<p>Molas are made by indigenous peoples in Panama. They are colorful fabrics with appliqued designs. These molas depict people.  </p><ul><li>What colors do you see?</li><li>What shapes can you find?</li><li>What  kinds of patterns do you see?</li></ul><ul><li>What do you think the people are doing?</li></ul>

<p>Images support discussion of art portfolios and collections with elementary students. </p> <p>See - Think - Wonder</p> <p>1.  What do you see?</p> <p>2. What does it make you think of?</p> <p>3. What do you wonder about them, or what would you like to know more about these artworks?</p> <p>Further discussion questions:</p> <ul><li>What do these artworks have in common?</li><li>Do you think they were created by the same artist?</li><li>Why might an artist develop a collection or portfolio of their work?</li><li>If you collect or make things, how would you like to share it with others?</li></ul>

<p>What do you like to do in summer? Look at some pictures for ideas. Think:</p><ul><li>What does that feel like?</li><li>Can you taste it?</li><li>What would you hear there?</li><li>What weather do you see?</li></ul> <p>Art prompt: Draw or paint a picture of yourself and a friend or family member having fun doing a summer activity.</p>

<p>These artworks take a stance on social issues such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, freedom of speech, and political oppression. How have the artists combined imagery and text to communicate their message? </p>

<p>1. Can you guess who made these? Look at each picture and decide which type of maker created it:      Painter, Sculptor, Potter, Printmaker, Weaver, Architect</p> <p>2. Can you guess what culture or time these things are from?  Write your guess, then click on the picture. Click the  <strong>i  </strong>symbol to learn the answer.</p> <p>3. Choose a picture and tell why  you think this object is special or useful.</p> <p>4.  How do you think it expresses something important to the people of that culture?</p>

<p>Look at the artworks and decide which are realistic and which are abstract. Play the sorting game and put the images in the right folder.</p> <p><br /></p>

<p>Introductory Activity: Print image cards for small group collaboration. Students will sort images into three categories:</p> <ol><li>Representational Art (realistic imagery)</li><li>Abstract Art (recognizable imagery that does not reflect actual appearance)</li><li>Nonrepresentational Art (does not represent a depiction of the physical appearance of people or objects)</li></ol><p>Formal Analysis Activity: </p> <p>Choose a few images to compare and contrast: How did the artist use line, shape, color, balance, repetition, or overall composition to convey</p> <ol><li>The illusion of movement or rhythm</li><li>Visual tension</li><li>A mood or feeling</li></ol><p>NOTE: pdf file of these images is meant to be printed front-to-back so that citations will appear on the reverse side of each image. </p> <p></p> <p><br /></p>

<p>Paintings by artist Jacob Lawrence of people working and playing in their community.</p>

<p>People from different times and places have created human figures in clay. Look at some of these figures and consider:</p> <p></p> <ul><li>What do you know about the figure? What do you see that makes you think that?</li><li>How did the artist show the interests of the figure?</li><li>What did the artist do to make the figure visually interesting?</li><li>For whom might this artwork be special?</li></ul> <p>If you were to create a self-portrait in clay, what clues would you add to tell others about yourself? What special object might you include?</p> <p></p>

<p>View selected prints of different places, then discuss: </p> <p></p> <ul><li>What is the first thing you notice?</li><li>What do you believe is special about this place?</li><li>How did the artist use composition to highlight what is special?</li></ul><p>Choose one print to examine:</p> <p></p> <ul><li>What kinds of lines, patterns or textures did the artist use?</li><li>How did the artist use tools to create areas of light and dark?</li></ul><p>Apply in your own work:</p><p><br /></p><p></p> <ul><li>What makes a place special or meaningful to you?</li><li>What clues will help capture the uniqueness of your special place?</li></ul><p>ARTMAKING CHALLENGES:</p><ul><li>Draw a picture of a special place using foreground, middle ground, and background. Use a variety of lines and cross hatching to create texture and value.</li><li>Sketch your special place, then transfer the design to a soft rubber printing plate. Using a lino cutter, outline the major areas and cut away areas that will remain light. Use a variety of lines and cross hatching to create areas of light and dark in the prints. Ink your printing plate and pull several prints. </li><li>Create a painting of a special place using foreground, middle ground, and background. Mix tints and shades. Use color to communicate an emotion linked to your special place.  </li></ul><p></p> <p></p> <p></p>

<p>Baskets can be both functional and decorative. Choose an image and make guesses based on what you see:</p> <ul><li>What materials were used to make the basket?</li><li>What do you think it was used for?</li><li>What process did the artist use to make the basket?</li><li>Where do you think the basket is from?</li></ul><p>Check the info tab to learn more.<br /></p>