Events & Activities
Stories in Art
Grades: 4 - 8
Length of Tour: 1 hour
Tour Description
This tour explores commonalities between written or oral stories and visual stories. What the artist chooses to depict, and how, emphasizes particular characters or moments of significance within the story. Students will study a limited number of objects in an interactive and participatory manner, using written and verbal activities to describe, analyze, and interpret artworks. Working together as a group, students also will learn to appreciate and value multiple viewpoints.
Goals
- To build skills in observation and interpretation by looking at objects in our collection.
- To discover how artists have been inspired by stories, myths, and legends
- To explore how artists use the elements of narrative to tell stories in art
- To encourage students to use their personal observations and experiences in interpreting works of art
Rationale
Everyone loves a story. Stories deepen looking and promote an understanding of the object being viewed. Stories also engage the viewer and bring the object to life. Through critical thinking skills, students participate in uncovering and creating the stories associated with art works.
Topics
- The enjoyment of discovering and/or hearing the story that inspired the art
- How the artist uses the elements of art to convey a storyline, convey mood, or develop characters
- The impact of culture, events, and history on a work of art
- How discussion, writing, sketching, or any combination of these, can deepen understanding and appreciation of art works
- Arriving at informed opinions through analysis and interpretation
Arizona Education Standards
Visual Art Standards
Strand 2: Relate
Concept #1 Artworlds (PO 002, PO 206)
Concept #3 Elements and Principles (PO 001)
Concept #4 Meanings or Purposes (PO 001, PO 102, PO 203)
Concept #5 Quality (PO 002)
Strand 3: Evaluate
Concept #1 Art Issues and Values (PO 003)
Concept #2 Materials, Tools, Techniques (PO 001)
Concept #3 Elements and Principles (PO 001, PO 201)
Concept #4 Meanings or Purposes (PO 001, PO 201)
Language Arts Standards
Grades 4 – 8
VP-E1 Analyze visual media for language, subject matter and visual techniques