Visual Arts 4
Context

identify distinctive styles of art from various cultures and historical periods
compare images from given social, cultural, and historical contexts
identify images that have value in the community
give reasons for preferences in artworks
demonstrate an awareness that there are various types of artists in the community
demonstrate respect for the work of self and others

(Creating/Communicating)

create images:
- that express personal identity
- in response to aspects of art from a variety of historical and cultural contexts
demonstrate the ability to co-operate to develop a group display

Ask students to look at examples of dyes, materials, and tools used in BC Aboriginal weaving. Then have them gather natural weaving materials (e.g., grasses, barks, reeds, small sticks) on a walk around the neighbourhood. They can make simple looms from cardboard rectangles cut from cereal boxes by cutting notches at the top and bottom to lay the warp with string, then weaving the gathered materials into the strings.
Ask students to choose objects or images from the community that they believe have artistic merit. Each student photographs, draws, or builds a model of the chosen item to be presented in a group display. Each object or image should also include a written statement explaining:
the artistic merits of the object or image
who created it
why it was selected
Have students work individually to investigate (e.g., through interviews or using the Internet) a variety of art-related careers. Bring students together as a class to share their findings and create a class list. Invite local people who work in these careers to talk to the class about their jobs.

Before students create modern versions of a still life, work with them to choose three features they will focus on in their work, based on what they noticed about style and painting techniques in the works they viewed. Focus assessment on the extent to which the chosen features are reflected in their work.
When students view works that tell a story, pose questions such as:
- What story do you see in this work?
- What symbols do you see? Why might these symbols be important?
- What colours do you see? How were these colours achieved?
- What materials are used? Why were these materials chosen?
- Who do you think created the work? Why might she or he have created it?
- What other artworks tell a similar story?
When students choose and display objects or images from their community, look for evidence that they:
- are aware of images in their community
- can give reasons for their choices
- have learned about artists in the community
- share responsibilities in creating a display
After students explore a variety of art-related careers, ask each to research and record ideas about one career of interest. (Have them choose careers that are unfamiliar to them, or careers in which they can imagine themselves working.) Look for evidence that their reflections are based on accurate information.