This isn’t art history. It’s not the history of art either. What we’re talking about is bringing art into history class and using it as a learning tool. I recently came across an interesting school program that was initiated by a local artist’s group. “The History through Art Initiative” was conjured up by the Jersey Central Artists Studio (JCAS) and instituted in a local grammar school.
Three hundred sixth graders in Cranford, NJ, studying ancient civilizations of Rome and Egypt, were taken to the Newark Museum to view their collection of artifacts relating to those two ancient civilizations. Then they were asked to produce an original piece of art that would fit into a specific time period. According to the JCAS website, the kids loved it.
OK, cool. Great way to get away from the old fashioned “names and dates” method of teaching history, right? Add some visual stimulus and, bam!, kids are interested in history again! True, but I think there’s a little more to be accomplished with a program like this one.
To produce a “period inspired” piece of art, one has to be acquainted with the styles of the time. They would have to know the social issues that inspired artists of that period. What materials would have been available? In short, they would have to put a historical period in context. Understanding the world in which they lived is a key to understanding why people did what they did and why it was so important.
For example, I found some great student work that utilizes various artistic expression. In one example, students must create propaganda posters for their World War II studies. Can you think of a better way to examine people’s fears and misconceptions for that time period? I can’t. How about learning about the horrors of the First World War? Write a letter home “from the trenches” or maybe a poem. Pick an art movement and produce an original work based on that movements principles. You can’t help but learn some history!
So listen up you history teachers out there…take a walk down to the art department! What’s next? Math through art? Science through art? Come to think of it, those aren’t bad ideas either.
Peter Culos is and artist/graphic designer as well as creator of history-geek.com
Related Articles |
Gerald D. Swick said:
Very good article, Peter. Your points are well-taken. I’ve seen too many school projects that seem to focus more on entertaining the students than on real learning. Properly handled, this approach could do both. I hope everyone who reads this will let their schoolteacher friends know about it.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Art » Learning History Through Art : Great History said:
[...] Originally posted here: Learning History Through Art : Great History [...]
July 10th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Learning History Through Art : Great History | Museum And Art said:
[...] original here: Learning History Through Art : Great History Connect and [...]
July 11th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
palani said:
opening a new information
very use ful
interesting message…..
July 16th, 2009 at 1:07 am
Walter kolopajlo said:
Another way to engage student is to bring in art. Many artists such as Conte and Barzo make toy soldiers that are pieces of art. Those of older generations will remember the Marx playsets! Like the Alamo! walter kolopajlo
July 16th, 2009 at 7:17 pm