Great American Artists for Kids: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great American Masters (Bright Ideas for Learning)
“This collection of activities will spark hours of exploration and innovative fun at home or in the classroom.”
Great American Artists for Kids: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great American Masters presents a diverse and inclusive list of American artists from Harriet Powers to Maya Lin. The authors cover a wide range of periods, cultures, and styles throughout history and give an introduction to contemporary artists that may be unknown to many readers. Children of all ages will enjoy these creative and thoughtful hands-on experiences.
The table of contents breaks down the timeline and serves as a reference for the amount of adult support and level of experience required, and the style and technique used for each project.
Projects are listed in chronological order and provide a brief biographical description and sketch for each artist. Most activities feature the images of the original art of the artists and show examples of the completed projects done by children.
This book is an excellent resource for parents, art teachers, and classroom teachers who want to connect students to history through art. The projects range from simple notebook drawings inspired by Horace Pippen to the more complicated surrealist photographic compositions of Sandy Skoglund.
Many of the more advanced projects could be done with the assistance of an adult or a helpful older child. Standout projects include the Mary Cassatt monoprint activity. Using a cookie sheet, the authors show a clever method to explain the concept of printmaking to young artists. Some materials, like Masonite, washi tape, and cameras, may be out of reach for schools facing budget cutbacks in the arts, but the authors art smart to point out optional and alternative materials.
The backmatter features a glossary of terms, including the art periods, artists listed by style, a detailed index, and a list of websites to explore for further learning. This collection of activities will spark hours of exploration and innovative fun at home or in the classroom.