Observes that emphasis on educational accountability in visual arts has led to the acceptance of various assessment tools. Describes the format and content of existing state visual arts achievement tests and clarifies what is being done nationally in assessment through the use of state art achievement tests. (DSK)

A three-week geometry unit at a Portland (Oregon) middle school integrated mathematics, dance, and visual art. Studying the graphic art of M.C. Escher and the geometric dance patterns of the dance company Pilobolus helped students appreciate the relevance of mathematics to art and life. Students then choreographed brief dances involving geometric…

Tamarind Institute, a center for fine art lithography in Albuquerque, trains master printers from around the world, but also reaches out to work with Hispanic and Native American artists from New Mexico, to introduce young children and high school students to lithography, and to bring together indigenous people from South Africa and New Mexico's…

Proposes a lesson in which students create grand-scale sculptures of three-dimensional objects through drawing, clay modeling, armature construction, papier-mache application, and painting. Describes in detail the process of creating the sculptures from brainstorming and drawing different ideas to painting the sculptures. (CMK)

Discusses an activity in which students in an after-school art class drew one another on pieces of 2-by-4 scrap lumber in order to create a class portrait in three dimensions. Stresses that the portraits on the wood blocks were done in-the-round, or each side was covered. (CMK)

Describes an activity in which fourth grade students created a three-dimensional representation of Vincent Van Gogh's room in Arles (France). Expounds that the students had to invent their own strategies for three-dimensional construction and two-dimensional embellishment. Provides directions for creating the room and bed. (CMK)

Describes an assignment that requires students to develop an original concept for their artwork where they utilize mixed media and repetition within their drawing as a starting point. Explains that students learn about principles of design and the frequency of repetition to satisfy compositional needs. (CMK)

Discusses the importance for teachers to question personal paradigms by changing their beliefs about teaching practices. Explains that instead of having second-grade students use bright colors to create African masks, students can develop their shading skills instead. Provides instructions for a lesson where students use pencil shading when…

Presents an art activity where the students create a mixed media painting by making a center area made of copper repousse and carrying the design in soft colored pencil and/or tempera paint to an outside mat creating a continuity of design. Discusses the process in detail. (CMK)

Laserdiscs are an efficient and flexible medium for art presentations in schools. This article discusses laserdiscs, also called videodiscs; distinguishes between constant linear velocity (CLV) and constant angular velocity (CAV) which allows more flexible access; describes the use of bar coding for access; and lists selected visual art…

Uses the work of M. C. Escher to instruct upper elementary students in the transformation of flat shape into three-dimensional form. Outlines the lesson as a series of sections: (1) reviewing form drawing; (2) creating three-dimensional effects; (3) imagining the forms in an inhabited world; and (4) using color and shading. (DSK)

Addresses the ease with which teachers in subjects other than art incorporate design into their curricula. Considers the nature of design knowledge. Examines three of the visual arts standards from National Standards for Arts Education as a means for revealing the distance between art and design education. Offers four recommendations for art…

Focuses on Thomas Hart Benton, describing his house and studio in Kansas City, Missouri. Considers issues such as his life as the child of a congressman, his formal and informal art education, and his artwork. (CMK)

Discusses an art project that allowed high school students to look at art more critically and to appreciate the painting style of Jackson Pollock. Explains that students create drip paintings in the style of Pollock. Discusses the process. (CMK)

Provides information on Penelope Siopis and offers a list of activities that can accompany the study of Siopis and her painting "Unrequited." Includes a reproduction of "Unrequited" and a detailed discussion on the painting itself, addressing her techniques, her various influences, and the painting's subject matter. (CMK)