Art Institute of Chicago Educator Programs

11/27/2020

In 1911 the department store was a relatively new and important urban institution, and The Shoe Shop depicts the activities of female employees and their customers. The broad brushwork and light capture the energy and chaos of this busy sales floor. Things like clothes and shoes are now "ready-made" and available to the public for mass consumption. What are some of the pros and cons of mass production? In what ways have these practices influenced our spending habits or work conditions?

Smarthistory video–https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kfrFEiGGzg
Explore–https://www.artic.edu/artworks/30732/the-shoe-shop

11/26/2020

The Art Institute of Chicago

Happy #Thanksgiving from all of us at the Art Institute!

Throughout the centuries, artists have honored the warm spirit of gatherings centered on family, friends, and food. We hope this abundance from across our collection offers a feast for the eyes and a reminder of how good it will feel when we can all safely celebrate again.

11/25/2020

Art and Introspection:

Richmond Barthé created compelling works of art that emphasize the expressive potential of the body's physiognomy, pose, and movement. Inspired by the famed Cuban featherweight, "Kid Chocolate", Barthé modeled "The Boxer" after his immense strength and delicacy. When does your body feel at its best?

Explore–https://www.artic.edu/artworks/62452/the-boxer

11/24/2020

Five Ideas to Change Teaching about Thanksgiving, in Classrooms and at Home

Rethinking Thanksgiving

For many, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, share food, and commune with loved ones. While giving thanks is a valued tradition for Native American people, it is also important to consider indigenous perspectives on the history behind the Thanksgiving holiday. How different is the modern understanding of Thanksgiving from what actually happened?

We've compiled a few resources from other cultural institutions that explore this question further:
-https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-indian/2020/11/14/five-ideas-teach-thanksgiving/?fbclid=IwAR3gfaQ2rJp07FLvPkj9jsgmhWWMaXRpg_X-BaYb8LxVkUtYB9Ai00Eeoec

-https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/thanksgiving-mourning

Between Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage and Month, November is go-time for teaching and learning about Native America. Here, parent and museum educator Renée Gokey shares simple ways to make the responsibility less daunting. In addition to briefly describing strategies for learners K–12...

11/20/2020

Art and Self-Care: Take a Pause

Wherever you are, take a moment to pause and listen to this video of birds singing. When was the last time you noticed a bird's song? How often do you stop to take in your current surroundings? Each moment is filled with new sounds, sights, and smells. Capture this moment on paper using words, images, or whatever feels right. You can be as creative or as simple as you'd like.

Listen–https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7dYd-Ra8bk
Explore–https://www.artic.edu/artworks/91194/golden-bird

11/19/2020

Mindful Moment: What do you glance from your window?

Artists have long been inspired to create works of art based on a view from outside their window. W. Eugene Smith in his series, "As from My Window, I Sometimes Glance....", does exactly this.

This week create a "mini series" of photos from inside looking out. What do you see from your space? How does the light and the scene change with time? Use your phone's camera to capture what you notice and give your series a title.

Explore–– https://www.artic.edu/artworks/25586/woman-crossing-street
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/157879/untitled
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/125572/untitled

11/17/2020

Art & Activism | The Art Institute of Chicago

Teaching Idea: Art + Activism

Explore Art + Activism, a tour that asks you to think critically about different approaches to activism. Each artwork is tied to an essential question that helps students examine the status quo, communicate new perspectives, and discover new ways of using their own voice.

Art+Activism––https://www.artic.edu/highlights/28/art-activism

Communicating new perspectives, questioning the status quo, speaking out about beliefs, and inspiring others to take action—art and activism often share some of the same underlying motivations.

11/12/2020

Bisa Butler: Portraits | The Art Institute of Chicago

Art and Self-Care: Let the Music Move You

In anticipation of the exhibition, "Bisa Butler: Portraits" (Nov 16, 2020-April 19, 2021), Butler herself curated a special Spotify playlist of tunes inspired by the show. From old school Blues and Hip-Hop to R&B/Soul, we're certain this playlist will make you want to move.

Listen––https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6kNwrAaFkLt0d7lmQkHcDK?si=w7Lm0N_TR52S7uv-jT8uSQ
Opening November 16––https://www.artic.edu/exhibitions/9324/bisa-butler-portraits?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=bisa-butler&utm_term=coming-soon-paid-promoted

This exhibition brings together more than 20 of Butler’s vibrant quilted portraits, which both pay tribute to the role of quilts as bearers of cultural memory and celebrate historical narratives of Black life.

11/11/2020

Thinking Prompt: Looking with Love

Eventually, my eyes were opened, and I really understood nature. I learned to love at the same time. -Claude Monet

Prompt: Stare at a still life or an item in your home or classroom for 1 minute. Describe what you notice and then, using text, write a love note to that still life or item.

