Will they find inappropriate materials? The same was probably said with the invention of printing press, radio, and television. All of these can be used inappropriately, but all of them have given humanity unbounded access to information which can be turned into knowledge. Appropriately used—interactively and with guidance—they have become tools for the development of higher order thinking skills.” (2)

Here are some clever ways to use technology in the classroom: (1)

• Having kids photograph their artwork and create digital portfolios
• Teaching photography techniques
• Creating an online art gallery
• Making a blog/website where students can participate and share their ideas and work
• Researching modern artists
• Using the internet and media is a wonderful source for learning just about anything. You can search artists and see images of their work and learn about their technique. The information is unlimited.
• There are many art museums and neat places to take fieldtrips
• There are many places to visit and discover and you don’t always have to stay in the classroom. Use local events, schools, shops as much as possible it is easy to take what is near for granted and why waste a great learning experience.
• Teach about careers in digital art
• There are many career opportunities and ways for kids to be creative. From photography, being an artist, sculpture, and graphic designers.
• Create artwork about technology
• Kids love their computers, ipods, music, movies, and media. These kids are so technically advanced, take what they know and like and incorporate it into art. Look at Andy Warhol for example and his media images.

Resources: 

1. (“Using Technology in the Elementary Art Classroom”, Becca Swanson, June 2010, www.associatedcontent.com)
2. (“Technology in Education”, www.newhorizons.org)
3. (“Emphasis Art”, Frank Wochiak and Robert D. Clements)

Art Project #11: Scratchboard

I greatly enjoyed this project and really got into it. I think there are so many different creative ways to do this project. This gives the student an opportunity to be creative with their colors and design because they can do it themselves. I am glad that we were able to create our own scratchboards because I think it turned out really neat. I would do this project just for fun at home because I enjoyed it so much. You could change it by having students use their names or use spelling words or even do shapes. The ideas are endless. I like how it was also more of an open ended project and we could be creative with our letters and design. Each person's personality and style really shines through their picture.