Observes that Western traditions of artistic realism create problems in school art programs, as students tend to equate realism with quality. Argues that the use of sculpture from other cultures or from contemporary Western artists who do not employ the realist idiom can help move students away from this bias. (DSK)

Discusses the use of sketches and maquettes (idea models usually made of clay) as a preparatory method for a final artwork. Suggests ways to teach students about the importance of planning an artwork. Discusses the sketches and maquettes of sculptural pieces by Henry Moore, Constantin Brancusi, and Antoine Pevsner. (CMK)

Discusses art work that uses exotic decoration, and the problems with viewing examples of these types of art work due to the types of materials used. Offers examples of exotic decoration to help students create their own works of art. (CMK)

Provides background information on the art movement called "Minimalism" discussing why it started and its characteristics. Includes learning activities and information on the artist, Donald Judd. Includes a reproduction of one of his art works and discusses its content. (CMK)

Explains that if students want to depict predatory animals in works of art, they need to learn the shapes of the animals and their habitats. Discusses four artworks (reproductions included) that depict predatory animals by Darrel Austin, Ando Hiroshige, Antoine Louis Barye, and John Singleton Copley (CMK)

Discusses spirals in nature, man-made objects, and art. Focuses on art that incorporates the spiral, including works by M. C. Escher and Frank Lloyd Wright, an African headdress, and a burial urn. Describes activities to help students make spirals of their own, such as constructing a coil clay pot. (CMK)

Provides background information on the life and career of Nancy Graves focuses on her use of materials for her sculptures. Includes a list of learning activities and a reproduction of her artwork "Cantileve." Offers a discussion about the sculpture. (CMK)

Provides background information on Zimbabwean art and sculpture and Harry Chingono, a Zimbabwean sculptor. Includes reproductions of Chingono's sculpture "The King's Secret" and describes it in detail. Offers four ideas for learning activities. (CMK)

Discusses the presence of ordinary people in art. Features four sculptors and examples of their work: (1) "Janitor" by Duane Hanson; (2) "The Red Light" by George Segal; (3) "The Sodbuster" by Luis A. Jimenez; and (4) "The Driller" by Mahonri Young. (CMK)

Provides background information on constructivism. Focuses on Alexander Calder and includes teaching activities. Offers a reproduction of Alexander Calder's work "Flamingo," information on Calder's life and career as an artist, and details of the featured sculpture. (CMK)

Discusses a type of visual art called grotesque art and includes four different examples of grotesque art: (1) the painting "Head of Medusa" by Peter Paul Rubens; (2) Rangda, the widow witch from Bali (Indonesia); (3) totem poles; and (4) grotesque sculptures from the Cathedral of Notre Dame (Paris, France). (CMK)

Discusses how homage has been the subject of works of art throughout history. Provides examples of artists who used homage as inspiration for artworks, such as Raoul Dufy's "Homage to Mozart," Herbert Ferber's "Homage to Piranesi, I," and Jose de Rivera's "Homage to the World of Minkowski." (CMK)