Explore––https://www.artic.edu/artworks/16549/apples-and-grapes

11/10/2020

Teaching Idea: How does art tell stories?

The energetic gestures and lively facial expression of this handmade sculpture suggest a strong and vibrant personality. Unearthed from an ancient tomb, this storyteller figure represents the sharing of history, legends, and myths, a tradition that spans time and cultures.

Think about a time when you heard a really good story told aloud. Who told the story? What do you remember most about this encounter? With a friend or classmate, share your experiences with storytelling.

Explore––https://www.artic.edu/collection/resources/educator-resources/37-educator-resource-packet-storyteller-figure

11/05/2020

Art and Self-Care: Images of Kindness

Starting each day reflecting on kindness can make all the difference. Using our online collection, search for 5 artworks that show kindness––one for each school day. Take 5 minutes at the beginning of class to reflect on the artwork with your students. How many ways can kindness manifest itself? This teaching prompt comes from Chicago Public Schools teacher Karen Van Zytveld.

Explore––https://www.artic.edu/artworks/181738/feathered-gift-basket
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/86930/jizo-bosatsu
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/249299/the-safety-patrol
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/125489/gyula-zilzer-and-friend

11/04/2020

Responding to the 2020 US Presidential Election

As educators we're always responding to the world around us. Our colleagues at Facing History and Ourselves produced this valuable resource to help students and educators respond to this moment and we wanted to share it with you.

Explore––https://www.facinghistory.org/educator-resources/current-events/responding-2020-us-presidential-election?utm_campaign=fy21-educator-newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=98677983&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8F1hUp_PZRUoNuHVMVdJTIVHNFXnR0GecV3QA3C-eo3WZne4eKHD9iulkcCjraASwfctywQ3h0JUPR5y1y5InOO9q_Tg&utm_content=98677981&utm_source=hs_email

This Teaching Idea contains guidance on how to discuss the election with your students and activities to help them process their responses, find accurate information, and consider the impact of the results.

11/03/2020

Vote Now: Five Points of Reference | The Art Institute of Chicago

The right to vote, fundamental to our democratic system and expanded by the 15th, 19th, and 26th amendments, is a privilege, even a duty, some might say. In "Vote Now: Five Points of Reference", we asked five museum staff members to select artworks that fire them up to perform their civic duty.

Take it to the classroom: Why is individual participation important?

Read––https://www.artic.edu/articles/870/vote-now-five-points-of-reference

The right to vote, fundamental to our democratic system and expanded by the 15th, 19th, and 26th amendments, is a privilege, even a duty, some might say.

10/30/2020

Art and Self-Care: Kintsugi

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pieces of pottery by mending the areas of breakage with gold. This technique builds on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. In Mended Petal Yoko Ono suggests Kintsugi in the seams along the lotus petal. This technique reminds us that our breaks and imperfections are nothing to hide. In what ways can we turn our "flaws" into strengths?

10/28/2020

BOO! A Close Look at Scary Art

Chicago native Ivan Albright remains one of the most uncompromising artists of the 20th century, a “master of the macabre” famous for his richly detailed paintings of ghoulish subjects. A medical draftsman during World War I, Albright portrayed the body’s vulnerability—to age, disease, and death—in works that provoked outrage and admiration.

Prompts for Looking:
-Which work captures your attention the most and why?
-What is the artist conveying through his use of color, light, texture, gesture, and setting?

Learn more––https://www.artic.edu/artists/33376/ivan-albright
Explore our resource––https://www.artic.edu/collection/resources/educator-resources/25-educator-resource-packet-into-the-world-there-came-a-soul-called-ida-by-ivan-albright

10/23/2020

Art and Self-Care: Blackout Poetry

Blackout poems can be created using the pages of discarded books or even articles. Using the pages of an existing text, blackout poets isolate then piece together single words or short phrases to create a poem. Whether you'd like to respond to a work of art, reflect on your week, or engage intuitively with your creativity, blackout poetry is a great way to relieve stress and make art simple.

Materials:
-Marker
-Book, newspaper, or magazine

10/21/2020

Thinking Prompt: Commanding Self Image

Frederick Douglas escaped slavery to become a noted writer, orator and abolitionist. He was also a brilliant manager of his public image who knew that this picture, one of an astonishing number that he commissioned or posed for looking handsome, determined and accomplished might influence others involved in the movement to end slavery. If you had command over your own image, what would you like to show?

Exercise: Use a camera to stage your own self-portrait. Think about your facial expression, body language and what clothes you might wear. Share your image with others and discuss why you chose to portray yourself in that way.

