

Students will look at decorations and details of a late 19th century cabinet and imagine the life and times of the family who owned it by researching events during this time period. Students will write imaginary letters to a family member based on historical information they research from this time period.
Students will critically examine and discuss the image of St. Ferdinand, King of Spain, then analyze and interpret it as a historical source for information as well as an important and impressive work of art. Students will consider how the artist and the patron who commissioned its creation influenced this sculpture, and generate a list of questions about the artwork.
Students will observe the Black Raku Tea Bowl for characteristics of wabi sabi, an aesthetic ideal of beauty. Students will then create a haiku poem about a simple, yet elegant item.
Students will critically examine and discuss the Vase with Palace Scene and use clues they find about the object, as well as researched information, to create web maps that show their findings. Student will gain an appreciation for the importance of chocolate in Maya society.
Students will examine the artistic characteristics of the sculpture Spiritual Messenger, learn about the biogeographical journey of the artist, and write a creative short story that incorporates the sculpture.
Students will use visual critique skills to analyze and discuss the image of the Vase with Palace Scene. They will pay particular attention to the use of Maya cultural symbols and design in the decoration. Students will develop sketches and a plan to create their own cup or mug with designs inspired by the Maya.
Students will use visual critique skills to analyze and discuss the Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva of Compassion. They will then work in groups to create a multi-media assemblage work of art that visually conveys a chosen emotion.