Explore––https://www.artic.edu/artworks/145681/frederick-douglass

10/20/2020

Olowe of Ise's Veranda Post | Art Institute Essentials Tour | The Art Institute of Chicago

Teaching Idea: Consider the image of a Queen

Experience the beauty and majesty of this Yoruban post and discover how its many characters all work together to ensure the success of the kingdom, including the prominently figured queen. What other historical or contemporary examples can you find that demonstrate the importance of the female in leadership and kingship?

Explore––https://www.artic.edu/videos/23/olowe-of-ises-veranda-post-art-institute-essentials-tour

10/15/2020

Teaching Idea: Examining the Portrayal of African American Life in the US

Explore Gordon Parks and Ralph Ellison's photo-essay, "Harlem is Nowhere", and discover why the media's portrayal of urban life reflect larger systemic issues across America. How are artworks essential in illuminating social concerns and affecting change?

Explore––https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReJT-a4EtQQ&feature=emb_logo

10/14/2020

Ask an Educator

Need help with your lesson plan? Our Volunteer Educators have years of experience engaging students with art. Guided by the information you provide in the form below, our Volunteer Educators will select from the Art Institute of Chicago’s global art collection and digital resources to support your remote or in-class teaching needs.

Form––https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXvNj6ai20cdkFf4BwWgFMPsyoWN9K41D3-kzyZPWoPD8w_w/viewform

10/13/2020

Educator Survey

Calling All Educators!

We'd like to learn more about your teaching needs this year. Please take a moment to fill out this quick survey for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card. Your feedback will help us design experiences and resources that can best support you.

Survey––https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QH32RD3?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=stp&utm_content=stp-educator-enews-09-28-20

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

10/12/2020

Celebrating Indigenous People's Day

Indigenous People's Day celebrates and honors Native American peoples. To commemorate their histories, cultures, and experiences we've selected a range of American Indigenous artworks from our collection to explore. What are some of the challenges that American Indians have faced with the coming of European colonizers? What role has art played in preserving Native American history and culture?

Explore––
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/104930/plate-with-four-part-geometric-pattern
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/208227/notched-ovate-bannerstone
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/155966/wedding-basket
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/254363/prayers-answered
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/254311/lakt-bentwood-box

10/09/2020

Art and Self-Care: Less is More

Park Seo-Bo spearheaded the Dansaekhwa (monochrome painting) movement and became a pivotal figure in the development of abstract art in Korea. Park’s Écriture series, a formative work in this movement, eschews literal meaning to elicit a state of mindfulness and openness through rows of words in cursive etched on a white surface.

Challenge your artistic practice by using the monochromatic technique. Use just one color and its many shades to create your work. Notice the openness and abundance that comes along with using just one color. How can you use this "monochromatic" approach to simplify other areas of your life?

Explore––https://www.artic.edu/artworks/234003/ecriture-46-73

10/08/2020

Make and Create: Depicting Daily Life

Malangatana honed his distinctive allegorical approach to depicting daily life in Mozambique by mixing symbols and motifs culled from his experience of local craft, Christianity, and the folklore of the culture he belonged to, the Ronga.

What symbols and motifs are important to you? How might you use one to depict your everyday life?

Learn more––https://www.artic.edu/exhibitions/9169/malangatana-mozambique-modern

10/07/2020

Join the Teacher Action Panel

TAP is a community of educators from a diversity of curricula and grade levels dedicated to sharing creative ideas for teaching with works of art using the Mystery Object. Spark innovation in your teaching and join today!

Join TAP––https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6DSWRKQ
Learn more––https://sites.google.com/artic.edu/the-mystery-object/home

10/06/2020

Educator Survey

Educators! We'd like to learn more about your teaching needs this fall. Please take a brief moment to fill out this survey for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card. Your feedback will help us design experiences and resources that can best support you.

Survey––https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QH32RD3?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=stp&utm_content=stp-educator-enews-09-28-20

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

10/02/2020

Art and Self-Care: Appreciating the Now

“Everything amazes me. I paint my amazement, which at the same time is delight, fear and laughter. I do not want to exclude anything from this amazement. I want to paint pictures with many things, with all the contradictions …” ––Maria Helena Vieira Da Silva

By embracing both the ups and downs in life, we open ourselves up to a new found appreciation for what is. Instead of trying to change, control, or fix things, in what ways can you embrace where you are right now? What amazes you in this moment? Using whatever medium or materials you'd like, creatively explore what this quote means to you and why.

09/30/2020

Reach Your Students in New Ways

Join us tomorrow for an introduction to museum resources. This 45 minute virtual program provides strategies for navigating our website and resource bank. This session will provide you with free access to online teaching material, learning activities, video content, and so much more!

Register––https://www.artic.edu/events/5053/virtual-educator-program-introduction-to-museum-resources-5053